What is klife?
KLIFE is a discipleship ministry for 6th-12th grade kids in the Nashville area. What began as a program to encourage and equip students after returning home from a Christian sports camp in Southwest Missouri, quickly grew to become a year-round small group ministry with their families and their friends. In 1979, the first KLIFE chapter was founded because families wanted their students to be discipled year-round and not just in the summer.
We host fun large group gatherings throughout the semester to bring kids together for great times and lasting memories! We put on large events in hopes that students will be introduced to KLIFE and learn more about what KLIFE can offer them. From there, we hope that students get plugged into small group Bible studies that are designed to help them grow in their relationship with the Lord. All of our small groups are led by full-time staff members or vetted and trained college and young adult volunteers. Finally, our students are pursued in an intentional setting for true discipleship and support through their teenage years. In KLIFE, kids learn that living a life for Jesus is the greatest decision they can ever make, and that He is better than anything that the world has to offer.
OUR MISSION
TO POINT STUDENTS TO JESUS SO THEY CAN MEET HIM, KNOW HIM, FOLLOW HIM AND BE EQUIPPED TO POINT OTHERS TO HIM ALSO.
WHY KLIFE IS SO IMPORTANT
Research shows that for every ten Christian’s who step foot on a college campus, only two graduate still professing to believe in Jesus. The overwhelming common denominator for the two out of ten is they had someone intentionally investing in them during their teenage years; someone like a KLIFE small group leader.
Teenagers are walking onto college campuses unable to defend their faith, but when a young adult shares their life with a teenager, transferring spiritual truths and life experiences, they are far more likely to continue walking with Jesus through college.
our model of ministry
GROW EXCITEMENT: Our desire to provide a safe environment through gatherings, full of energy, laughter, and fellowship, where Biblical truth is heard, Godly community is experienced and relational equity with students is built as their excitement for the Gospel grows
ENGAGE HEARTS: Our Small Groups are the “heartbeat” of our ministry & comprised of same-gendered peers that gather on a weekly basis with a trained leader to study Scripture, encourage spiritual growth, promote accountability within the group and engage hearts to rely on the hope found in Jesus
SHARE LIFE: Our Small Group leaders are trained to pursue their students not only during small group time, but also seeking out intentional discipleship opportunities to meet students where they are at. This context is often necessary to address the deeper issues students are facing, as well as provide specific gospel centered truth, encouragement and guidance as they share life together
***all student / leader contact follows our SPP (Student Protection Plan) protocols to ensure appropriate boundaries that promote safe & healthy relationships
SMALL GROUPS
Small Groups are KLIFe’s heartbeat
We believe that small groups are where your student has the greatest opportunity for spiritual growth! These groups exist for students to be known and loved by their peers and leaders through studying God's Word and having fun in the process.
Each small group is led by one or two KLIFE volunteers who have a heart for ministry and working with kids. Each volunteer has been through an interview process with KLIFE staff, received a background check, and signed a commitment to follow Christ in their own life.
Small group meeting times will be determined by the leader of the group based on when everyone is able to meet. The groups are assembled according first to gender, then by groups of friends. Our hope is to bring groups of kids together to build accountability and Christ-centered relationships.
LIVE CURRICULUM
LIVE is a digital curriculum that gets kids into the Bible and the Bible into kids. LIVE crafted lessons are easily understood, with principles that our leaders can grasp and pass along to students. Plus, the lessons emphasize discussion, dialogue, and meaningful connections among the group. This allows leaders and students to just enjoy spending time with one another and each will thrive with this curriculum.
Each KLIFE Small Group may use the interactive LIVE Curriculum to help each group be effective and focused. The KLIFE Staff sets every leader and group up into the system.
The heartbeat of KLIFE is to see kids grow in their faith.
Through your gift today, you'll make it possible through weekly small groups, large group events, retreats, and life on life discipleship!
How can you give?
Join us to support your student's small group! Fill out the info above to give once or every month.
To set up a stock gift, select “assets” when the form asks “What would you like to donate?” The form will then guide you through the process.
Why Give?
KLIFE is 100% funded by people like YOU, who know that student discipleship is critical.
What is the need?
We have a team of 3 full time staff serving over 400 students, 48 leaders, and 32 small groups! It costs $1200 per student to support KLIFE Nashville's expenses (and your students)!
Maggie Evans | Women’s Director
Maggie is from Pittsburg, KS and a graduate of Southwest Baptist University, where she spent 4 years as a volunteer leader for KLIFE in Polk County, MO. In between her semesters at SBU, she worked at Kanakuk Kamps, and would later attend the Kanakuk Institute in Branson, MO. At the Institute, Maggie spent 8 months growing in biblical understanding, discipleship and leadership. After completing this rigorous program, she moved to Nashville and helped launch KLIFE in the Music City.
Maggie is wildly passionate about God's Word and enjoys meeting new people and building connections. She has a deep passion for working with students and spurring them on in their relationship with Jesus. Here is what she had to say about her experience with Nashville KLIFE, “What a ride it has been to be a part of a startup chapter! The ministry of KLIFE has continued to be so transformative in my life and it is such a gift to get to watch the Lord work in the lives of our students and leaders.”
Sydney Stivers | Asst. Women’s Director
Sydney grew up in Paducah, KY and is a graduate of Murray State University. It was during her time at MSU as an education major that a heart for students began to grow. Her summers during college were spent working at Kanakuk K7. After graduation, Sydney went on to attend the Kanakuk Institute where she was introduced to KLIFE! The Lord used Sydney’s time at the Kanakuk Institute to greatly deepen her understanding of His word and grow her ability to communicate it to others. She is passionate about spurring students and leaders on to live bold lives for the sake of the gospel!
In Sydneys spare time she loves to watch 90’s tv, read a good book, go on sonic drink runs, or take a road trip! Sydney is excited to be here with us at Nashville KLIFE, and can’t wait to get to know the students, families, and volunteers here!
Josiah Beshear | Men’s Director
Josiah grew up in Wichita Falls, Texas, and graduated from Midwestern State University. Josiah grew up in church, but it wasn’t until high school that he realized what the gospel meant, and God completely changed his heart. Early in his college career, Josiah found a passion for full-time ministry and decided to work at his local church for four years. He spent his summers at Pine Cove Camps, and then later attended the Kanakuk Institute in 2022. Josiah is a big coffee guy, and loves to talk about God’s Word with those around him.
But that’s not all there is! Josiah is crazy about three things: Jesus, sports, and Dr. Pepper. He may be a Texan, but he is glad to be here serving along side our Tennessee volunteers!
STAY CONNECTED
In order to participate in KLIFE we must have a signed Liability Waiver for every student. Filling out this information will also add you to our mailing list, the KLIFE Monday Memo!