Reaching Kids Through K.I.D. Zone
LUBBOCK, TEX. – When the Martin Luther King Jr. Seventh-day Adventist Church saw that no children were attending regularly, we asked ourselves hard questions: Where are the children? How can we connect with them?
Kids in Discipleship (K.I.D. Zone) was born through prayer and a heartfelt desire to meet children where they are. We realized that we couldn’t wait for families to come through the church doors on Sabbath morning. We had to go to them—with the right timing and tone and, above all, with love.
Friday evenings offered a unique window to build meaningful relationships—school was out, but the weekend hadn’t fully begun. Now, every Friday night, the church comes alive with the sound of children’s laughter, energetic music, engaging Bible stories, creative crafts, fun games and joyful chatter. We welcome between six and 13 children from the community each week, often accompanied by their parents.
Through worship songs, storytelling, role-play and crafts, we connect timeless biblical truths to young hearts. The atmosphere is fun and welcoming—and the kids keep coming back.
Many of these children have never attended church. Yet, through consistent presence and compassionate engagement, we introduce them to a God who knows and loves them.
One of the most exciting developments has been the ripple effect. Children invite their friends. Parents ask questions. Two families have already visited our church on Sabbath morning as a direct result of their involvement in K.I.D. Zone.
Want to start a similar ministry? You don’t need a large budget or a big team. You don’t need a complicated curriculum. What you do need is consistency, a few songs, a Bible story and a handful of caring adults who are willing to sit with children, hear their stories and offer encouragement. Gather a small team—just three or four committed individuals who love Jesus and love kids. Then keep it simple: songs, a Bible story, a craft, snacks and games. Consistency matters more than complexity.
Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me,” Matthew 19:14. Week after week, when we open our doors on Friday nights, they do come—and Jesus meets us there.
By Josie Green
