A US-based Christian children’s ministry founded in the aftermath of the 11 September 2001 attacks is marking 25 years of activity, with its founder saying the work is entering a period of renewed momentum rather than decline.
Becky Fischer, a former children’s pastor from North Dakota, says the idea for what would become Kids in Ministry International emerged during a moment of personal reflection in late September 2001, shortly after she decided to leave her church role and pursue an independent ministry.
At the time, she says, there were few models for autonomous children’s ministries focused on spiritual formation rather than traditional holiday programmes or church-based activities.
According to Fischer, the defining concept came as she considered the future direction of her calling: not organising short-term children’s events, but establishing structured “schools of ministry” designed specifically for children.
The approach centred on training children in Christian spiritual practices—something she had already been doing informally within Sunday services for a decade. The difference, she says, was scale and intentionality.
Back in North Dakota, Fischer began producing curriculum materials from her home, initially printing lessons on a standard household printer and compiling them in ring binders. Early programmes included themed courses such as The School of the Bible, The School of the Holy Spirit, The School of Healing and The School of Evangelism.
Invitations to host children’s conferences followed quickly, with the curricula forming the backbone of these events. In later years, the programmes were rebranded with more accessible titles, including Our Amazing God, Hearing God’s Voice and I’ve Got Good News.
Today, Kids in Ministry International operates globally, working with churches and organisations that support charismatic and Pentecostal expressions of Christianity, particularly those emphasising early spiritual engagement.
Despite reaching a quarter-century milestone, Fischer says the ministry is not winding down.
“Rather than slowing, I sense an acceleration,” she said, adding that plans are under way to mark the anniversary with events and initiatives shaped by input from the organisation’s leadership team.
The ministry has invited supporters and partners to contribute ideas for how the anniversary year should be celebrated.
