Workshops

**If you are new to Children’s Ministry or new to LEAD retreat, we encourage you to consider the last choice in each workshop session.

Workshops #1

Mission and Vision — Saralyn Tyler
People can’t follow leadership with no direction. This workshop will unpack how your Mission and Vision are vital to informing the tapestry of your Children’s Ministry. Together we will talk about why it matters to have these two statements, what informs them, how to write them, and then finally, how to implement them well as you seek to lead your Children’s Ministry for God’s glory!

Tech-wise Parenting — Joe Parker
Learn to partner with parents, teaching them to become tech-wise parents in our tech-savvy culture. Discover how to help parents guide their kids to use this amazing tool safely, including when to give a child their first phone, the benefits of social media, healthy screen time limits, and how your church can support them on this journey.

Reaching the Children in Your Community — Lisa Updike and Sarah Kalichman
Acts 17 tells us that God has placed each of us in our places and times so that we might reach out and find him. That’s exciting! So, who are the children in your neighborhood? Perhaps you have children who need help in school. Or those who come from other nations. Are you in an affluent area, or are your neighbors struggling to make ends meet? Let’s talk about those whom God has placed in our communities and how we might be used to help guide them to seek Jesus!

Building, Leading, and Sustaining an Effective Children’s Ministry Team — Bethany Belue
Children’s ministry is never a solo effort. This workshop will equip leaders to build, develop, and sustain a healthy team rooted in grace, truth, and shared vision. Together, we will explore how to recruit and train volunteers, shepherd your team spiritually, and structure roles in ways that honor each person’s gifts and empower them for the mission of your ministry and church. Whether you’re starting from scratch or strengthening an existing team, you’ll leave with biblical principles and practical tools to encourage both you and those who serve alongside you.

**How Being Presbyterian, Reformed, and Covenantal Shapes What We Build in Children’s Ministry — John Kwasny and Sherry Kendrick
Children’s ministries across evangelical churches often look alike on the surface—but our Presbyterian structure, Reformed theology, and Covenantal view of Scripture give us a unique blueprint for how we build and support the faith of the next generation.

In this workshop, leaders will explore the foundation stones that ground our ministry and the framework that shapes how we organize, teach, and care for the children entrusted to us. Come discover how these convictions guide every part of the ministry we are building together.

Workshops #2

Belonging Together: Helping Children and Families Live Out Their Gospel Identity in the Church — Jajuan McNeil & Laura Tucker
Together, we’ll explore how gospel identity—who we are in Christ—shapes the way families engage in the life of the church. And how we as children’s ministry leaders and volunteers can help children understand that they are fully valued members of the body of Christ, not future participants but present disciples with a meaningful place in God’s family. Join us as we discuss how we can help children and families not only understand but joyfully experience their place in God’s church—rooted in the gospel and lived out in everyday life.

Exploring the Teach Us to Worship Program — Heather Dirkse
Teach Us to Worship equips churches to cultivate intergenerational worship and nurture children as lifelong worshipers. In this workshop, we will explore the program’s framework and walk step-by-step through practical tools that help congregations plant seeds of cultural change. Together, we’ll examine how pastors, parents, and worship leaders can partner intentionally to form a shared vision of worship that welcomes, engages, and disciples every generation. Participants will leave with actionable strategies and resources to begin shaping a worship culture that teaches children—by participation and example—to love and live the rhythms of gathered worship.

Buddying Well: Helping Every Child Belong — Jeanette Simpson and Rebecca Howell
Many ministries use “buddies” to support children with disabilities. While the intention is good, a buddy isn’t always the right or only solution. In this workshop, we’ll talk about how to start a buddy ministry, when to provide one, what the role should accomplish, and how to avoid unintentionally isolating or limiting a child. We’ll explore how partnerships with buddies can foster safety, belonging, and discipleship as part of a larger vision to include and enfold every child in the life of the church.

Better Together: Children’s and Student Ministry Partnership — Katie Flores and Katie Gordon
Children’s and student ministries have different rhythms and challenges—but a shared mission to help young people love Jesus. This session explores practical ways to strengthen connection, communication, and collaboration between Children’s Ministry and Student Ministry, so together we can disciple children and students with greater unity and purpose.

**How Do We Teach Teachers to Build Strong Bible Foundations in Children? — B.A. Snider and Sherry Kendrick
Teaching the Bible is the cornerstone of children’s ministry, and leaders play a key role in helping teachers build Scripture into the lives of children. This workshop will equip you with the tools, guidance, and confidence needed to train your volunteers to teach God’s Word effectively. Together, we’ll look at the essential building questions:

• What materials belong in the “blueprint” at each age level?
• How do we construct lessons in ways that truly support spiritual growth?
• Why does theological accuracy matter—even in the earliest building stages?

This session will help you train teachers to build Scripture into children’s hearts with care, clarity, and confidence.

Workshops #3

Hard Conversations When Everyone Is a Sinner — Stephen Estock
Discipleship ministry involves a redeemed sinner (you) working with/among other sinners (most if not all are also redeemed). We may not like it, but our Savior warned us, “In the world you will have tribulation.” Yet, His promise gives us hope, “But take heart; I have overcome the world. In Me, you may have peace” (John 16:33). This workshop considers how we can “abide in Christ” (John 15:5) in the midst of ministry conflict. What can we say? What can we do (especially when we are not ordained)? We will consider principles of godly communication and work through some case studies.

Leading Little Hearts Without Little Ones at Home — Kristy Mitchell
Explore how to serve faithfully and effectively while facing the challenges of leading in Children’s Ministry without children. Together, we’ll share encouragement, practical ideas, and a renewed vision for how God uses us to shape young hearts.

From Cradle to Calling: Nursery as the First Steps in Discipleship — Lisa Updike and Kris Zwanzig
The nursery is often children’s first encounter with the church—and that makes it a powerful place to begin shaping their experience of God’s family. Far more than childcare, the nursery plants the earliest seeds of discipleship. Yet this ministry should never stand alone. A well-connected nursery values our youngest members of the covenant community. When nursery practices are intentionally aligned with the broader discipleship vision, every moment—every smile, every interaction, every act of care—helps lay the groundwork for a resilient, lifelong walk of faith.

The Importance of Character and Connectedness of the Children’s Ministry Leader and Volunteer — Monica Kim
While the biblical content of what we teach is essential, our character and the connectedness we cultivate in our relationships with the children we teach are just as important. In this workshop, we will explore key aspects of gospel-centered character and consider what it means to build a connected relationship with the children we teach.

**Foundations of Children’s Ministry — Sherry Kendrick
This workshop will equip children’s ministry leaders with the essential tools to begin building a strong, Christ-centered ministry. Together, we’ll explore how to lay a firm foundation through clear vision, build solid partnerships with parents, and create safe, welcoming spaces for all children. You’ll leave with practical strategies for constructing effective programs, recruiting and developing volunteers, and ensuring the ongoing safety and care of the children you serve. Whether you’re just starting or strengthening what’s already in place, this workshop will help you build with confidence and purpose.