At Timothy Christian School, community is not something we leave to chance—it is something we build on purpose. One of the most meaningful ways we do this is through our Kingdom Building Groups.
Kingdom Building Groups are cross-grade groups that meet together regularly, bringing students from Kindergarten through Grade 8 together with staff in small, caring communities. These groups create space for relationships to grow, faith to be shared, and every student to feel known, valued, and connected.
What Happens in a Kingdom Building Group?
If you ask students what they do during Kingdom Building Groups, their answers are simple—and powerful.
“We draw pictures.”
“We be nice.”
“We build our community.”
“We pray about people who are sick.”
“We learn about God.”
“We spend time with other people.”
Each group meets to greet one another, share what they are thankful for, talk about God, pray together, and participate in an activity. These activities might include drawing, writing, sharing discussions, prayer, games, or hands-on projects. While the structure may be simple, the impact is lasting. Students learn what it means to listen, encourage, and care for one another.
As one staff member shared, Kingdom Building Groups are a time to “build inter-grade relationships through sharing, activities, and prayer.”
A Place Where Everyone Belongs
One of the greatest strengths of Kingdom Building Groups is the way they bring together students who might not otherwise interact during the school day. These groups intentionally mix ages, classrooms, and personalities, helping students see one another as brothers and sisters in Christ.
“You get to know other people that you might not know in the school,” shared a Grade 3–4 student.
“I enjoy being with other kids in the school that I don’t necessarily hang out with,” said a Grade 5–6 student.
“I get to connect with people in different grades,” added a Grade 7–8 student.
For younger students, the joy is often found in seeing their buddies.
“I like seeing my big buddy,” a Kindergarten student shared.
For older students, Kingdom Building Groups offer a chance to lead, serve, and model kindness. Staff members love watching these relationships form, noting how meaningful it is to see students connect who might not normally speak to one another.
Growing Faith Together
At the center of Kingdom Building Groups is faith. These gatherings give students a regular opportunity to talk about God, pray together, and reflect on His love and care.
“We talk more about God.”
“We learn about God and his kingdom.”
“We spend time learning about God.”
Faith is shared naturally—through prayer requests, gratitude, Scripture, and conversation. Students learn that following Jesus is something we do together, supporting one another through joys and challenges.
By meeting regularly, Kingdom Building Groups help students see faith as lived and relational, not just something learned in a lesson. They learn to pray for others, listen with compassion, and celebrate God’s goodness in everyday life.
Why Kingdom Building Groups Matter
When asked why these groups meet regularly, students and staff shared thoughtful insights.
“To make everyone feel welcome.”
“To learn about everybody, not just your friends.”
“To keep up the sense of community.”
“To ensure we have the time to get to know one another well.”
Kingdom Building Groups create space in the school week where relationships come first. In a busy school environment, these intentional moments allow students to slow down, connect, and build trust.
A staff member summed it up beautifully:
“We meet regularly in the Kingdom Building Groups to ensure we have the time to get to know one another well.”
Looking Ahead with Joy and Creativity
When students are asked what they’d like to do in their Kingdom Building Groups, their ideas are full of creativity and excitement—crafts, art, scavenger hunts, singing, active games, team names, and even building catapults. Staff members also hope for more active and creative activities that continue to engage students of all ages.
These ideas remind us that Kingdom Building Groups are always growing—just like the students in them.
Building God’s Kingdom, One Relationship at a Time
Kingdom Building Groups reflect what we believe about Christian education: that learning happens best in community, faith grows when it is shared, and every student belongs.
Through simple moments of greeting, prayer, conversation, and play, God is at work—building His kingdom in hearts, relationships, and lives.
At Timothy Christian School, Kingdom Building Groups are more than a regular gathering. They are a reminder that we are created for community, called to love one another, and invited to grow together as part of God’s kingdom.