Safe Environments: As a parent, there is nothing more comforting than knowing you are dropping off your child into a safe environment. Here at St. John’s, all of our leaders have gone through background screening and child protection training. Plus, our secure, digital check in system for children’s ministry makes sure that children are kept safe while in our ministries.

Engaging Spaces: Our spaces aren’t just safe, they’re cool. From our comfortable, cozy youth center for Oasis to the arcade-style air hockey table at Pier 456 to the light show in the new Children’s Theater, we hope our rooms are the kind of spaces that your teenagers and children love to be in. Over the summer, we’ve renovated many of ministry spaces with the specific goal of creating inviting environments for your kids.

Worship for All, Regardless of Age: Worship is not just something that happens in the Worship Center! From crib to college, our ministries teach young people how they can worship God in all sorts of ways. When they’re in worship, all of the children of God, young and old, will be invited to experience God and understand God’s story in new ways through the Closer Look.

Familiar Faces: We are committed to having a rotation of familiar volunteers to help your teens and children feel comfortable. We want our team of volunteers to know your kids’ names and greet them at the door when they arrive.

Take-Home Elements: Every week, young people of all ages will be leaving ministry events with a craft, new song, skill or question that requires more thought that will help them to both remember and tell the story.

Service to Others: From a developmental standpoint, it can be difficult for young people to understand what real-life Christian love and service are all about. Our ministries offer opportunities that help them to lay the framework for looking outside themselves to help others.

A Seamless Transition Between Age Groups: Every transition between the different ministries will flow in a way that helps young people to grow spiritually and be excited about the next step in their journey. Ministry themes will build on each other so that as children and teens develop, the way they see God, faith and the world develops with them. All of our ministries point toward the same mission: welcoming all, telling the story, and growing as disciples.

Communication: You can count on consistent communication from leaders about what your kids are doing, what they’re learning, and how your family can be involved. Too often, children’s and youth ministry can feel disconnected from the rest of the church. Our goal is to deeply connect the ministries of Young Discipleship with the wider church and with your family’s life.