Kids and Lifegroups

How do we make Lifegroup work with kids so that both kids and adults get what they need in Lifegroup, connect with God in a meaningful way, and see LIFE happen in Lifegroup? It is possible! While there are many different ways to structure Lifegroup, we would recommend the 5 C's of how to do kids in Lifegroup!

1. Come together – As families arrive, have a vision for helping everyone connect. Maybe this is with a snack, high fives, or just casual conversation where the different generations are connect and everyone sees that kids belong to the Lifegroup as a whole. Shared togetherness is not lost on kids. Our heart is that our kids feel a part of Lifegroup and its mission as much as every adult that shows up for Lifegroup. The initial come together matters!

2. Celebrate – Kids notice when we notice them and kids love being celebrated. So maybe this is a quick time to acknowledge someone's birthday – kid or adult. Or maybe it's a time to celebrate something a kid did this week that was a milestone in their life. This also goes a long way with parents because when we love somebody else's kids well, we have earned not only the kid's heart but mom and dad too.

3. Contribute – We want our kids to believe that the spiritual things of God are for them and that they can connect with Jesus as a kid. So as the structured part of Lifegroup begins, have a time where the kids are included at the beginning and can be engaged in the spiritual content alongside their parents. Consider worshipping with a song together, praying for each other, or invite everyone to share their favorite thing about God. This marks kids because they see that they are included in the collective groups' desire to follow God.

4. Connect – with Jesus and other kids. Our Kids Ministry team provides weekly curriculum that can be accessed in the weekly Lifegroup leader email. These simple lessons are low-prep and are only 10-15 minutes. Envision those who are leading the kids' discussion time that they are discipling the next generation as they help them understand more about God and how to connect with Him.

5. Come on, let 'em play – Play is the way kids build lasting friendships, so have a vision for letting the kids play together! If the curriculum portion ends after 15 minutes of the kid time, then let kids play for the last 45 minutes of the Lifegroup and give vision to that shepherd or that Lifegroup member to play with them. This time isn't the "non-spiritual" part of Lifegroup. It's how kids learn to share, how to relate to others, and how to include people. This time gives kids what they need while the adults are connecting and getting what they need.

Monthly Lifegroup Structure Suggestion:

Week 1: Normal Lifegroup where kids and adults are together and doing the 5 C's. This is somewhat a traditional Lifegroup model.

Week 2: The women get an extended time to be together and the dads take time to hang out with the kids and connect with each other. A lot of the 5 C's are still happening here but being led primarily by the dads.

Week 3: This can be a traditional Lifegroup again or a "fun bomb." Get creative! Have a special night of watching a family-friendly movie together or taking a Lifegroup field trip to the zoo. Another option is to have this 3rd week be a time when the adults and kids are together the whole time, praying and connecting with Jesus as family units.

Week 4: Dads get extended time to be together while the moms lead the kids. Again, a lot of the 5 C's are still happening but the mom are taking charge of the kids' lesson and time.

Need more help figuring out the best plan for your Lifegroup? Contact kids@antiochwaco.com and ask our Kids Ministry team to help you create a Lifegroup structure for your kids and families that works and that meets the needs of everyone in the group. We want to partner with you to help create LIFE for you in your Lifegroup.

Don't give up. Kids in Lifegroup is worth it for everyone!