Church facilities have traditionally been among the most under-utilized buildings in America, sitting empty throughout most of the week. We believe that there are incredible opportunities to develop facilities that allow ministries to serve the needs of the local community, not just on Sundays, but 7 days a week. 

While there are a number of possibilities for churches to generate people flow in their facilities throughout the week and even create additional revenue streams for the ministry, early childhood and pre-k centers have proven to be the most natural fit.

1. Consulting Model – For those churches that are projected to have less than 150 in enrollment or would prefer to self-manage the early childhood education center, we offer professional consultation and planning services that can help you navigate the start-up process, build a staff and develop a strategic plan to manage a successful program. Here’s how we help churches in this endeavor:

• Strategic Planning: Our team works closely with church leaders to assess needs, develop a strategic plan, and determine the feasibility of launching an education center aligned with the church’s mission and vision.

• Customized Curriculum Development: We collaborate with churches to develop customized curriculum that integrates faith-based teachings with academic excellence. Our curriculum is designed to engage young minds, foster spiritual growth, and lay a solid foundation for lifelong learning.

• Facility Design and Construction: The True North Kids / BGW Architects Team offers guidance and support in designing and constructing early childhood education facilities that meet regulatory requirements and provide a safe, welcoming environment for children. From initial concept to completed construction, we ensure that every detail is thoughtfully considered to create spaces conducive to learning and spiritual development.

• Staff Training and Development: We provide comprehensive training and ongoing professional development opportunities for educators and staff members. Our training programs equip staff with the skills, knowledge, and resources they need to effectively nurture the spiritual and academic growth of children entrusted to their care.

• Administrative Support: True North Kids offers administrative support to churches managing early childhood education centers. From enrollment management to budgeting and financial planning, we provide guidance and assistance to ensure the smooth operation of education centers, allowing church leaders to focus on ministry and outreach.

• Spiritual Formation Programs: In addition to academic curriculum, we offer spiritual formation programs that integrate faith into every aspect of a child’s education. Through Bible studies, chapel services, and age-appropriate activities, we create opportunities for children to encounter Jesus Christ and develop a personal relationship with Him.

• Community Engagement and Outreach: True North Kids helps churches foster meaningful connections with families in their communities. Through outreach events, parent education programs, and family-friendly activities, we create opportunities for churches to demonstrate God’s love and share the hope of the gospel with families in their neighborhoods.

2. Partnership Model – For those churches that are located in a select market with the ideal demographics to sustain an early childhood education center of around 150 – 200+ children, we would typically recommend aligning with one of our strategic childcare partners that provide complete operational management. In this model, the church would enter a shared-revenue agreement in which the church operates as a landlord overseeing the ministry of the childcare center, while the partner would oversee its operation. Our partners include Pathways Learning Academy and Lionheart Children’s Academy

3. Classical Christian Education Model –For those churches that currently operate or are considering starting a private Christian school, this could be a great option. This would allow you to get certified through a Christian organization that certifies early childhood education and in most cases does not require state certification, offering an easier on-ramp to starting your early childhood education center.

Matt Roberts and his team at True North Kids specialize in helping churches think strategically about these kinds of early childhood education / childcare center models. Matt is the Founder and Lead Pastor at The Genesis Project, a church-based in Ogden, Utah that has grown to a multi-site movement in 6 communities across the nation, reaching thousands every week. He began his ministry as a youth pastor in the inner cities of Tampa, FL, and Portland, OR. For more than 20 years, Matt has served in various roles helping churches and denominations revitalize and reimagine their church planting strategies through an embedded, sustainable, community lens. 

Our process for exploring the potential of an early childhood education center in your new or existing facility begins with what we call a “Story Call”. Every church is different and it would be a mistake to believe there is a one-size-fits-all solution. That is why our process begins with listening. We want to know the story of your church. We want to understand where your church has been so that we might help it go where God is calling it to go. This perspective gathering is the focus of this introductory 30-60 minute Story Call. We believe that this initial collaboration with another pastor who intimately understands the challenges you are facing is key to our evaluation process.

Following the Story Call, a recommendation is made regarding next steps, which could include a demographic study of your area and/or further discussions with BGW Architects and True North Kids to assess preliminary feasibility and determine the best path forward.