How is Riverside’s Children’s Ministry structured?

We have two identical teaching times at 9:00 a.m. and 10:45 a.m. We use Dig-IN Bible Curriculum from Group! both services. RiverKids has free reign of the basement of our building. Come downstairs to find us!

What happens during RiverKids?

RiverKids is a fun, engaging, power packed discipleship time. Dig In Bible Curriculum, is exactly what it sounds like. Kids dig in to the Bible, using fun and exciting activities. These activities don’t just entertain, they teach important Biblical truths and help kids to retain and apply the things they are learning.

RiverKids is for children ages 3- 6th Grade

Children are checked-in and dropped off by a parent to the classroom, where their teacher is waiting to welcome them. Often there are fun activities already waiting for them.   If you want to know more about it, check this out!

Kids Worship!

Once the service begins, all the classrooms join together to spend some time worshiping the Lord. During this time of worship, kids pray for each other. They learn and sing songs, and memorize scripture. This time ends with a short and often funny video to introduce the lesson for the week. After this, kids return to their age divided classrooms.

Then what?

Once the children return to their classroom, they begin to dig in to the heart of the lesson. Teachers use a variety of games, object lessons and other activities to teach the Bible Story. RiverKids is not boring. It is engaging, lively, and occasionally a little loud. But don’t be fooled, real learning and real discipleship is happening.

Why Dig In?

One of the things we love about Dig In is every class is studying the same Bible passage and learning the same main Bible point. RiverKids desires to come alongside parents as they endeavor to be the primary source of discipleship in the lives of their children.  We only see your kids briefly each week. When all your children are learning the same thing on Sunday it is easier to reinforce those lessons at home. Discipleship is more natural and a part of your whole family.  The depth and details of the lesson are different depending on the age, but you can have a vibrant, full discussion with every child in your family. Dig In also offers a supplemental family take home sheet you can find at the bottom of this page.  We also love Dig In because your children are DIGGING IN to their Bibles. Your children are learning how to navigate their Bibles and reading God’s Word for themselves. Have your children show you the Bible story they heard each week!

How do you keep children safe and secure?

Children are checked in electronically and given a name tag. Their name tags have a 3 digit number. Each parent will receive a matching tag with the corresponding number. When necessary, teachers will ask to see the matching parent sticker to ensure child safety. If we ever need a parent during the service, the family 3 digit number will appear on the small screen at the front left of the sanctuary. If you see your number, please come downstairs!

Each week you will notice an adult stationed at the entrance of the RiverKids hallway. This is our RiverGuide who helps new parents to check- in and makes sure all children are safe and secure .

In addition, all Children’s Discipleship Ministry volunteers must complete an application and  adults complete a criminal background screening before teaching in RiverKids.

You are always welcome to visit any of our classrooms at any time to see how we are doing.