Children’s ministry leaders across North Pacific Union are deepening their training in the Alive in Jesus Sabbath School curriculum, now expanding to Kindergarten and Primary classes after last year’s focus on Baby Steps and Beginners.
“We already have positive reports from churches implementing Baby Steps,” said Sherri Uhrig, North American Division children’s ministries director. “They are attracting younger parents and seeing them empowered with the honor of guiding their own children’s spiritual development. Success for us means strengthening families by getting them to intentionally worship together. When I see conference directors and local churches embrace this with such passion, I know our children are in good hands.”
The Feb. 2, 2025 training program, held in Spanish and English, started with the scope and sequence of the entire Alive in Jesus curriculum. Each lesson uses a Bible story to illustrate a core value.
“The 28 fundamental beliefs give a zoomed-in picture of who God is and how passionately He loves us,” said Ryan Burville, NAD children’s ministries presenter. “They provide the framework for Alive in Jesus. We believe they are the elements children need to understand to say yes to Jesus.”
Northwest children's ministries conference teams are now equipped to bring the Alive In Jesus curriculum training for local church Kindergarten and Primary leaders.
Next, the program focused on ways Sabbath School leaders can make their classrooms a safe and welcoming environment for all children.
“The Alive in Jesus curriculum uses Christ’s method of ministry,” said Chrystal Flerchinger, NAD children’s ministries presenter. “We should sympathize with our children’s needs, pray for them and show them we desire their good. We should inspire them to join the mission of the gospel and celebrate their new insights. We should take time to say, ‘I see something wonderful in you.’”
Highlights of the day included sample activities for Kindergarten and Primary classes with practical suggestions for engaging children in different ways.
“I’m so excited for this program — do we have to wait until 2026?” asked Terri Wilkinson, Turning Point Church volunteer children’s ministries leader. “I’m a teacher by trade, and I can see it is designed in line with the different ways kids learn. It’s also clear, concise and simple. I believe it would be easy to use even if you’re not a teacher.”
The concepts of the Alive in Jesus curriculum can be helpful even if a Sabbath School teacher uses another program.
“I still love our last curriculum, Gracelink, and how easy it is to use,” said April Burville, NAD children’s ministries presenter. “But I’ve already started using Alive in Jesus ideas with Gracelink lessons in my classroom. I made a story box with sparkly paper to use during lesson time. Even that small change has increased engagement with my students.”
April Burville, NAD children's ministry presenter, demonstrates dynamic storytelling skills.
Jesus Porras, NAD children's ministry presenter, presents the biblical foundations of the Alive in Jesus curriculum.
Sherri Uhrig, NAD children's ministry director, speaks about the purpose and impact of Alive in Jesus curriculum for children's Sabbath Schools.
Participants Leilani and Hayley Armata demonstrate a kindergarten class activity during the Alive in Jesus training for conference children's ministry leaders.
Suzan Manzo, NAD children's ministry presenter, and her assistant Leilani demonstrate the complexity of God's creation during an Alive in Jesus training for conference children's ministry leaders.
Conference leaders immediately saw ways that using principles from the Alive in Jesus curriculum could benefit their ministries and inspire new leaders.
“In the past, our programs have focused on how good values lead to success, but this approach can lead to legalism,” said David Salazar, Idaho Conference youth and young adult director. “Instead, we must focus on how the power of God works through these values. We need our children to learn that developing a passion for God, returning to God, is what truly matters.”
“I hope this curriculum will inspire more people to join children’s ministry with confidence,” said Brooke Reynolds, Alaska Conference children’s ministries volunteer. “My experience has been that once you step out in faith and are willing to do it, God gives you the tools you need every time.”
“I’m so excited about the scope and sequence of this new curriculum! It is designed to walk a child through the beautiful truths of the Bible we as Adventists treasure, as they progress from Beginners to Youth. God's loving character is highlighted throughout and abounds in beautiful artwork. What could be more important for our precious young people!” said Velvet Lang, NPUC children’s ministry leader.
The Alive in Jesus presenters ended the day’s training with special words of encouragement for leaders, teachers and parents.
“You may not see it now, but you will see the seeds you planted grow,” said Pamela Daley, NAD children’s ministries presenter. “Who our children are inside, how they choose to treat others, is decided when they’re young. I can see that in my adult kids.”
“I will die doing this ministry — I think it is that important,” said Rosa Morales, NAD children’s ministries presenter. “We need to prepare our kids to work for the second coming. This generation could be the people who receive Jesus!”
