Kids Connection celebrates 30 years
Nearly 30 years ago, Kids Connection was born out of a desire to encourage young children to “stay connected to Jesus.” Modeled after its adult counterpart WELS Connection, this monthly video gives school children a glimpse into interesting ministries, stories, people, and programs from around the synod—with the goal of illustrating how kids too can live lives of faith in Jesus.
A ministry of WELS Discipleship, Kids Connection is produced by Mr. Steve Boettcher and Mrs. Kris Snyder, each of whom has been with the program since the very beginning. When they were just getting started, Snyder explains, “we wanted to provide a way for kids to see other kids serving Jesus by serving others and to use the gospel to connect them to each other, to others in WELS, and, most importantly, to Jesus.”
Together with Rev. Tony Schultz, who has been creating and sharing memorable Scripture lessons on-screen since the very beginning, the Kids Connection team has reached kids across multiple generations. Now, as this unique children’s ministry embarks on its milestone 30th season, the team is eager to continue encouraging kids in their walks of faith.
The newest season of Kids Connection introduces two new teen hosts—Ty and Erika. Both are looking forward to acting as role models for their younger peers. “I am most excited about the fact that I get to share God’s Word with students through humor and videos,” says Ty. “It is an awesome opportunity to let my light shine and share the good news with others.” Erika adds, “Having the opportunity to be a role model for Christian kids brings me so much joy just thinking about it. To know that the work that I am doing will help kids connect to their Savior is so special to me.”
While the program currently reaches about 95 percent of WELS schools, the producers ultimately hope to be in every WELS church, school, and early childhood center. They share multiple ways this seven-minute video can be used:
- Play it during an all-school chapel.
- Play it in each classroom or at the early childhood center during lunch.
- View it in church on a different week from WELS Connection.
- Share it with families with young children who do not attend a WELS school.
- Share it with homeschooling families.
- Keep a copy in the church or school library for families to check out for home use.
- Watch it in after-school programs and youth group gatherings.
Says Snyder, “We pray our audience is using Kids Connection to share the love of Jesus, to inspire each other, to learn, to produce fruit of faith, to grow in faith, to be encouraged, and to ‘stay connected to Jesus.’ ”
Learn more and subscribe at wels.net/kidsconnection.
Kids Connection wants to connect with you!
The production team is compiling a video to celebrate 30 years of ministry. Whether you’ve seen all 30 seasons or just discovered it recently, what is your most memorable Kids Connection moment? How has Kids Connection impacted you, your school, your students, or your ministry? Send your one-minute video, photo, or e-mail to [email protected] by Dec. 31, 2024.
