Fall is a natural time to regroup, relaunch, and reengage families in the life of the church. Whether your ministry slows down in the summer or stays busy year-round, the beginning of the school year gives you a fresh opportunity to reconnect with families and cast vision for the months ahead.
A well-planned Fall Kickoff Event can help you:
- Welcome new families
- Celebrate the start of a new ministry year
- Build excitement for upcoming programming
- Help kids feel connected and seen
Here are some easy-to-execute (and fun!) ideas to kick off your fall ministry season:
1. Family Worship Night
Create a night where kids and parents worship together with energy and purpose.
What it looks like:
- Live kid-friendly worship music
- A short message or devotional
- Prayer stations or family reflection time with prompts of ways they can pray
- Explain about the curriculum you are using and how to use resources like At Home
2. Carnival Sunday
Make your Sunday unforgettable by turning your kids area into a fall carnival! This could be done on Sunday evening or afternoon as to not overwhelm the morning.
What it looks like:
- Carnival games like ring toss, duck pond, or bean bag throw
- Prizes, popcorn, and cotton candy (keep in mind that kids can have allergies and ensure there are alternative and proper safety procedures)
- Face painting or balloon animals
- Photo booth with fun fall props
3. Promotion Celebration Party
Have a party to make moving up exciting! This could be done on a Sunday or the Wednesday prior to Promotion Sunday.
What it looks like:
- Grade-specific celebration rooms (e.g., “Welcome to Kindergarten!”)
- Special recognition or special recognition for milestone transitions
- Take-home treat bags with a devotional, small toy, or bubbles
- “Meet Your Teacher” tables for new age groups
4. Back-to-Church Bash (Outdoor Picnic Style)
Welcome new and returning families with a laid-back gathering after service.
What it looks like:
- Potluck, picnic tables, or food trucks
- Yard games (giant Jenga, cornhole, relay races) or games from your VBS
- A short welcome or vision casting moment from your Kids Minister or Pastor
- Ministry booths to sign up for small groups, volunteering, events, or even just have time for fellowship without a program
5. Bible Bash: Let’s Get into God’s Word
Kick off your discipleship year with a focus on God’s Word.
What it looks like:
- Bible trivia games or “Bible drills”
- Give every child a new Bible or Bible reading bookmark
- Teach kids how to find books of the Bible or use tabs
- Parents attend a short session on discipling their kids at home
- Offer activities for parents and kids to do together with their Bibles
The Importance of Biblical Literacy
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