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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.
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Where Grace Grows: Helping Families Thrive through Gospel-Centered Community
Where Grace Grows: Helping Families Thrive through Gospel-Centered Community- Parenting has never been easy, but today’s cultural landscape makes it all the more confusing. Parents today are anxious, overwhelmed, and often uncertain, but the church has wisdom to share—not with formulas, but with encouragement, compassion, and gospel-centered wisdom. How can we, as church leaders, help parents shepherd their children? Start with Compassion Today’s parents are carrying a heavy load. They are often Shell-shockedby how fast culture has changed, Anxious—possibly from information overload, and Unsureof how to disciple their children—either outsourcing it or isolating. Before giving parents direction, give them [...]
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 our six children. I was thrilled to partner with and learn from our children’s ministry director. There were whispers she would be transitioning into full-time counseling, so the idea of possibly following in her footsteps was viable. [...]
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 onto our old street. Being equipped to do a certain task or job certainly comes with God-given skills and strengths. But receiving specific training is essential to doing a job well, with God’s help. The PCA’s CDM [...]
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 and volunteer registration had been sent. It was that middle slice of event preparation; the outline had been prayerfully sketched, and we were now just waiting to see whom God would call to color everything in. We [...]
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 discuss what was working or not working in our classrooms. We would talk about ideas for fun lessons or ways to review that would keep our classes engaged. Throughout the day we would pop into each other’s [...]
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 friendships which would be formed. The LEAD Retreat was truly a life-changing experience and continues to be something that I look forward to each year. Plenary session speakers share mind-blowing biblical truths that challenge me to seek [...]
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 once when they said, “Lord, help her to remember why she’s doing this!” Making time to consider your personal mission statement as you start out in Children’s Ministry is important. It helps us to remember why we [...]
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 you have gotten yourself into as you sit cross-legged on your floor cutting out three hundred stars to tell the story of Abraham. Do you know how many corners there are to cut in 300 stars? Ummmm [...]
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