The new Alive in Jesus Sabbath school curriculum is soon to reach the hands and hearts of our children. Families with new babies and toddlers will be the first to experience the new curriculum, which is being developed by the General Conference Sabbath school department. The Babies (birth-12 months) and Beginner (1-3 years) lesson guides are set to launch globally in January 2025, with other levels to follow. The beautifully illustrated and highly engaging Sabbath school study guides will be available for kids, parents and Sabbath school teachers through local Adventist Book Centres. All resources will also be available online. GraceLink will be phased out and no longer produced or resourced as the new Alive in Jesus curriculum is rolled out.
Children’s ministry directors from across the South Pacific Division (SPD) are thrilled and very motivated to enable families and churches to effectively utilise these new resources. Seventeen church leaders met at the Australian Union Conference (AUC) office in Melbourne on March 7–8 to be trained by Nina Atcheson, the curriculum manager.
The Alive in Jesus curriculum incorporates best educational practices and a deep understanding of faith development to enable parents and Sabbath school teachers to lead kids into a dynamic, mission-focused and lifelong relationship with Jesus. The Bible is the foundation of the new curriculum, with three key pillars of grace, character development and mission.
Colleen Savage (NNSW) said she is so impressed with the new curriculum. “They have really thought about everyone’s needs, cultures and backgrounds,” she reflects. “The best thing is that it keeps pointing our kids to Jesus’ love and grace through exploring Bible stories and service to others. It couldn’t have come at a better time for our churches.”
Sylvia Mendez (AUC) observed, “We are excited by what we saw and can’t wait to be part of the rollout starting in 2025 for Babies and Beginners.”
“Kids in New Zealand today need hope, direction and a purpose,” said Pastor Ben Martin, South New Zealand Conference president. “The Alive in Jesus curriculum offers all three as pillars of lessons, which excites my ministerial team.”
Ruthy Batu (Central Papua Conference) said, “Alive in Jesus is a ‘rich’ curriculum that makes the Bible stories come alive. It enhances biblical literacy and provides a pathway for children to make appropriate decisions for baptism.”
“We were challenged to consider what our churches would be like without children’s Sabbath school,” reflected Agnes Kola (Papua New Guinea Union Mission). “It struck me that Alive in Jesus is an essential key to the future of our Church.”
“For us in the Trans Pacific Union Mission,” said Loleth Worwor, “our children will be led to become vibrant disciples of Jesus through the Alive in Jesus curriculum with the help of the Holy Spirit.” Tafonga Pita (TPUM) added, “Nina’s training presentations gave us powerful insight into why we have Sabbath school and how we can bring about growth in grace, character and mission.”
Feedback from parents has already been overwhelmingly positive. In January 2023, five churches in the SPD were included in a global pilot of the curriculum. Data was gathered from around the world to help shape the resources. More than 95 per cent of the 826 global respondents indicated that they really appreciated Alive in Jesus. One parent from the SPD stated, “This new curriculum is beautifully written and illustrated. I love that there is something to read every day.” Another reflected, “There’s so much variety in the activities. The object lessons were fantastic! Having the craft laid out for us was awesome.”
Pastor Uili Mauga (Victoria) says, “I love that this curriculum encourages parents to be involved in their children’s spiritual growth.” Pastor Daron Pratt (Greater Sydney Conference) says, “Alive in Jesus will be a game changer for our kids. We all need to invest in this resource.” Pastor Andrew Olsen (WA) agrees: ”I love the practical, hands-on elements that are included in the Alive in Jesus curriculum.”
You will hear more about this new curriculum in coming months. For now, check out the inspiring overview brochure, video and lesson samples at aliveinjesus.info.
Ask your church pastor, head elder and worship leaders to screen the promotional video for this exciting new curriculum, which is available on the website, during your next Sabbath worship service.
Dr Sven Ostring is the director of ministry and strategy for the South Pacific Division.
