They don’t just attend. They belong.

Kids and Student Ministry in Cookeville

Good News Co. helps children and teenagers know Jesus, build friendships, and grow in faith alongside their families. Explore Sunday care for birth through preschool, family worship for elementary-age children, and Wednesday gatherings for kids and students.

Students worshiping together at Good News Co.

Our heart for families

Discipleship begins at home.

Parents are the primary disciplers of their children. Our role as a church is to walk alongside households—equipping, encouraging, and resourcing them for that sacred calling.

We embrace an intergenerational approach because children grow best when they are woven into the life of the whole church. When they see worship and faith modeled, they do not only learn about faith; they experience it in action.

An adult holding a young child at Good News Co.
Three children smiling behind the church coffee station.

What we see

Faith becomes part of real life.

Faith is modeled

Kids watch adults sing, pray, serve, and respond to God.

Belonging is built

Shared worship tells every child, “You are part of God’s family.”

Truth takes root

Children absorb Scripture, prayer, and teaching—even when they do not catch every word.

Conversations continue

Shared worship gives parents natural openings to keep talking at home.

Habits are formed

Regular rhythms of worship help shape lifelong faith practices.

Relationships grow

Kids learn from believers across every generation.

What to expect

A place for the whole family.

A young person reading into a microphone alongside an adult at Good News Co.

Sunday: Birth through preschool

Children from birth through preschool have classes with age-appropriate teaching and care during Sunday’s 10:00 AM service.

Sunday: Elementary-age children

Elementary-age children grow into worship with their families. Parents and teachers work together on the right transition so children can take part in the life of the whole church.

Wednesday: Fifth grade through high school

Fifth graders join our middle school programming. Students through high school usually gather in the sanctuary at 6:00 PM Central, except the first Wednesday, when everyone gathers for Prayer Night. Check the live calendar for this week’s details.

Wednesday: Kindergarten through fourth grade

Kids dig into God’s Word, ask questions, and learn to live out their faith with their peers. Check the current calendar for the next Wednesday gathering.

View current Kids + Student events

For families

Questions about Kids + Students

Where and when do I check in my child on Sunday?

Sunday Kid Check-In opens at 9:30 AM at the designated table in the lobby. Look for the Kid Check-In signage. Service begins at 10:00 AM Central.

Where do I pick up my child?

Pick up your child at the same place you dropped them off after service.

How will you contact me during service?

Parents leave their cell phone information at check-in. Our team will text you if your child needs you.

What safety training do kids workers receive?

All kids workers are background checked and trained. All teams receive regular safety, CPR, and emergency training.

Is there a space for nursing mothers?

Yes. We have a space for nursing mothers. Ask a welcome team member or someone wearing a name badge to help you find it.

How do I share allergies or medical conditions?

Please add allergies and any medical conditions our team needs to know about to your child’s profile at check-in. This creates an alert for the teams serving your child.

Where does fifth grade belong on Wednesdays?

Fifth grade is part of our middle school programming. Fifth graders join the student service, which usually meets in the sanctuary at 6:00 PM Central. On the first Wednesday of the month, everyone gathers on campus for Prayer Night.

Check this week’s schedule
What happens on Wednesday nights?

Our usual Wednesday gatherings begin at 6:00 PM Central. The first Wednesday of each month is Prayer Night, with everyone on campus together. On other Wednesdays, men’s and women’s Circle Small Groups meet on campus and you can join anytime. Kindergarten through fourth grade have Elementary Kids Service in Building 2, and fifth grade through high school have Student Service in the sanctuary. Additional classes meet at Vertical Coffee according to the calendar. Always check the live calendar for current dates, times, and locations.

Open the live calendar

Elementary · Wednesdays

Small steps. Growing faith.

Kindergarten through fourth grade have a place to learn, play, make friends, and discover the love of Jesus—with a church family walking alongside yours. Kids dig into God’s Word, ask questions, and learn to live out their faith with friends. Elementary service usually meets in Building 2 at 6:00 PM Central during Discipleship Night.

Our usual rhythm is to meet on Wednesdays except the first Wednesday of the month, when everyone gathers on campus for Prayer Night. Check the live calendar for this week’s details.

Children listening together during a GNCO Kids gathering.
Two children smiling together in dress-up crowns.

Fifth grade through high school · Wednesdays

Your Wednesday. Your people.

A full student service for fifth grade through high school with worship, teaching, food, and more. Fifth graders are part of our middle school programming. Bring a friend, share a meal, and make room for God to work in your life. There is a place for you to ask honest questions, build real friendships, and grow in your faith.

Students usually meet in the sanctuary at 6:00 PM Central on Wednesdays. On the first Wednesday of the month, everyone gathers on campus for Prayer Night. Check the live calendar for the current schedule.

Students smiling and spending time together outside Good News Co.
Two students kneeling together with their arms around one another.
Three students standing together with arms around each other.

Faith Focus

Simple steps. Deeper faith. Together.

Each month, Faith Focus gives households a shared rhythm of Scripture, prayer, conversation, listening, and simple practices. Use it with your family, on your own, or with others.

Good News Co. family discipleship resource artwork.

Our hope

Faith that lasts.

Our prayer is that every child would know Jesus, love His church, and walk confidently in faith—and that every parent would feel supported and equipped to lead their family spiritually with joy.

Connect with our family team