Every church knows that kids matter. A better question is, does your church act like every kid matters at every phase? A phase is a timeframe in kids' lives when you can leverage distinctive opportunities to influence their future. The whining infant, the dramatic fifth grader, and the confused middle schooler are not just going through a phase that should be wished away. Instead, they are transitioning through a critical phase that you are called to discover, celebrate, and navigate strategically with them. Churches are presented with the challenge to treat every kid who breathes like they are made in the image of God. This can change how every kid sees God, and that could change every kid's future. 

With the loss of teens and college age church attendees, having a proactive plan to activate and empower teens to grow in their relationship and participation with Jesus is essential.  Strategies to call youth into Christian service gives them a vision for God's plan for their lives, not just for tomorrow but for today!

Whether you serve at a small church or a large one, first time guests, birthdays, and other major milestones can get missed from time to time.  In this breakout we’ll explore the idea that the most important thing you do each week may be simply writing a card or making a phone call.  Kids need someone who will show up in their life on a consistent basis. We’ll discuss how you can organize your ministry to make the most important things a priority.   

What do you do when that boy keeps climbing under the table, or when that girl keeps calling kids mean names?  How to you keep the kids focused on what your doing in your group?  When your classroom is managed with the kids in mind, it gets rid of things that distract them from what you're teaching. Let's explore this together and be prepared to create a group that is ready to learn.    

Even if you're a good volunteer, you still stand a chance of being a little too normal. When it comes to that certain something in volunteers, we're looking for something a little more extraordinary, something a step above. Something not normal. In Not Normal: Seven Quirks of Incredible Volunteers, we'll talk about ways you can make the most of your volunteering.   

Let the children praise the Lord with their whole self. Embrace a child's need for activity by including movement in your worship time with kids.  In this workshop, you will learn to help children draw close to God as you lead them in worship with motions.  

There’s no doubt that the greatest influence in a child’s life is the parent or primary caregiver.  But in such a busy culture it’s becoming more and more difficult for parents to find time to invest in the spiritual growth of their child.  In this breakout we’ll explore practical ways for your church to be able to partner with parents and help them win at home.