Children's Ministry
Welcome to KPL Network & Co., the children's ministry of Bethlehem Assembly of God! Here at KPL, we dream of building a children's ministry that partners with parents in raising a new generation of Christ–followers.
Jesus instructed, “'Let the children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of Heaven belongs to such as these'” (Matthew 19:14 NIV). Following this command, our team is continually seeking new ways in which to reach families and children with the love of Christ.
Here at Bethlehem, we believe in creatively reaching kids, and finding interactive ways to disciple each towards Christ–like maturity. As such, whether your child is in preschool or 6th grade, we have something for them! Please take a few moments to look over just some of the many ways your family can get involved.
As always, we are here to serve you. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact a member of our staff. We look forward to serving you!
The Early Childhood Network
this network exists to connect young families with each other and Bethlehem’s ministries for their children ages birth through preschool. These ministries include:
Infant Nursery: The infant nursery is designed to serve children ages birth through 12 months. Staffed during the 11:15 service, this ministry offers parents a chance to participate in the adult service with the confidence and assurance that their child is being well-looked after in a safe environment by trained and screened staff. This room also includes an area for nursing mothers.
Parent Lounge: During the services in which our infant nursery is not staffed, this room is available for parents to bring their infant-to-toddler aged children and care for them, while still participating in the service through a live-video feed. The room includes diaper changing facilities, age-appropriate toys, crib, and nursing mothers’ station.
Toddler Nursery: Designed for children ages 13 months to 36 months, this nursery is where intentional discipleship begins for children at Bethlehem. Available at both Sunday morning services, our trained and screened staff are here to serve these children, showing each God’s love through godly care, a brief devotional and themed craft, and interactive play time.
KPL Junior: This ministry ministers to the preschoolers of our congregation, ages three through five. Also available at both Sunday morning services, our trained and screened staff are here to take these children to the next level in their knowledge of Jesus and the Bible through theme-related Bible stories, crafts, and small groups activities, as well as praise and worship time.
For Parents
Commonly Asked Questions
Can I stay with my child during service?
For parents of elementary-aged children: While we understand a parent’s natural concern and curiosity for their child’s well-being, we also understand the need for a parent to continue to grow in the things of God, so they are able to leave a lasting Biblical legacy for their child. We also understand a child’s need to feel comfortable worshiping on his or her level.
With this said, during our elementary services, we do welcome parents to come and visit and see what is happening in their child’s service; in fact, we encourage you to do so! When checking in your child, simply ask for a visiting adult form, fill it out, and then sit near the back of the auditorium and enjoy! We look forward to meeting you!
For parents of toddlers and preschoolers: While we understand a parent’s natural concern and curiosity for their child’s well-being, we also understand the need for a parent to continue to grow in the things of God, so they are able to leave a lasting Biblical legacy for their child. We also desire to provide a safe and secure environment for all children in our care.
Due to these desires, as well as the size and structure of this ministry, only scheduled children’s ministries leaders are permitted in our staffed infant and toddler nursery (with the exception of nursing mothers), and KPL Junior. If a toddler or preschooler should happen to struggle with separation anxiety, the parent lounge is available for parents to wait or be with their child during the 9:00 service weekly.
For parents of infants: The Parent Lounge is available for parents of infants during the 9:00 service. When the nursery is staffed, only scheduled children’s ministries leaders and nursing mothers will be permitted in the infant nursery for the safety of all in our care.
What happens if I am needed?
Elementary Families- If a parent is needed for whatever reason for an elementary-aged child, a member of our staff will come and find the parent.
Early Childhood Families- During every service, a number is given to the parent of all children in our nurseries and preschool ministries upon registration. If you are needed during the service, your child’s number will appear on the LCD screens located on either side of the main stage.
What do you do to ensure my child’s security?
At Bethlehem, we take our children’s safety very seriously. As such, we are constantly evaluating and undertaking measures and precautions to assure the safety of all within our care. These measures include thorough background checks, screenings and application procedures for all leaders who are desiring to work with children, initial and on-going training for leaders, and constant evaluation and improvement of registration and security procedures.
What kind of Bible would you recommend for my child?
Even if your child is not quite reading, we recommend that you purchase a Bible with the full Biblical text, not a children’s easy reader or children’s story Bible.
While those Bibles are great for family devotions, we do a lot of Bible study and “Sword Drills” in KPL, where children are learning where books of the Bible are located, and discovering the differences between chapter and verse. As such, there are some excellent children’s Bibles out there: The Kids’ Adventure Bible, Hands-On Bible, and more are coming out! The NIV or ICB (International Children’s Bible) are the easiest for children to understand, and these can be obtained at our ministry partner, God 4 Me, or any leading retailer.
Where can I get it?
We are always asked where our families can find the music we use in KPL. Much of what we use can be found on any of the Hillsong Kids DVDs and CDs. We also use the Shout Praises Kids DVDs. These can be found online, at our ministry partner-God4Me, or at a local Christian bookstore.