Kids Alive Takes Families on an Intergalactic Adventure Through God’s Word

Through music, movement and Scripture-filled storytelling, Arbor’s Kids Alive children deliver a powerful reminder to hide God’s Word in our hearts

Last weekend, May 16–17, the children of Kids Alive at Arbor Christian Fellowship lit up the stage with Star Quest: Search for the Stolen Scriptures — a lively, Scripture-filled musical that combined singing, drama, movement, humor and heartfelt truth into a memorable weekend for families and church members alike.

From the very first song, the energy in the room was unmistakable. The Space crew of Star Quest J-316 — including a captain, droid robot and rescued Boogiewok — energetically filled the stage in a world where the Bible exists only online through the “Intergalactic Bible Database.” But when someone with ill intentions attempts to erase Scripture completely, the children are faced with an important question: Can the Word of God ever truly be destroyed?

For the children of Kids Alive, the answer rang loud and clear all weekend long.

As our scripturally-proficient leaders often remind children, the one Bible no one can ever take away is the one hidden in your heart. The musical beautifully echoed the truth of Psalm 119:11:

“I have stored up Your word in my heart, that I might not sin against You.”

For many of the children, however, the best part of Kids Alive isn’t just the message — it’s the joy of participating together.

“I like saying my lines and doing the moves,” shared one 12-year-old boy who played a Space Captain.

One enthusiastic five-year-old smiled brightly as she explained that her favorite part is getting to “say your solos!”

Another nine-year-old loves getting a speaking part, while an eight-year-old cast member confidently shared that she enjoys “the performance because we know what to do!” One little six-year-old summed it up simply and perfectly:

“I like everything!”

That joy was evident everywhere throughout the weekend.

One of the lasting signatures of Arbor’s Kids Alive ministry — now 38 years strong — is movement. Kids Alive understands something every parent already knows well: children are wonderfully energetic. Instead of expecting them to sit perfectly still, the ministry intentionally incorporates dance, choreography, movement and hands-on participation into every song. The result is a performance style that feels joyful, engaging and alive.

Audience members were treated not only to singing and drama, but also to exciting gymnastics, flips, percussion and a few stunts throughout the production. The children moved confidently across the stage, worshipping God with both their voices and their bodies.

Kids Alive presents two musicals each year — one at Christmas and another in the spring — and for leaders and parents, one of the sweetest parts is watching the children grow in confidence from one performance to the next.

Open to children from kindergarten through sixth grade (with a few adorable younger siblings often joining in the fun), Kids Alive truly offers something for everyone. Children not only learn Scripture through music, but also gain opportunities to sing solos, perform duets and trios, memorize speaking parts and participate in weekly drama rehearsals that help bring each production to life.

Even more meaningful is watching older students continue serving after they age out of the program. Many return as helpers, mentoring younger children, assisting during rehearsals and moving props on and off stage with patience and joy. It is a beautiful picture of discipleship in action and a reminder of Jesus’ words in Matthew 19:14:

“Let the little children come to Me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.”

Performance weekend also brings together a wonderful crowd of supporters from every generation — grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, siblings and countless friends fill the room to encourage the children. Young audience members especially delight in watching their peers sing, dance and act in the futuristic adventure on stage.

More than just a performance, the weekend serves as a celebration of faith, family, Scripture and the unique way God uses children to minister to others.

At Arbor Christian Fellowship, ministries like Kids Alive continue to reflect the church’s heart to help people find Jesus, grow together and change the world — one song, one Bible verse and one joyful child at a time.