PRE-CONFERENCE WORKSHOPS – FRIDAY, 3:00 – 5:00 PM

• Connect with Your Creator. Enjoy time with the Lord through contemplative prayer stations.

• Connection Based Parenting. Abby Spence. Parenting strategies that strengthen our relationships with our kids.

• Equipping Leaders with a Biblical Response to Sexuality (MinLdr) Leah King. In this workshop we will look at the reality of our sexually distorted culture, how as church leaders we can respond, and resources to keep you in the know on how to respond with truth and compassion that lead to redemption and restoration.

• Hyfi: Let's Flip the Script on Curriculum (MinLdr) Jeremy Carroll. Explore a new curriculum to reach the next generation. What if we dropped some of our go-to assumptions about kids each week? Are they really ready to learn or having a good day or even want to be at church? Do they know what last week's lesson was about?  Explore what it would look like to use a resource with a new set of assumptions. 

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BREAKOUTS – Saturday

Saturday, Breakouts – Session 1, 9:00 to 10:00 AM

• Biblical Response to Sexuality for Students (All) Leah King

Come join the conversation discussing the importance of equipping and discipling students with a biblical worldview regarding a sexually fluid culture. We will look at the roles that parents, pastors, and leaders have in responding through discipleship and age-appropriate conversations about sexuality and the Bible.

• Connect with Your Creator. (All) Self-guided and hosted by Melanie Annes

Enjoy time with the Lord through contemplative prayer stations.

• Every Child is a Gift. (Kids) Delanee Williams

Many times, what we might see as disruptive or hard to teach children are actually opportunities to see how God has uniquely gifted them. In this session, we'll talk about strategies to guide you as a teacher and help you see the potential in each child.

• Healthy Habits of KidMin Leaders (MinLdr) Jeremy Carroll

Among planning events, coordinating volunteers, evaluating curriculum, and of course building relationships with kids, it is easy to develop some “bad” habits in our ministries. Let’s pause, take a breath, and talk about some healthy habits kid min leaders should consider and how to implement them.

• Influencing Children’s Mental Health: The Church’s Response. (All) Joye Smith, WMU

The mental health crisis reaches our kids in their early years. How do we support children and families? How do we build a foundation of positive mental health? Explore ways for children’s ministry leaders to respond.

• Preschoolers CRAVE Boundaries (Preschool) Gay McNeil

Within healthy boundaries, preschoolers develop relationships and enjoy the freedom to discover Biblical truth and the world around them.

• To homeschool or not to homeschool... THAT is the question! (Parents) April Trigsted

Have you been prayerfully pondering homeschooling? Are you a veteran homeschooler, or somewhere in between? Join us today for tips and tricks of the trade, info and Q&A.

 

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Saturday, Breakouts – Session 2, 10:15 to 11:15 AM

• Biblical Response to Sexuality for Kids (All) Leah King

Come join the conversation discussing the role of pastors, ministers, volunteers, and parents in a child’s life by how we can work together in helping them biblically navigate culture and sexuality through discipleship and age-appropriate conversations.   

• Connect with Your Creator. (All) Melanie Annes

Enjoy time with the Lord through contemplative prayer stations.

• Essentials: Teaching Preschoolers (Preschool) Mary Hall

How to get started. Special hints for success in the classroom.

• Help! God has blessed me with a child who has special challenges. (Parents) Laurie Panter

Share struggles and joys, and explore resources for wisdom and strength to love and care for them well.

• Partnering with Parents in Kid Min (MinLdr) Deanna & Donavan Norton

As parents are engaged in the discipleship ministry at church they are equipped to disciple kids at home. Explore ways to include parents in leading Bible stories, games, crafts and Bible skills.

• Safety 1st. (MinLdr) Delanee Williams

Churches must make safety and security a priority. Come learn ways preschool and children's leaders can create and maintain a safe and secure children's ministry.

• Tools for Evangelism and Discipleship (MinLdr) Leigh Ann Stark

Grab a hammer and duct tape! A skilled laborer using the right tools can build a mighty fortress. Discipleship tools in the hands of caring mentors, parents and teachers can shape the spiritual foundation of a child. Explore tools and methods for effectively discipling preschoolers and children.

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Saturday, Breakouts – Session 3, 11:30-12:30 PM

• As You Go: Turning ordinary moments into dynamic discipleship for preschoolers. (Parents/Preschool) Mary Hall

Dt 6:4-9 directs parents to repeat His words as you go. Explore fun creative ways to share your faith with your  kids.

• Biblical Response to Sexuality for Leaders (MinLdr) Leah King

Ever wondered how to respond to those in ministry when it comes to topics regarding sexuality and culture? In this breakout session we will look at the reality of our sexually distorted culture, how as leaders we are to respond, and what our role is in equipping those God placed in our care.

• Bridge the gap. (All) Sarah Toles

Share ideas for events that build community by continuing connection outside of Sunday mornings or Wednesday evenings.

• Building a Missions Heart within Kids. (All) Joye Smith, WMU

Discover creative ways to lead preschoolers and children to grow a missions heart. Through missions discipleship, kids learn what it means to live a life on mission.

• Caring for Kids in Crisis. (All) Abby Spence

Changing the way we think about behavior. Meeting kids needs with trauma informed strategies.

• Discipling God’s Special Blessings at Church (All) Laurie Panter

The tried and true traditional teaching methods often fail to meet the needs of kids who act and learn differently. Explore tips and tricks for meeting the special needs of these blessings as you walk a path toward faith with them.

• Games that Build Relationships (Kids) Leah An

Let them play!

• Hyfi - Let's Flip the Script on Curriculum (MinLdr) Jeremy Carroll

 

What if we dropped some of our go-to assumptions about kids each week? Are they really ready to learn or having a good day or even want to be at church? Do they know what last week's lesson was about?  Explore what it would look like to use a resource with a new set of assumptions.

• I Love to Tell the Story! (All) Rebecca Oosterhout

Instill a love for God's word by making the Bible come alive with fun, interactive story telling.

• Oh boy! I have preteens! (Parents, Kids) Heather Malm

Tackling tough topics requires strong relationships. Explore creative ways to communicate Biblical truth.

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