Grove Kids seeks to partner with parents to make disciples who know Jesus, grow in Jesus, and go share Jesus with others!

Know

We strive to help kids know who God is. We desire to teach God's Word, pointing them to the character of God and the Gospel. By the time a child graduates from the children's ministry program, they will know who God is, the big story of Scripture, and that Christ died for sinners. 

Grow

Our mission is to make disciples. This means we want the information to lead to transformation. We don't want kids to just know God, but to grow in their relationship with Him and others. This is accomplished by providing tools and fostering relationships that encourage and equip kids to love God.

Go

We are all called to be evangelists, even kids! We want to equip kids to share with others who God is and what He has done in their lives. This could involve proclaiming the glory of God through words or actions, with the ultimate goal of making disciples who make disciples. 

Grove Kids Brochure
Connect Card

Awana Clubs

 

Awana is a gospel-centered children's program for preschool - 5th grade (September - April). Awana stands for "Approved Workmen Are Not Ashamed" (based on 2 Timothy 2:15). Awana revolves around children memorizing the Word of God while having fun! It is an amazing opportunity for your child to engage with children and learn the Word of God.

 

We host special "theme nights" throughout the year like Pajama Night, Hawaiian Night, and Sports Team Night. At the end of the year, the kids enjoy Carnival Night, and parents are invited to celebrate Awards Night.

 

The 2024-25 year has kicked off, but you can register your child any week. Come visit us on Wednesday night starting at 6 PM to register your child in-person. Awana runs from 6:15-7:30 PM.

About Awana Clubs

Sunday School & Children's Church

First Baptist Church of Downers Grove offers Nursery care and classes for kids in Preschool - 5th grade. Your child will learn about Jesus and have fun with kids their age in a safe environment!

 

Age Groups:

Nursery (Ages 0-2)

Preschool (Ages 3&4)

Kindergarten & 1st Grade

2nd & 3rd Grade

4th & 5th Grade

 

2nd - 5th Grade sit with their families for the first half of the Worship Service. They are dismissed from the Worship Service for Children's Church.

 

On Communion Sundays (typically the first Sunday of the month), 2nd - 5th Grade remain with their families for the entire service. Children's Worship Bulletins are available in the foyer.

Children in Nursery, Preschool, and K & 1st Grade remain in their classrooms through the transition from Sunday School to Children's Church.

YOUR FIRST VISIT

Visiting us for the first time? One of our ushers or Welcome Team will direct you to Kids Check-In. Kids Check-in starts at 8:45 AM for Sunday School and at 10 AM for the Worship Service. You can save some time by pre-registering your child below!

 

We will meet your family, check your child in, and answer any questions you may have about our church or Grove Kids. We can't wait to meet you!

Pre-Check My Kids

SAFETY

Grove Kids volunteers are trained to create an atmosphere where families can confidently leave their children while they are in service. Every volunteer over 18 is screened with a background check and DCFS-certified. Don't worry parents - we've got this! If you have any questions, please contact the Church Office.

Meet our Children's Ministries Director

Mike Leonard

Mike and his wife have been members of First Baptist Church since 2017 and have two young children. Mike has volunteered in AWANA, VBS, and Youth Group. He has also served as a Trustee and is currently on the Deacon Board.

 

Before coming to First Baptist, Mike and his wife led children’s programs for 10 years at their former church. For Mike, it has been an absolute blessing to watch people, young and old, grow in Christ.