May 13th marks the 25th birthday of the Kids of the Kingdom ministry. We recognize it as a birthday because Kids of the Kingdom was officially “born” at Parkside Church. The purpose, curriculum, concept, and staffing all emerged as an outgrowth of God’s faithful guidance through much prayer of strongly committed team members. God has answered and continues to answer prayer in amazing ways!
A visit to Kids of the Kingdom quickly reveals unique aspects of this ministry. Children age three through third grade gather in small multi-age groups for the opening. The theme for the evening is shared, the accompanying scripture is read, and songs are sung that support the evening’s theme.
Action and interaction mark the core of the evening. The children gather in age-level groups for a time of teaching, storytelling, and activity. Every aspect of these components further develops the theme. At closing time, the children and leaders reassemble in their multi-age groups where an application of the theme is then enacted before them in order to encourage the children to put the lesson into practice.
Third graders are given the privilege of ending the evening by leading the entire group in prayer. We pray for one of Parkside’s missionary families, Kep and Debbie James, as well as the children and ministries of nearby Scranton Road Bible Church. Our connection with the James family has spanned all 25 years. Our partnership with Scranton Road Bible Church opens up opportunities for food collection, a Christmas gift project for the children, an invitation for SRBC children to be our guests at Parkside’s Vacation Bible School, provision of school supplies in August, and much more!
The Kids of the Kingdom lesson plans have been self-published, making it possible to share the lessons with other churches. These lessons have been used in a wide variety of settings--locally, nationally, and internationally. Our 180+ lessons include a series on God’s attributes, God’s promises, what God wants His children to be and do, and parables of the kingdom. Our Easter lesson is a special yearly highlight and even allows alumni staff members to come back and help!
At Kids of the Kingdom, discipling children is our primary goal. We do, however, have the privilege of providing a training ground for the adult staff members to mentor young people and teens in how to serve and lead others. Much of our Kids of the Kingdom staff consists of entire families who serve together.
Please join us in praising the Lord! We thank Him for His abundant blessing and amazing faithfulness during the past 25 years, and ask His help as we seek to continue to glorify Him. We invite any children age 3-third grade to join us on Sunday evening at Kids of the Kingdom—we look forward to seeing you there!
Kids of the Kingdom meets on Sunday evenings at 7pm during the evening service. Have your kids check it out this week!
