Meet Our New Kids Ministry Director!

MEET RACHEL TIDWELL! 
KIDS MINISTRY DIRECTOR 

This is a celebratory post so please join our virtual whoops & hollers! We have our new Kids Ministry Director here at Sierra Bible Church. I know, it's very exciting. We hope you were able to join us on Sunday or tune in on YouTube as Pastor Steve announced that Mrs. Rachel Tidwell accepted the position. Whether you've known her from childhood, or are newly meeting this incredible woman, we hope you enjoy reading along! 

1. Many may not know that you actually used to work here. Tell us a little about your prior experience here at Sierra Bible, specifically in Kids Ministry. 

I began volunteering as a teenager and spent a summer in high school working for Becky while I was working off community service hours I received from a speeding ticket. I had always loved working with children, especially in Children’s Ministry so really I was just excited to spend that time on the team. I then came back and worked in Children’s Ministry the summer after my freshman year in college. That summer I worked a lot more with the older kids, doing things like 5th & 6th Jr. Jam and went as a counselor to Hume Lake. I think returned to join the team the summer of 2008 and was hired as the 2-K Coordinator since the degree I had just completed from Cal Poly was in Child Development and the work experience I had been getting was specific to preschool. From 2008-2013 I remained on staff as the 2-K Coordinator, but was part of the overall team helping in all areas such as VBS, Christmas, Easter, Awana, Fall Fun Night, Sunday school etc. 

2. I have found it to be a privilege knowing you for the last twelve years (since I moved to town). Tell me what you love the most about me? Ok, just kidding. Tell us about your family and what taking this position means to them? 

Well Emily…. Haha jk.

My Husband Kevin and I grew up at SBC and were high school sweethearts. We have been married for almost 14 years. He is a firefighter with Alameda City Fire Department. We have two incredible boys, Carson - 9 years old, and Blake 7 years old. The four of us love adventuring, traveling and spending time together. We are a sports family and love being active playing things like Soccer, Baseball, Golf and Tennis. We love spending time with friends and family but also cherish our time just the four of us. Kevin and the boys have been extremely supportive of me taking this position, knowing that they too are a big part of it. They all love being involved in ministry and deeply care about our church community. They are excited to be able to serve in new and different ways and to figure out what it will look like to partner with me and the overall team to serve our church and community.

3. What are your favorite and least favorite Kids Ministry traditions?

I can honestly say that both as a kid in the ministry and as a leader now Vacation Bible School/ Kids Camp is easily one of my favorite traditions/events. I love how it brings in so much of the community as well as our church family for a fun, action packed week of growing and learning about God’s love and plan for our lives. I have always had a heart for Awana and our Sunday night programs. I love that kids are learning and memorizing bible verses and the smaller group setting to get to know the kids even better. 

I can honestly say I can’t think of something that I really don’t like that we do.

4. If you could be Batman or Spiderman, which one would you be and why?

Well despite the fact that I hate spiders, I would choose to be Spiderman. Spiderman can climb walls and shoot webs, which essentially help him “fly” places. He doesn’t have to rely on cool gear but instead has his own“spider-given” abilities! 

5. What did you think you'd be when you were 10 years old? 

I thought that I would become a teacher! I had several incredible teachers growing up, including Sunday school teachers, and their influence on my life as well as my love for school and helping others learn made me want to be a teacher for a long time.

6. What song best describes you?

Smile by Sidewalk Prophets reflects my heart, especially the last few years. Choosing Joy - Choosing to Smile - The world can’t destroy God and his bigger plan and love for us! Life will get hard and we will face difficult times but God always gives us reasons to SMILE!!!!

A song that describes how I see my life, especially with my family would have to be From the Ground Up by Dan + Shay. 

7. Do you have any book recommendations for parents out there? 

I love reading parenting and devotion books. Over the past couple years I’ve come to love quite a few that are especially dedicated to parenting boys, but can really be for any parent. My top books right now are:

Boy Mom by Monica Swanson
Memory Making Mom by Jessica Smartt
Let Them Be Kids by Jessica Smartt
Wild Things by James & Thomas 
Raising Grateful Kids in an Entitled World by Kristen Welch
Jesus Calling *kids devotional* by Sarah Young

Ok, church! There she is. Be sure to congratulate her and, if you haven't already, jump in to what Kids Ministry has to offer. It's pretty spectacular!