The Fruit of Certification—

This year we celebrated 5 years of our Children’s Ministry Certification program! 5 years equals 160 men and women who have spent 12 months evaluating and growing children’s ministry in their churches. Children’s Ministry at CDM comes alongside churches by helping them pave the way for intergenerational connections in congregations that will strengthen the entire church. Certification is a valuable part of training and leadership development for those ministering to children. Each certification student gains access to online trainings, wonderful books, monthly meetings with faculty, prayer cohorts, and mentor support. One of my favorite things is listening to mentors talk about how much they learn from the students. A mentor is someone in leadership in the same church as the student. The student chooses a mentor to help them think about the content through the lens of their own church context. This is what one pastor shared.

For me personally, I’ve really grown in understanding the critical role of children’s ministry in the life of the church. Although I’ve always been a big supporter and cheerleader, our bi-weekly discussions over the course material has brought a depth and clarity to my understanding of what an integrated, cradle to grave discipleship culture at a church can potentially accomplish. I wholeheartedly commend [student] for the hard work she has invested in this certification and I look forward to seeing it’s on-going impact in our church and community.— Rev. M. Matthew Ballard, Lead Pastor, Southpointe Community Church, Nolensville, TN

The fruit from the year in certification extends beyond the 12 months spent learning as each children’s ministry leader now enjoys a community of fellowship that strengthens them. Ideas formulated throughout the year take shape and get implemented. It’s so fun to hear about the strengthening that can happen in the years following certification. Just today I had a conversation with one of our alumni and as we talked through a challenging situation, we referred back to one of the certification units and books studied as we asked the Lord for wisdom.

Do you know someone who would benefit from a focused year of learning and growing? Please share this blogpost with them. Certification fits into any life and schedule, is for any church size and need, and is both theological and practical in nature.

Applications are due October 1st for the 2025 certification class. We hope you’ll share or consider joining yourself.

Visit our certification website for more information.