Behold.
Jesus at the altar
Belong.
At the table with spiritual family
Become.
Disciples on the Road
Behold.
Jesus at the altar
Belong.
At the table with spiritual family
Become.
Disciples on the Road
About Us
At GateCity Students, we invite every student to Behold the reality of God – to see and know that He is real and present and to grow in vertical relationship with Jesus at the altar of their own life. We create spaces where they can Belong, experiencing authentic connection with Jesus and one another around the table of fellowship and relationship. And we empower children to Become who God has called them to be, living out their faith on the road of discipleship through the power of the Holy Spirit working in them, with them, through them, and for them!
GateCity Kids is not babysitting or childcare. Every class engages students with the truth and authority of God’s Word, guiding them to receive His love, respond in worship, and cultivate a personal dialogue with Him.
GateCity Kids is not babysitting or childcare. Every class engages students with the truth and authority of God’s Word, guiding them to receive His love, respond in worship, and cultivate a personal dialogue with Him.
About Us
VISION: BEHOLD, BELONG, BECOME
At GateCity Students, we invite every student to Behold the reality of God – to see and know that He is real and present and to grow in vertical relationship with Jesus at the altar of their own life. We create spaces where they can Belong, experiencing authentic connection with Jesus and one another around the table of fellowship and relationship. And we empower children to Become who God has called them to be, living out their faith on the road of discipleship through the power of the Holy Spirit working in them, with them, through them, and for them!
GateCity Kids is not babysitting or childcare. Every class engages students with the truth and authority of God’s Word, guiding them to receive His love, respond in worship, and cultivate a personal dialogue with Him.
At GateCity Students, we invite every student to Behold the reality of God – to see and know that He is real and present and to grow in vertical relationship with Jesus at the altar of their own life. We create spaces where they can Belong, experiencing authentic connection with Jesus and one another around the table of fellowship and relationship. And we empower children to Become who God has called them to be, living out their faith on the road of discipleship through the power of the Holy Spirit working in them, with them, through them, and for them!
GateCity Kids is not babysitting or childcare. Every class engages students with the truth and authority of God’s Word, guiding them to receive His love, respond in worship, and cultivate a personal dialogue with Him.
Kids (0-12 yrs)
Sundays, 10am
0-1st Grade
Lower Level (The Neighborhood)
(elevator available for strollers/handicap access)
2nd Grade-12yrs
Main Level, Student Sanctuary (The Capital)
Wednesdays, 7pm
0-1st Grade
Lower Level (The Neighborhood)
(elevator available for strollers/handicap access)
2nd Grade-12yrs
Main Level, Room 11 & 13 classrooms
Note: for 2025, Wednesday night service and classes will be paused for June & July
Kids (0-12 yrs)
Sundays, 10am
0-1st Grade
Lower Level (The Neighborhood)
Elevator available for strollers/handicap access
2nd Grade-12yrs
Main Level, Student Sanctuary (The Captial)
Wednesdays, 7pm
0-1st Grade
Lower Level (The Neighborhood)
Elevator available for strollers/handicap access
2nd Grade-12yrs
Main Level, Room 11 & 13 classrooms
Note: for 2025, Wednesday night service and classes will be paused for June & July
Teens (13-18 yrs)
Sundays, 10am
Main Sanctuary, then Room 24 (The Heights)
13-18 year olds are in the main sanctuary for worship and then are released during the Meet & Greet to Room 24 upstairs for their own interactive message, community building, and connection. Messages will be a mix of teachings tied into the adult’s sermon series or studies of biblical narratives, characters, stories, and more. Age-appropriate breakouts when applicable. Teens can expect:
An Interactive Message
Community Building
Small Groups
Wednesdays, 7pm
Room 24 (The Heights)
Teens gather in Room 24 for more in-depth discipleship, doctrine, small groups, encounter, and real-life application of faith. Teens can expect:
Encounter
Learning Doctrine
Real-Life Application
Note: for 2025, Wednesday night service and classes will be paused for June & July, but please see the event calendar below for teen community and connection opportunities.
Teens (13-18 yrs)
Sundays, 10am
Main Sanctuary, then Room 24
(The Heights)
13-18 year olds are in the main sanctuary for worship and then are released during the Meet & Greet to Room 24 in The Heights for their own interactive message, community building, and connection. Messages will be a mix of teachings tied into the adult’s sermon series or studies of biblical narratives, characters, stories, and more. Age-appropriate breakouts when applicable.
Teens can expect:
An Interactive Message
Community Building
Small Groups
Wednesdays, 7pm
Room 24 (The Heights)
Teens gather in Room 24 in The Heights for more in-depth discipleship, doctrine, small groups, encounter, and real-life application of faith.
Teens can expect:
Encounter
Learning Doctrine
Real-Life Application
Note: for 2025, Wednesday night service and classes will be paused for June & July, but please see the event calendar below for teen community and connection opportunities.
Meet the Pastors
Ash Bolden
Teens Pastor
Ash has been a devoted disciple of Christ since 2008, ministering and leading in local church environments since 2011, and a part of the pastoral staff at GateCity since 2020. Heading towards 15 years of marriage to his wife, Megha, Ash is primarily devoted to following Christ by being a joyfully faithful husband and father to his wife and 5 children. He carries a convicting resolve to serve the local church for the rest of his life and is honored to labor for the destiny of the next generation of the church - to Behold the Lord in all His glory at the Altar, Belong to the body of Christ at the Table of fellowship, and Become Beloved disciples on the Road of their lives. Some of his favorite pass-times include learning new stuff, prayer, hearty conversations, games, good music, and great food with fam and friends. Be sure to say what’s up when you see him around!
Jessica Stern
CityKids Pastor
Jessica, known as “Coach Jess” around GateCity Kids, is an ordained minister with over 25 years in ministry, education, and church leadership. A Missouri Baptist University graduate and mother of five, she’s passionate about equipping the next generation with a lasting faith and practical life skills. She’s served as a youth pastor, worship pastor, communications director, and lead pastor alongside her husband Jim to whom she has been married for over 25 years. Jessica has written and developed curriculum, homeschooled, and taught at Hope Academy. She’s also a volleyball coach for her daughters, earning her the “Coach Jess” nickname.
Kat Sanford-Creary
Children's Director
Kat Sanford-Creary began her career in hotel management, excelling in sales, operations, and training. She later served as Director of Administrative Support at Victory World Christian School. As Director of Professional Development for BGI, she supports wellness education for faculty, staff, students, and parents in school communities nationwide. Kat has been married for over 25 years and has three children. She is also a business owner, podcaster, and community volunteer, raising three children. She has served in various areas of ministry, including children's, women's, prayer, and hospitality.
Meet the Pastors
Ash Bolden
Teens Pastor
Ash has been a devoted disciple of Christ since 2008, ministering and leading in local church environments since 2011, and a part of the pastoral staff at GateCity since 2020. Heading towards 15 years of marriage to his wife, Megha, Ash is primarily devoted to following Christ by being a joyfully faithful husband and father to his wife and 5 children. He carries a convicting resolve to serve the local church for the rest of his life and is honored to labor for the destiny of the next generation of the church - to Behold the Lord in all His glory at the Altar, Belong to the body of Christ at the Table of fellowship, and Become Beloved disciples on the Road of their lives. Some of his favorite pass-times include learning new stuff, prayer, hearty conversations, games, good music, and great food with fam and friends. Be sure to say what’s up when you see him around!
Jessica Stern
CityKids Pastor
Jessica, known as “Coach Jess” around GateCity Kids, is an ordained minister with over 25 years in ministry, education, and church leadership. A Missouri Baptist University graduate and mother of five, she’s passionate about equipping the next generation with a lasting faith and practical life skills. She’s served as a youth pastor, worship pastor, communications director, and lead pastor alongside her husband Jim to whom she has been married for over 25 years. Jessica has written and developed curriculum, homeschooled, and taught at Hope Academy. She’s also a volleyball coach for her daughters, earning her the “Coach Jess” nickname.
Kat Sanford-Creary
Children's Director
Kat Sanford-Creary began her career in hotel management, excelling in sales, operations, and training. She later served as Director of Administrative Support at Victory World Christian School. As Director of Professional Development for BGI, she supports wellness education for faculty, staff, students, and parents in school communities nationwide. Kat has been married for over 25 years and has three children. She is also a business owner, podcaster, and community volunteer, raising three children. She has served in various areas of ministry, including children's, women's, prayer, and hospitality.
Kids & Teens Calendar
Calendars
UPCOMING EVENTS
UPCOMING EVENTS
YOUNG ADULTS
FAQ's
WHERE DO I GO?
The Next Gen wing is on the left side of our building by the wavy stone arch. Kids, Teens, and young adults enter and check in through the triple set of doors and their classes are located on the main or lower levels of that wing.
WHAT ARE THE SAFETY MEASURES IN PLACE AT GATECITY KIDS?
Everyone 18+ working with or volunteering in our kids spaces must pass a background check and participate in safety training. No volunteer is ever alone with a child or group. Bathroom policies are in place to protect the child and the volunteer. Elementary children will be escorted to the bathroom while the volunteer remains outside. If a child needs assistance in a stall, a parent will be called. Babies are the only classroom where diaper changing will happen. Two’s & three’s who are not yet potty trained will require a parent to come change their diapers/pull-ups if necessary.
WHAT ABOUT ALLERGIES?
For classrooms that serve snacks, they will be nut free but may contain wheat products. Please bring your own snack if you prefer. For children who have allergies, their name tags and daily class rosters are marked as such when entering the classroom so workers care for them accordingly.
WHAT IS THE GATECITY KIDS "WELL CHILD" POLICY?
To minimize the chance of spreading illness, children who show signs of sickness will not be accepted into the GateCity Kids environment. We require that children be fever-free for 24 hours before entering GateCity Kids. This is for the health and protection of all children and staff. You are encouraged to bring your child back to us as soon as he or she is well. If an illness is discovered after a child is in the classroom, your child will be separated from the other children and a member of our staff will contact you.
Upon recommendation of the American Academy of Pediatrics, a child should not come to class with any of the following conditions:
Upon recommendation of the American Academy of Pediatrics, a child should not come to class with any of the following conditions:
- Fever
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea (even if associated with teething or medication)
- Any symptoms of childhood diseases such as scarlet fever, German measles, mumps, chicken pox, strep throat, flu, or any other contagious or infectious disease
- Croup
- Phlegm-filled, productive, or persistent cough
- Any contagious or unexplained rash
- Pink eye or other eye infections
- Cloudy or green runny nose
- Any communicable disease