RIVER KIDS

“Train up a
child in the way he should go…”

Proverbs 22:6

RIVER KIDS

“Train up a
child in the way he should go…”

Proverbs 22:6

At River of Life Church in Jacksonville, NC, we’re passionate about creating a place where kids feel seen, safe, and spiritually nurtured. We believe every child is designed by God with purpose—and our heart is to help them grow in faith, character, and confidence. Through fun, engaging, and age-appropriate children’s ministry experiences, we teach biblical truths that shape both spiritual and moral development.

Our goal is for every child to personally know the Lord, understand God’s gift of salvation through Jesus Christ, and build a strong foundation that lasts a lifetime. Whether it's Sunday mornings or midweek programs, our Kids Ministry is a place where young hearts discover who God is, how much He loves them, and the incredible life He has for them.

A girl with colorful beads in her hair, wearing a floral dress, is sitting on a carpeted floor playing an educational game with animal-themed word cards.

EQUIP & EMPOWER

At River of Life Church in Jacksonville, NC, we’re passionate about creating a place where kids feel seen, safe, and spiritually nurtured. We believe every child is designed by God with purpose—and our heart is to help them grow in faith, character, and confidence. Through fun, engaging, and age-appropriate children’s ministry experiences, we teach biblical truths that shape both spiritual and moral development.

Our goal is for every child to personally know the Lord, understand God’s gift of salvation through Jesus Christ, and build a strong foundation that lasts a lifetime. Whether it's Sunday mornings or midweek programs, our Kids Ministry is a place where young hearts discover who God is, how much He loves them, and the incredible life He has for them.

Children playing with toy cars at a table in a colorful classroom.

ENVIRONMENT

To ensure the safety and well-being of your children, all of our Kids Ministry volunteers complete a thorough screening process. This includes an approved application, a background record check, four personal references, Guardian System training, and active River of Life Church membership. We are committed to creating a safe, welcoming environment where your child can grow in faith with confidence.

For your child’s protection, only parents or legal guardians are permitted to sign children in and out of our ministry environments. We do not release children to older siblings. Each visiting parent is also given a unique identification number, which will appear on the sanctuary display if their child needs their attention during the service.

People, including children and an adult, playing with cones in an indoor gym or recreation center.

TRAINING & TEACHING

The mission of River Kids Zone is to guide children into a growing relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ by setting a godly example and teaching from the timeless truths of the Bible. Our carefully chosen Bible curriculum helps children explore God's Word and learn how to apply its truths in their everyday lives, building a strong foundation of faith that lasts a lifetime.

We present God’s Word through prayer, praise, and worship, engaging Bible lessons and illustrated stories, puppets and skits, videos and memory verses, and fun crafts and games. Our goal is to make learning about God’s love both exciting and meaningful for every child who walks through our doors!

JOIN US THIS WEEK!

WEEKLY SERVICE TIMES
AT
RIVER OF LIFE CHURCH

Sundays

9:00 a.m. (In-Person & Online)

11:15 a.m. (In-Person & Online)

Wednesdays

7:00 p.m. (In-Person Only)

A smiling woman with curly hair wearing a red blouse, black pants, and black boots, sitting cross-legged on a dark chair.

PASTOR JACKIE

CHILDREN’S PASTOR

Pastor Jackie Hornage joined River of Life in 1993 when the church was in a storefront, and she began serving right away. In 2000, she transitioned from her role as an elementary school teacher to full-time staff. Pastor Jackie’s passion is seeing children come to know Jesus, often saying that children are the greatest mission field in the world. The River Kids Zone is a central part of our ministry, and Pastor Jackie plays a key role in shaping and growing this vital program. Each year, she oversees several exciting events for children, including Vacation Bible School, Camp Dixie, Back to School Bash, Boys Night Out, and more.

FAQ

  • At River of Life Church in Jacksonville, NC, we’re excited to welcome your family to River Kids Zone! Our children's ministry is open during both Sunday services and Wednesday evening Grow Time, offering a safe, fun, and faith-filled environment for kids to grow in their relationship with God.

    Sunday Mornings:
    (Kids Ministry available during both services)

    First Service:

    • 8:30 AM — Check-In Opens

    • 8:45 AM — Classroom Doors Open

    Second Service:

    • 10:30 AM — Check-In Opens

    • 11:00 AM — Classroom Doors Open

    Wednesday Evenings (Grow Time):

    • 6:50 PM — River Kids Zone Opens

    We can't wait to welcome your child to an environment where faith, fun, and friendships grow!

  • At River of Life Church in Jacksonville, NC, your child's safety and your peace of mind are our top priorities. If your child needs you during a service, we have a clear and simple system in place to contact you quickly.

    Parent Notification Process:

    • Each visiting parent receives a unique identification number at check-in.

    • If you child needs you at anytime a text message will be sent to the number provided at check-in to ensure you are notified promptly.

    We’re committed to making your family's experience at River of Life safe, welcoming, and worry-free!

  • At River of Life Church in Jacksonville, NC, we take every precaution to ensure your child’s safety while they are in our care. Our check-in and check-out procedures are designed with your family’s security in mind.

    Check-In and Check-Out Policies:

    • Only parents or legal guardians are allowed to sign children in and out of River Kids Zone.

    • We do not release children to older siblings under any circumstances.

    • A matching identification number is required at pickup to ensure safe dismissal.

    Thank you for partnering with us to keep River Kids Zone a safe and welcoming place for every child!

  • At River of Life Church in Jacksonville, NC, we want every parent to feel comfortable and supported while attending our services. We offer a dedicated space for nursing mothers so you can care for your little one without missing a moment of worship.

    Nursing Moms Room:

    • Located to the right side of the sanctuary doors in the lobby.

    • Equipped with a live video feed of the service so you can stay connected while you care for your baby.

    • Designed to be a quiet, comfortable, and private space for nursing moms.

    We’re honored to create an environment where every member of your family can feel at home!