You Are Not Alone —

One year after becoming the children’s director of a very large church in New York City, I sat down with CDM and GCP staff members, Sue Jakes and BA Snider, to talk about children’s ministry. I was young, new in my role, and craving any help I could get! I’ll never forget sitting across the table from them at a Panera in Atlanta and feeling seen and understood in the questions I had and the struggles I was experiencing as I sought to lead this important ministry. They listened, answered all my questions, and reminded me why investing in the children of my church was so important. After meeting with them I went to my very first CDM Children’s Ministry conference where I sat around a table with pastors, other children’s ministry directors, and volunteers. We talked, laughed, prayed, and learned together. It was after that conference that I began to implement a discipleship program in my church that is still running ten years later.  It was there that I made lasting friendships with people I still connect with today. It was there that I experienced a renewal of vision for investing in the children’s ministry at my church.

My connection with CDM continued to grow as I moved from New York City and took a role in Birmingham, Alabama, as a children’s director. I joined the CDM Children’s Ministry Leadership Team and eventually transitioned from my role in the local church to join the CDM staff. My role in children’s ministry changed, but the content I have learned through CDM and the relationships I have built continue to fuel my investment in children as I volunteer in my church.

At CDM we want to connect you to people and resources that will encourage and equip you as you serve in the local church.

There are a few things I’m personally excited about this year at CDM that I wanted to share with you!

• Our LEAD Retreats. We are hosting two LEAD Retreats this year for children’s ministry leaders. These retreats are an opportunity for you to step away from your ministry to be refueled, to worship, learn, connect, rest, and grow! Whether you are a pastor, director, or volunteer, you will gain from these retreats. I think back on how much I benefitted when I was serving the church in a paid role, and even now, how much I benefit as I volunteer. You can find out more information on our website. Registration is open for LEAD Mountain now and registration for LEAD City will open April 1!

• The Children’s Ministry Certification Program. Certification is such a unique opportunity to learn from wherever you are on a variety of important topics connected to children’s ministry while doing it alongside others who live around the world! Our eighth class is in full swing, but registration for our 2027 class will open April 1. You can find out more information here.

• Our Grow Blog. This year our leadership team and certification alum will be writing on very practical topics that answer questions you may have as you invest in the children in your church. Topics include making the Easter season meaningful with your children, planning well for summer, how to choose curriculum and make the most of it, the importance of nursery ministry, and so much more! Check back on this blog to read new posts throughout the year.

• There are lots of resources and curricula that we love sharing with you! I’m really excited this year about our Teach Us To Worship program and Reachout Adventures curriculum, but there are lots of book and resources at our PCA Bookstore!

I pray that as you serve your church in 2026, you will feel that you have a community around you. Most importantly, I pray the Lord will meet you in your role, and you will also know there are others alongside you. CDM is here to come alongside you, to encourage you, and to equip you. If you have questions about any of the things in this blogpost, I would love to connect with you, and I know our children’s ministry coordinator, Katie Flores, would as well.

I’ve seen the impact CDM had on me personally and for the churches where I have served. I pray you and your church will experience that impact as well.

You can also connect with us through our website, Facebook, and Instagram!