Children's Ministries
Our Vision: We are passionate about seeing the Next Generation captured by the greatness of God, compelled by the love of God, and changed by the Word of God so that they become conviction-driven and capable disciple-makers of the generation after them (2 Timothy 2:2, Psalm 78:6).
Kids matter to Jesus, and they matter to us. At East Side, we want every child to know that God loves them, made them, and has a purpose for their lives. Our children’s ministry is a safe, fun, and engaging place where kids learn about Jesus in ways they can understand.
On Sundays, kids enjoy age-appropriate Bible teaching, songs, and activities designed to point them to Christ. We believe children can grasp big truths, and we love seeing their eyes light up as they discover who God is.
It’s not babysitting. It’s discipleship. We’re helping kids build a foundation of faith that will last a lifetime. Our goal is simple: to partner with parents in raising up the next generation of disciples who know, love, and live for Jesus.
From nursery through elementary, our team is committed to creating a place where children are safe, loved, and encouraged to grow in faith. Every volunteer is trained and background-checked because your child’s safety is our priority.
Life is brighter when kids meet Jesus. We’d love to welcome your family this Sunday and show your children the joy of following Him.
Next Generation for Kids & Parents.
6 Core Truths We Teach Our Kids
- God is Glorious
- God’s Word is our Guide
- God-Dependence
- Grave-Giving
- Growing Gospel Transformation
- Going with the Gospel
SUNDAY SCHOOL
Sunday: 9 – 9:50 am
Classes for ages: Nursery – 5th Grade
SUNDAY AM SERVICE
Sunday: 10 – 11:15 am
Classes for ages: Nursery – Kindergarten
1st-3rd grade joins their parents for the first part of the service and then are dismissed before the sermon for Children’s Church. 4th-5th-grade students remain in the worship service.
SUNDAY EVENING
Sunday: 6 – 7:30 pm
Classes for ages: Preschool – 5th Grade
PIONEER CLUBS
Wednesdays, 6:15 – 8 pm
Our Pioneer Clubs are jam-packed with fun and age-appropriate Bible lessons and activities. We meet on Wednesday nights from 6:15–8:00 pm during the school year. Parents, grandparents, and the rest of the family are invited to join the kids for Family Nights, which are held 7 times throughout the year!
Schedule
6:00–6:15 pm Sign in & registration by the sliding glass doors; open gym
6:15–7:50 pm Bible lessons, games & life skills, handbook time, and snacks
7:50–8:00 pm Closing program in auditorium. Parents welcome
Classes and Age Groups
Hikers (grades K–2)
Adventurers (grades 3–4)
Navigators (grades 5–6)
Online registration is available here.
For more resources, or to learn about the curriculum we use, please click here.
Have questions? You can view our FAQ’s here.
If you don’t see the answer you need, feel free to contact Pastor Nate here.
Frequently Asked Questions
As you come in the sliding glass doors on the east of the building, someone will greet you there and help you get your child(ren) checked in (with name tags) and escorted to the right classes.
At check-in, your nursery–5th–grade child will receive a name tag sticker with a security number on it. Only basic contact and allergy information is needed. Parents receive a matching pick-up tag. Show the parent tag to the teacher after the service to pick up your child from class.
If a child has food allergies, please notify the person at the check-in desk. All food allergies are indicated on the child’s name tag.
Kids in preschool and elementary learn foundational Bible lessons as they survey both the Old & New Testaments over the course of four years. Special emphasis is given to the gospel message and heart-level change.
Sunday night discipleship enhances a child’s understanding and application of the Bible. The gospel is proclaimed, and we “connect the dots” between a child’s profession of faith and his/her actions. Various Christian topics and Bible books are explored (i.e. – handling money God’s way, the fear of God, peacemaking, New City catechism, wisdom in Proverbs, etc.). Kids are also more active during the evening.
- Ministry Explorations – Kids learn best by seeing and doing. Periodically throughout the year, kids can observe and try various “hands-on” ministries of the church. This enables them to see how various adults use their gifts and abilities to serve God and others. Look for church updates to find out more information on each “Ministry Explorations” opportunity.
- Singing in “Big Church” – A few times each year, the preschool and elementary classes combine to bless those in the morning worship service.
- Soccer Camp – For kids 5 years old to 5th grade. This is typically held the last week of June. Kids practice soccer skills and drills, scrimmage, and learn God’s Word through song and gospel lessons.
- Twin Lakes Camp – Parents are highly encouraged to send their kids to Twin Lakes for one of the best weeks of their summer! Regular participants in Next Generation programs at East Side can get financial help to offset the cost of a week of summer camp.