Welcome to Grow
CDM’s mission is to strengthen the Church through connections. Through articles, podcasts, and resources we want to help connect you with people and tools that will help you in ministry.
Ministry to children can often feel lonely, but we hope this site will be a place that will encourage you and equip you for a lifetime of investing in the next generation. You are part of God’s covenant community and your investment in the little ones really does matter to God.
Check back often for new posts and updated resources.
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GROW Virtual Conference – August 19-20, 2022
Theme: The Good Shepherd
Gather a group of teachers and volunteers at your church to participate in a
Livestream and recorded weekend of training.
For the Next Generation
For the Next Generation— I was crossing the bridge from my nineteen years as a member of Altadena Valley to becoming a staff member as well. This new chapter as Altadena Valley’s children’s ministry assistant had filled my heart with hope in numerous ways. I was excited to be working again, even in this small capacity, after being primarily at home with [...]
How God Used Certification in my Life and Ministry
How God Used Certification In My Life and Ministry- When our children were younger, we lived in a small neighborhood, and periodically the fire department would test the fire hydrants – our kids thought it was awesome! Each month of Certification last year felt like I was taking in information as if drinking from that fire hydrant blasting massive amounts of water [...]
Laboring Together in Community
Laboring Together in Community— “Who will sign up to serve?” “I hope Joey will lead relay games again this year.” “I need a dynamic teacher for the pizza and story time room.” These were the thoughts swirling through my head as I closed my laptop. It was time to plan our annual “Kids Night Out” event, and the link for both attendee [...]
Find Your People
Find Your People- Before I worked full-time as a Director of Children’s Ministry, I taught fourth grade at a local elementary school. It was a pretty large school, so there were six fourth-grade teachers. Three of us taught math and science, while the others taught language arts and social studies. Those of us who taught math would meet often to plan and [...]
LEAD Retreat Life-Changing and Ministry-Shaping
LEAD Retreat- Life-Changing and Ministry-Shaping The Children’s Ministry Director who went to her first LEAD Retreat at Ridge Haven several years ago is not the same Director who returned. When I boarded the airplane in Detroit, I couldn’t have known the effect that the next few days would continue to have on my ministry— from the seeds that would be sown to [...]
Encouraging New Children’s Ministry Leaders
Encouraging New Children’s Ministry Leaders - This blogpost is intended for new Children’s Ministry leaders and those who mentor them. You might be leading in an established context or in a brand-new church plant as a new leader. We hope these thoughts are an encouragement to the work the Lord has called you to. Know Your Mission I remember praying with someone [...]
Yes, I am the New Children’s Director! Now what?
Yes, I am the New Children’s Director! Now what?- Yay! You are the new Children’s Director at your church, and it’s no surprise to your friends. After all, you love children! All your life people have told you how great you are with kids, and you knew they were right. Now, as you prepare for Sunday morning, you are wondering just what [...]
On Earth As It Is In Heaven
On Earth as It Is in Heaven- Facing change is inevitable, but when we are not prepared, change can be wearisome and challenging. Now that I am in the post-diaper-changing and minivan era, I find myself wanting more predictability and comfort. Daily tasks such as driving, laundry, and grocery shopping, become “work” as I deal with the effects of my aging mind [...]
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