Investing in the next 75 years of faith at Kern

Seventy-five years ago, faithful people trusted God with a vision for Kern Church. Because they prayed, gave, and stepped forward in faith, generations of people have experienced belonging, grown in faith, and discovered their calling to make a difference.

Now it’s our turn.

Growing the Next Generation is Kern Church’s commitment to invest in children, families, and the future of faith in our community. Through prayer and generosity, we believe God is opening the door for us to serve families in new ways and create lasting impact for the next generation.

A Vision for the Future

Growing the Next Generation centers around launching a licensed childcare center that will serve families across our community.

The center will provide:

  • Full-time care for children ages 6 weeks through 5 years

  • Before- and after-school programs for school-aged children

  • A safe, nurturing, and high-quality learning environment

  • Daily opportunities to build relationships with families

The childcare center will serve up to 150 children and will utilize space in our existing education wing and gym area, updated to meet all safety, licensing, and operational requirements.

But this vision is about more than childcare.

It’s about creating a place where families experience warmth, belonging, and authentic Christian community—often long before they ever step into a worship service.

Why This Matters

Families across our community are searching for safe childcare and meaningful connection. At the same time, many families are not connected to a church community.

A childcare center allows Kern to meet a real need while also building relationships with families every day of the week. It becomes a natural bridge where families can experience belonging, support, and Christian community.

As Scripture reminds us:

"Tell the next generation all about the praise due the LORD and his strength—the wondrous works God has done … so that the next generation and children not yet born will know these things, and so they can rise up and tell their children to put their hope in God. — Psalm 78:4,6

The Investment

Launching this ministry requires both program startup costs and strategic facility improvements.

Estimated project cost: approximately $739,000

Campaign Goal: $700,000

These investments include:

  • Classroom setup and startup staffing

  • Architectural design and licensing compliance

  • Facility updates to meet childcare safety standards

  • HVAC improvements that strengthen Kern’s building for long-term ministry

In addition to serving families, this childcare ministry will provide sustainable funding to support Kern’s mission for years to come.

Preliminary Architectural Design

Preliminary Architectural Design

Your Invitation to Prayer

Before we ask what we can give, we begin with a deeper question:

“Lord, what do you want to do through me?”

We invite every person at Kern to pray for God’s guidance as we step forward together to grow the next generation.

Learn More

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Growing the Next Generation is Kern Church’s commitment to invest in children, families, and the future of faith in our community. Through prayer, generosity, and shared vision, we are preparing space for more people to belong, grow in faith, and make a difference.

  • • Making key facility investments, such as HVAC updates and building improvements, to support long-term ministry.

    • Launching a licensed childcare center – The center will serve up to 150 children, from 6 weeks to 5 years old, and offer before- and after-school programs for school-age children.

  • Across our region, families are searching for safe, nurturing childcare and meaningful community. Kern is already welcoming many of these families through our Camp Faith Nursery School. This next step allows us to deepen those relationships—creating daily opportunities for families to experience Christian love, connection, and belonging within our church family.

  • Yes. Quality childcare in Oak Ridge currently has long waitlists, and significant community growth is projected. According to the East Tennessee Economic Council, more than $12 billion in new nuclear investment is expected to generate approximately 3,000 new jobs in the region. This growth means more young families—and a meaningful opportunity for Kern to serve them with excellence and faith.

  • First, pray—for Kern, for families, and for God’s guidance. Then, ask a simple question in prayer: “Lord, what are You asking of me?” Each person’s response will be different, but every prayer and every gift matters.

  • No. Your regular giving sustains our current ministries. This campaign invites over-and-above generosity to expand what God is doing through Kern into the next generation.

  • The campaign season will take place in the weeks following Easter.

    • Kick-off of the campaign: April 12, 2026

    • Kern’s 75th anniversary celebration: April 26, 2026

    • Commitment Sunday: May 3, 2026, a worship moment where we offer our estimated three-year gifts to God together.

    • Celebration of results: May 17, 2026.

    • First Fruit Sunday: May 31, 2026, when you are invited to consider beginning your giving toward Growing the Next Generation.