As a parent, you play the most important role in your child’s spiritual growth - but you don’t have to do it alone. Serving in NextGen is a powerful way to stay connected, model faith in action and walk alongside your child and their peers. Whether it’s welcoming families, leading a small group, holding babies, or supporting behind the scenes, there’s a place for you to make a difference. If you’re interested in being part of what God is doing in this generation, we’d love to have you on the team!
Scan the QR Code to sign up to serve in Kids at your campus!
Hi Parents!
As a new school year begins, so does a new opportunity to lead your child spiritually. The back-to-school season naturally brings a new structure and rhythm - and with that rhythm is a chance to intentionally shape your child’s faith. What happens in the heart this fall matters just as much as what happens in the classroom. This season doesn’t have to just be busy; it can be intentional. What if this fall wasn’t just about getting your kids back to school but getting them rooted deeper in Christ?
You are the greatest spiritual influence in your child’s life. More than any program or pastor, you have been called, equipped and entrusted to help them know and follow Jesus. You don’t have to have all the answers or a perfect plan - just a willingness to be the parent that God has uniquely gifted you to be. And we’re here to come alongside you every step of the way as you lead your child in a growing relationship with Jesus. This booklet is full of practical tools, encouragement and next steps to help you engage with your child’s faith in meaningful ways this school year. Let’s raise a generation that knows who they are, whose they are and how to live boldly for Jesus - starting at home.
- Your River Valley Kids Pastors
HOW TO ENGAGE THIS FALL
AT CHURCH
Weekend Services
At River Valley Kids, each age group has a space specifically designed for them. Whether it’s babies, preschoolers or elementary-aged kids, every weekend is designed to help your child grow in a life-changing relationship with Jesus Christ, all while having fun! Through age appropriate worship, games, engaging Bible lessons and intentional small group times, kids discover who God is and how His word applies to their everyday lives.
Kids Midweek
KidsU is dedicated to providing engaging, unique experiences that help children grow in Biblical literacy and influence, shaping how they understand God, themselves and the world around them. This program is 10 weeks long and runs alongside our Fall and Winter Adult Core Group season.
Club45
Club45 is a program designed just for the 4th and 5th graders of our Kids Ministry. If your child is hungry to grow as a Godly leader, serve the church and meet new friends, then Club45 is for them!
Junior Bible Quiz
JBQ is a program designed to help children memorize God’s Word in a fun, team environment. Not only will your child’s IQ for God’s Word increase, but so will their love for it. Your child may have the opportunity to compete against other kids around the state and the nation.
Scan the QR Code to view program offerings, dates and times for your campus.
AT HOME
Daily Devotionals
Journey together daily through scripture using our SOAP Bible reading plan! SOAP stands for Scripture, Observation, Application and Prayer.
Bible Suggestions:
Storybook Bible 0-5 years
The Beginner’s Bible 4-8 years
The Adventure Bible 6-10 years
The Action Bible 9-12 years
Worship Playlists
Listening to worship music in your home is a great way to create an atmosphere where God’s presence is prioritized. We’ve curated ageappropriate playlists to help your kids engage with God’s presence throughout the week - whether at home, in the car or when you’re winding down for the night. Stream River Valley Kids on Spotify or Apple Music.
Kids Weekend Recap
The Weekend Recap is intended to guide conversations with your child about what they’re learning each weekend in our Elementary services. Join us as we recap our lessons and discuss how we can apply what we’ve discovered in our everyday lives! Episodes are released weekly on Saturdays on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.
Safe Screen Time Options
Looking for screen time that’s both fun and faith-filled? Check out these trusted apps and platforms designed to engage your child with age-appropriate, Christ-centered content - so screen time can support their spiritual growth too!
Safe Screen Time Options:
Minno
Bible App for Kids
Superbook Kids Bible
Adventures in Odyssey Club
MILESTONES YOUR KID MAY REACH THIS YEAR & WHAT TO DO ABOUT IT
ACCEPTING JESUS AS LORD & SAVIOR OF THEIR LIFE
Scripture tells us that all have sinned and fallen short, but that Jesus gave his life on the cross so that we would be saved. Jesus lived a perfect life in order to be a perfect sacrifice for our sins. Romans 10:9 says, “If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the grave, you will be saved.” If your child has made the decision to accept Jesus as the Lord and Savior of their life, or desires to make that decision, God has perfectly equipped you to lead them through this decision! Pray with them, begin reading the bible together, discuss the importance of attending church and remind them that this is the best decision of their entire life!
WATER BAPTISM
Water baptism is a public declaration of a personal decision to live for Christsymbolizing that the old is gone and the new is here. If your child has already accepted Jesus as the Lord and Savior of their life and is ready to take the next step by publicly declaring their faith through water baptism, then we are celebrating with you! Some immediate next steps: 1.) begin by explaining to your child what water baptism is, 2.) pray with them, thanking Jesus for this decision, and 3.) connect with your campus Kids Pastor to learn about when the next Water Baptism class is taking place.
BAPTISM OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
The Baptism of the Holy Spirit is a distinct and empowering experience following salvation, meant to equip believers - adults and children alike - with boldness and spiritual gifts for witnessing and deeper relationship with God. This baptism is evidenced by speaking in tongues as the Spirit gives utterance (Acts 2:4). If your child has experienced this, then you can pray with them, thanking Jesus for this gift and encourage them to continue using this gift as they seek the Lord!
A CALL TO “GO”
In Matthew 28:19-20, Jesus commands all of us to go into all the world and make disciples. Each of us, as followers of Jesus, has been called to make Him known. For some, that looks like sending, praying or mobilizing. For others, it means that God has called them to go overseas as a missionary! If your child has felt this call, or is showing interest in missions, here are some helpful next steps: 1.) celebrate that they listened to what God was speaking to them, 2.) pray with them about what else God could be speaking to them, and 3.) help them explore what that call can look like now (inviting friends to church, sharing Jesus at school, praying for missionaries, etc).
COMMUNION
Communion is a beautifully sacred experience we get to partake in as Christ followers as we remember Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross - dying for our sins. During the Last Supper, Jesus said to his disciples, “Do this in remembrance of Me” (Luke 22:19). When we take communion, we pause to reflect on His body that was broken and His blood that was shed, celebrating the gift of salvation and the new life we have in Him. During our Good Friday family services, we provide an opportunity to take this as a family. You can also lead this moment in your own home!
There are many milestone faith moments in your child’s life, and we want to help you navigate each and every one of them. We have a series of video courses that walk through these milestone moments. They equip you with pastoral advice on how to have healthy, spiritual conversations with your child as they grow into the man or woman of God that he created them to be.
Scan the QR Code to watch our Milestone videos.
CONVERSATION STARTERS
For the days when “How was school?” only gets a one-word answer - and for all the big and small moments in between - these conversation starters are here to help. Use them in the car, around the dinner table, on a walk, during bathtime, or as you wind down at night to spark meaningful connection with your child.
TODDLER
What made you smile today?
Did anything make you feel mad or sad today?
Can you show me how we pray to Jesus?
Who made your nose, hands and toes?
PRESCHOOL
If you could do one thing again from today, what would it be?
Did you see anyone being kind today?
What was something that made you feel happy today?
What do you think God loves the most about you?
Did you help someone today? How did that make you feel?
Was there anything today that made you feel scared or nervous?
ELEMENTARY
Was there a moment today that made you feel proud of yourself?
Did you notice anyone who might have felt left out or needed a friendtoday?
Is there a question you’ve been thinking about recently - big or small - that I could maybe answer?
What was something interesting that you saw, heard or did today?
Did anything happen today that you didn’t expect?
Did something happen today that you wished had gone differently?
What’s something that you’ve learned at church, in prayer or during your Bible reading time that you’ve applied to your life recently?
When was a moment where you felt God close to you? What did it feel like?
PRAYERS TO PRAY OVER YOUR KID
PRAYERS FOR HEALTHY FRIENDSHIPS
“Let be kind and compassionate to others, forgiving others, just as Christ has forgiven .” Ephesians 4:32
“Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffer harm.” Proverbs 13:20
“Lord, help walk with wise and kind friends. Lead to people who make good choices, and give them the discernment to know who is safe and trustworthy. Let _______ grow in wisdom through the friendships you provide.”
PRAYERS FOR COURAGE
“The Lord himself goes before _______ and will be with _______ : He will never leave _______ nor forsake _______ . Would _______ not be afraid and would they not be discouraged.” Deuteronomy 31:8
“For the Spirit God has given does not make timid, but gives power, love, and self-discipline.” 2 Timothy 1:7
“Thank you Lord that you have commanded _______ to be strong and courageous. For you, Lord, will be with _______ wherever they go.” Joshua 1:9
PRAYERS FOR PEACE
“Let the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, guard ’s heart and mind in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:7
“In peace, let _______ lie down and sleep, for you alone, Lord make _______ dwell in safety.” Psalm 4:8
PRAYERS FOR WISDOM & DISCERNMENT
“Lord, would _______ trust in you with all their heart, and not lean on their own understanding. In all _______’s ways, would they acknowledge you, and would you make ’s path straight.” Proverbs 3:5-6
“God, please fill with the Spirit of God, with wisdom, with understanding, and with knowledge.” Exodus 31:3
PRAYERS FOR YOU AS YOU RAISE YOUR CHILD IN THE WAYS OF THE LORD
“Lord, raising is a gift you’ve given me and a calling you’ve equipped me for. Help me to lean on your wisdom and understanding as I model a life that honors you - not just through my words but through my life. When I feel tired, renew me. When I feel discouraged, strengthen me. Make me quick to listen and slow to speak. Grow in me a confidence that you are with me - and that you love more than I love them. Shape me into a parent that loves you well and leads closer to you.”
Hello Parents and Guardians,
Gabi O’Rourke
Next Gen Pastor
We are so honored to have your child in our Kids Ministry here at River Valley Church! It is our joy to partner with you as you disciple your child and raise them up in the ways of the Lord. Every year, we get to watch God bring salvation, freedom, healing and purpose to children as He moves in their lives. We say frequently that there is no “junior Holy Spirit”. The same power and presence of the Holy Spirit that is available to our adults is available to our children! Our prayer is that every single child in our ministry would encounter the presence of God, grow deeply rooted in their faith and go live their life on mission for the Lord.
As a Kids Ministry, we are committed to walking with you, the parent or guardian, to help raise up your child in the truth of God’s Word. We do this through intentional Sunday services where every child gets to worship, dig into Biblical truth, and be discipled by background-checked, trained and vetted Kids Leaders. We also do this through our team of Kids Pastors who are passionate about reaching the Next Generation for Christ. Finally, we seasonally run midweek content during our Core Group season that is built to help our kids understand the Word of God, apply it to their lives and live on mission.
As your child engages in our Kids Ministry, our prayer is that you would also engage in a life-giving community with other parents in our ministry and with our Pastoral and Leader Team. We also desire to resource you as best as we can with information on how to continue spiritually investing in your child. As we come alongside you, we are expectant for the man and woman God desires to mold your child into. It is said that roughly 80% of Christians commit their life to Christ between the ages of 10-14 years old. Your child is currently walking through pivotal years for them to discover who they are in Christ as you intentionally disciple them! God created you, parent and guardian, for such a time as this to raise up the next generation!
We could not be more excited and expectant for what is to come. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to reach out. We look forward to partnering with you!
