When you walk into Athens Church in Columbus, Indiana, you can expect to feel the warmth of a community that’s growing together in faith. At the heart of this vibrant congregation is Athens Kids, a children’s ministry that focuses on intentionally partnering with parents to build a gospel-centered foundation for their children. Through Sunday morning opportunities and discipleship at home, Athens Kids is making a lasting impact.
How did they get to this point? Athens Church officially launched in 2016, and after being blessed with growth, it eventually became clear that Athens Kids needed something more as a children’s ministry. When they approached Amenable asking how to create a children’s ministry brand, we saw an exciting opportunity to create a brand that could grow right alongside their families.
Why Branding Matters for Children’s Ministries
When most people think about branding, they picture logos, color schemes, and catchy taglines. But branding is so much more, especially when it comes to children’s ministries. It’s about creating an identity that communicates trust, safety, and excitement to parents, volunteers, and, of course, the kids themselves. For Athens Church, with a congregation made up largely of young families, figuring out how to create a children’s ministry brand wasn’t just a nice-to-have—it was essential to the ministry’s purpose.
In any children’s program, parents want to know that their children are in a place where they’re not only safe but also engaged, loved, and learning about Jesus in a meaningful way. Volunteers need to feel connected to the mission and equipped to serve effectively. And kids? Well, they just want to have fun while feeling like they belong. A strong, cohesive brand helps accomplish all of this.
In any children’s program, parents want to know that their children are in a place where they’re not only safe but also engaged, loved, and learning about Jesus in a meaningful way. Volunteers need to feel connected to the mission and equipped to serve effectively. And kids? Well, they just want to have fun while feeling like they belong. A strong, cohesive brand helps accomplish all of this.
Partnering with Athens: How to Create a Children’s Ministry Brand
Athens Church recognized the need to clearly communicate trust and consistency through their children’s ministry; they understood the why, but they didn’t have the how. That’s where Amenable came in. Our team partnered with Athens to design a new logo and subbrand specifically for Athens Kids. The goal was to create something vibrant, welcoming, and distinctly different from the broader church brand while still feeling connected.
When tackling how to create a children’s ministry brand, we knew we wanted to infuse energy and excitement without overwhelming the core message. We developed a playful yet purposeful color palette, selected typography that was both kid-friendly and professional, and created a pattern of geometric shapes that added a fun, dynamic feel across all materials. From signage that catches the eye to resource materials that engage both kids and parents, every detail was intentional.
When tackling how to create a children’s ministry brand, we knew we wanted to infuse energy and excitement without overwhelming the core message. We developed a playful yet purposeful color palette, selected typography that was both kid-friendly and professional, and created a pattern of geometric shapes that added a fun, dynamic feel across all materials. From signage that catches the eye to resource materials that engage both kids and parents, every detail was intentional.
Bringing the Brand to Life
Creating a brand isn’t just about the visual elements—it’s about how those elements come to life. We worked closely with the Athens Kids Ministry Lead to roll out the new brand in a way that felt authentic and seamless. Here’s how we made it happen:
- Eye-Catching Signage: We designed colorful, easy-to-read signs that help families navigate church space with ease. Clear signage isn’t just practical; it also reinforces a sense of security and professionalism.
- Engaging Resources: From classroom materials to coloring packets, we created resources to deepen connections between the ministry, families, and children. Discipleship doesn’t stop at Sunday mornings, so we also created take-home resources that extended the ministry's impact. This approach was a key part of understanding how to create a children’s ministry brand that effectively partners with parents, and the resulting materials were fun, engaging, and consistent with the new brand.
- Branded Apparel: Finally, we introduced T-shirts for volunteers and kids to build team spirit and help make staff easily identifiable, adding another layer of trust and security.
How to Create a Children’s Ministry Brand: What We Learned
If you’re wondering how to create a children’s ministry brand for your own church, here are a few key takeaways from our experience with Athens Kids:
- Start with Mission: Your brand should reflect the heart of your ministry. Athens Kids’ mission to partner with parents guided every design choice we made.
- Think Beyond Sunday: Consider how your brand will show up outside the church— in homes, schools, and the community.
- Consistency Is Key: Whether it’s signage, shirts, or take-home materials, a cohesive look and feel help build trust and recognition.
- Engage Your Team: Collaborate with ministry leaders, volunteers, and even parents to ensure the brand resonates with your audience.
- Make It Fun: After all, it’s a children’s ministry! Use colors, shapes, and language that capture kids’ imaginations while still supporting your mission.
Creating a brand for a ministry isn’t just about looking good—it’s about creating connections, building trust, and supporting your mission. Whether you’re starting from scratch or refreshing an existing ministry, understanding how to create a children’s ministry brand can make all the difference.
Ultimately, it’s not just about logos and color palettes. It’s about helping kids feel loved, parents feel confident, and volunteers feel equipped. That’s the power of a great brand—and Athens Kids is living proof of what’s possible when you get it right.
“I was amazed at Anna’s vast knowledge, experience, and great ideas about how to take an idea and turn it into a great resource. Multiple times I began with a small idea and a dream, and Anna was able to turn those ideas into amazing resources for families that were even more helpful, polished, and professional than I could’ve imagined.”
SAMANTHA / ATHENS KIDS DIRECTOR
Want a behind the scenes look at this project? Check out the comprehensive project case study below.