Barna and Awana recently published a massive, in-depth research project on Children’s Ministry. Here is a link for more details and to purchase the report:https://www.barna.com/awana/
Both of these groups agree that two very important findings emerge from the research: First, to truly prepare our children for faith-filled adulthood, we need to consider reframing “children’s ministry” as something closer to “child discipleship.”
And second, the work of discipling children should not fall solely to kids’ ministry staff or to parents—it must become a point of focus and effort for entire church bodies.
For many parents and children’s ministry leaders, one of the greatest concerns is helping kids develop a genuine, lasting faith. An additional research article from Barna highlights the concerns of parents in our current society: https://www.barna.com/research/christian-parents-concerns/
Childhood is a critical time for spiritual formation, but guiding kids in ways that are both engaging and impactful can feel overwhelming. The Bible Adventure and Christians in Action (BA/CIA) programs are designed to come alongside families and church leaders in this important mission, making discipleship accessible, joyful, and meaningful for young hearts.
Bible Adventure/CIA: Helping Kids Grow in Faith This School Year
The Bible Adventure/CIA Program is a legally recognized “released-time” initiative that allows public school students to be dismissed for one hour weekly to receive biblical instruction from caring volunteers. This structure creates a unique space where spiritual formation happens in the rhythm of students’ everyday lives.
One of the most meaningful aspects of Bible Adventure/CIA is the opportunity for children to build trusting relationships with adult mentors. Mentors invest in the kids’ spiritual lives, encourage questions about faith, and affirm moral values that align with those being taught at home.
Partnering with parents in discipleship
Academic & Character Development Benefits
Joy El Generation shares findings from the National Council on Crime and Delinquency, showing that students in the Bible Adventure/CIA Program outperform peers in literacy—namely comprehension, spelling, and vocabulary.
The program goes further, intentionally developing character—teaching biblical principles in simple, relatable ways, modeling positive behaviors, and strengthening critical learning skills like listening, thinking, and processing.
Scripture Memory as Spiritual and Academic Discipline
Children are naturally curious, and their early years are filled with wonder. Bible Adventure taps into that sense of curiosity by introducing timeless biblical truths in creative, age-appropriate ways. Instead of simply teaching kids to memorize facts, the program invites them to explore stories of faith, ask questions, and see how God’s Word connects to their everyday lives. This approach helps kids internalize truth rather than just recall it.
Memory work is central to the program. Participants memorize scripture, which not only reinforces biblical truth and spiritual growth—but also sharpens cognitive discipline.
Partnering with church leaders to disciple the next generation
Children’s ministry leaders and youth leaders often carry the responsibility of discipling dozens, or even hundreds, of kids. In many cases these leaders are burdened to be the primary source of spiritual development and influence, while often only being with the child for 1-2 hours weekly, often in a large group setting.
Bible Adventure/CIA programs are a perfect source to come alongside the ministry leaders and the families they serve by providing an additional community and source of spiritual development and influence. Also it is a great way to help church members be active servants in the community, building relations beyond the church.
A Shared Mission for Lasting Impact
Ultimately, the Bible Adventure program is more than curriculum—it’s a partnership. By joining with parents and ministry leaders around the shared mission of spiritual formation, children receive consistent, reinforcing messages of God’s love. When kids hear, see, and experience the same truths at home, in church, and in their school day, those truths take root deeply.
If you’re a parent longing to disciple your child, or a ministry leader seeking tools that truly make a difference, Bible Adventure offers a trusted path forward. Together, we can raise a generation of kids who don’t just know about God but walk with Him daily.
Upcoming Events
- Mother Daughter Retreat – October 3-5, 2025
- Youth Retreat – November 7-9, 2025
- Stewardship Banquets – November 2025
