An Inside Look at a Great Children's Ministry (Part 1)

River Valley is a multi-site church of 8 campuses with many more coming in the years ahead.  They have a great children's ministry that is led by Justyn Smith.  The children's ministry is called "GO Kids."

Their passion is to lead kids into an authentic,life-changing relationship with Jesus Christ.

They do this by PROVIDING environments that allow children to express their worship to God. Their environments are age-appropriate and compelling.  Each age group experiences programs that are both fun and educational.

They also PARTNER with parents to instill a global perspective.  From a young age they want children to experience what it means to serve their local and global communities by actively participating in projects with their parents.

They also PREPARE children for life change. They believe life change can happen at a young age and children can make the decision to follow Christ and experience His life-changing power.

They have three awesome environments for kids.

FLIGHT SCHOOL
Flight School is for infants through 2 years.  They believe in ministering to the needs of every age group, including their littlest members.  While parents enjoy the adult services, they can rest assured that their babies are receiving personal care in a safe and nurturing environment.  Their qualified volunteers create a positive church experience that introduces infants to a love for Jesus early in life.

FLIGHT LAB
Flight Lab is for ages 3 through 5.  Preschoolers love to learn, which is why each preschool classroom provides interactive learning experiences that help kids fall in love with the Bible.  Centered around the Bible App for Kids, ­­­they use colorful illustrations, interactive animations, and activities to help kids remember what they learn.

GO PORT
Go Port combines high-energy activities with Bible-based teachings for kids 6 years through 5th grade.  Using both large and small groups, kids are able to connect with friends and engage with leaders, all in a life-giving atmosphere.  With a combination of games, attention-grabbing Bible lessons, and fun-filled songs which capture kids' attention, Go Port shows that living for God is the best thing out there!

Here's an inside look at their facilities and a few more of the cool things they do to reach and disciple kids and families.

JUSTYN & THE RIVER VALLEY KIDS' TEAM
ELEMENTARY WORSHIP SERVICE

MASCOTS WELCOME KIDS

ENTRANCE TO ELEMENTARY GAME ROOM
ELEMENTARY GAME ROOM
ELEMENTARY GAME ROOM
ELEMENTARY PRIZE STORE



CHALKBOARD PAINT - SHARING MAIN POINT FOR THE DAY
PRESCHOOL ROOM
PRESCHOOL CHAIRS & TABLES - PURCHASED AT IKEA
      

CHILDREN'S MINISTRY ENTRANCE
FIRST-TIME FAMILY CHECK-IN AREA
CHECK-IN AREA




CHECK-IN SCREEN


GOBO LIGHTS ON THE FLOOR


NURSERY





THEY CREATE TABLE PLACEMATS FOR TAKE HOME PIECES

ELEMENTARY ROOM ENTRANCE
THEY ARE GETTING READY TO ROLL OUT A PHONE APP FOR VOLUNTEERS
If you're ever in the Minneapolis area, be sure to stop by and check out this amazing ministry that is impacting thousands of kids and parents.