Kids Ministry

Dedicated to helping Kids Ministry leaders in their mission of making disciples

Events, Fun, Kids Ministry, Leadership, Training

ETCH Family Ministry Conference

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At Lifeway Kids, we love children and are dedicated to the ministry of resourcing the church to serve them well. For years KMC, Lifeway’s Kids Ministry Conference, has been the place for children’s pastors, leaders, teachers and volunteers to come for information, instruction and inspiration so they might be well equipped for the work of kids ministry.

We are very aware that kids do not stop being children when they leave the sixth grade, and that ministry to kids continues through middle school, junior high and high school. While kids and students do have different, specific needs, the child who grows through the programs within a church needs to feel a sense of consistency and continuity within that church. We at Lifeway Kids believe that we need to walk with kids and families to etch the Word of God onto the hearts and minds of children throughout their entire childhood. The church cannot afford to minister in silos. It is time for us to think beyond our departments with a larger view of the role of the church as we train up our children in the way they should go.

Many churches are moving to a family ministry model in how they structure their staffs. Some call it NextGen, others call it Family Ministry. Whatever you call it, there is a broad trend towards having a single pastor over all kids: birth through high school; and more and more ministry teams want to attend conferences together so they can strategize together.  

We want to come alongside you as you equip families and minister to children. So, in order to serve you in the most effective ways possible, we are expanding the Lifeway Kids Ministry Conference to include middle school and high school ministry; to welcome in Next Gen, Student, and Family Ministry leaders & teams.

Next year we will unveil a brand new conference; one that includes everything that is currently KMC, but that also broadens its reach to serve anyone ministering to families. Next Fall, KMC becomes… ETCH.

ETCH stands for Equipping the Church and Home. This new Family Ministry Conference will excite, inspire, and engage your Kids, Student, Next Gen, and Family Ministry teams. We invite you to join us next fall, in Nashville, as we come together as one big, giant family, for ETCH.

See you there!

Events, Leadership, Training

KMC Presents Trillia Newbell

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We interviewed Trillia Newbell, Director of Community Outreach for the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission, about her experience and influences in ministry. We’re excited to hear Trillia speak at this year’s Kids Ministry Conference!

What excites you the most about the upcoming Kids Ministry Conference?

Kids ministry is an important aspect of many churches. I’ve always served in some capacity with my church’s children’s ministry. There are some members of our churches who go a full month without hearing a sermon in the context of the Sunday morning service because they are serving and loving the children week after week with little to no recognition. They don’t need recognition because God sees and delights in their service, but so often they are the unsung heroes of the church. What I’m most excited about for this conference is the chance to encourage the faith of children’s ministry workers. I’m praying they would be stirred, refreshed, and energized for the tasks ahead in the next year.

If there is one lesson you could pass on to ministry leaders, what would it be?

I have two things (making up one lesson!) that I continually preach to myself. First, you can’t do it all and do it all well. I’m always tempted to take on more than I can actually do. Unfortunately, when I do this something is neglected or it’s all done half-way. Not that the tasks don’t get done, it’s that they don’t get done as well as they would have if I hadn’t taken on more. It’s been freeing over the past year to say no to many things and know that God will be more glorified in my no than my yes—even when serving seems like a great thing to do.

Secondly, the results aren’t up to me. In other words, whether you are teaching children’s ministry or speaking to a group of women, whatever it is you are doing, how the hearer responds is all dependent on the Spirit’s work and not based on me. That frees me to serve, love, and speak for the glory of God and without concern of myself. I want to be, as pastor Tim Keller says, self-forgetful. As I think less of myself, I can think more about those I’m serving and about Jesus who I love to proclaim! 

Who was a big influence early in your ministry?

 This is tough to narrow down. There are possibly a number of people I can say, so instead I’ll share a few people and a few ministries.

Desiring God, The Gospel Coalition, and The Reformed African American Network were hands-down the three most influential ministries in my life (and remain so). The staff of each organization has helped to encourage my faith, develop my writing, and challenge my thinking. They were incredibly supportive. I’m thankful to God for those ministries. (I can now add the ERLC, which I have the joy of working for.)

I signed a contract with Erik Wolgemuth of Wolgemuth & Associates about three years ago. As my literary agent, he’s probably been the most influential voice (and ear!) in my ministry. He’s wise and helpful, grounded in the gospel and Word of God, and dedicated to seeing God glorified in what I do. He has helped me think biblically about what I’m writing and sharing. In many ways, I wouldn’t have a ministry if he hadn’t seen the potential, and I’m forever grateful for him.

Books, books, and more books. The Lord has graciously given us books. There are many books that helped shape my ministry and thinking, from Future Grace and Bloodlines by John Piper to The Spiritual Danger of Doing Good by Peter Greer. I’ve been blessed to be encouraged by books and writers.

 Finally, my family is the biggest influence. I have an incredibly supportive and caring husband who helps direct me and lead me as I serve others. He reminds me that God is good, sovereign, and for me. He reminds me of the gospel when I forget it. He also helps me say no when I need to.

Trillia Newbell is the author of United: Captured by God’s Vision for Diversity and Fear and Faith: Finding the Peace Your Heart Craves. Her writings on issues of faith, family, and Christian living have been published in the Knoxville News-Sentinel, Desiring God, Christianity Today, Relevant Magazine, The Gospel Coalition, and more. She currently serves as Director of Community Outreach for the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission for the Southern Baptist Convention. Trillia is married to her best friend, Thern, and they reside with their two children near Nashville, TN. 

Events, Fun, Kids Ministry, Leadership, Training

Imprint These Words on Your Hearts #KMC15

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KellyMinterHeadshotThe following blog post was written by Kelly Minter, one of the main stage speakers for the 2015 Kids Ministry Conference.

First off, I’m looking so forward to being part of Lifeway’s Kids Ministry Conference.

Are you coming?

If you’re involved in kids ministry of any kind I know you’ll be blessed by this experience. Plus, if you work with kids on a regular basis you probably need this experience.

Here’s what I’m looking forward to: The people speaking and singing at this event. Counselors like my dear friends Sissy Goff and David Thomas who have over forty years combined experience counseling children from a biblical foundation. The music and artistry of Cindy Morgan and Andrew Greer—just wait, I can’t possibly overstate how much they are going to blow us all away. The two of them sang on a record I just released and—I’m serious—they’re crazy good. Others like Ed Stetzer who bring a wealth of research and knowledge on the state of the church in America along with vetted ministry practices. And these are just a handful of those who will be sharing the platform—I know you will walk away with renewed vision. Lastly, I’ve been an author with Lifeway for almost ten years and am always grateful for their commitment to God’s Word and His renown. With Lifeway, you can be sure that what you’re in for will be quality.

All of that said, in conjunction with the theme of childrens ministry one of my favorite passages of Scripture is Deuteronomy 11:18-19:

“Imprint these words of mine on your hearts and minds, bind them as a sign on your hands, and let them be a symbol on your foreheads. Teach them to your children, talking about them when you sit in your house and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.”

My Mom and Dad founded a church in Northern Virginia a year before I was born and are still ministering there. As I was growing up and still today the Word of God spills out of their lives and onto those around them. This wasn’t just for Sunday morning. As in this passage teaching God’s Word to our children is to be a habitual, continual, natural way of life that the younger generation can’t help but receive from us. I look forward to spending time in the Scriptures as we “walk along the road” together in October.

Kelly Minter speaks, writes, and sings around the world. She’s written a number of books, including a series of four Bible studies for women, and has recorded several albums. Kelly is deeply passionate about serving the poor and the forgotten through the work of Justice and Mercy International and particularly enjoys spending her free time with friends and family or in the large garden she has planted in her backyard in Nashville, Tenn. 

Encouragement, Encouraging, Events, Fun, Kids Ministry, kids101, Leadership, Networking, Training

The Theme for KMC 2015 Is…

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How do you make a difference in the world around you? How do you stand for your convictions in the midst of moral turmoil? More than that, how do you influence a generation to grow up as culture shapers rather than simply conforming to the world? These are some of the questions we will explore at Lifeway’s Kids Ministry Conference (KMC) this October 19-21.
The theme for our conference this year is RADIATE. Matthew 5:13-16 says:
“You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt should lose its taste, how can it be made salty? It’s no longer good for anything but to be thrown out and trampled on by men. 14 “You are the light of the world. A city situated on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 No one lights a lamp and puts it under a basket, but rather on a lampstand, and it gives light for all who are in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before men, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.
 

In this passage, Jesus shares with His disciples the importance of influencing the world around them. One emphasis in these verses is on maintaining saltiness. Jesus says that if salt loses its taste, it is good for nothing more than being “thrown out and trampled on.” We cannot simply blend in with the rest of the world. In order to shape the culture, first and foremost we must ask the Holy Spirit to empower us to live holy lives.

In addition, Matthew 5 tells us that we should “let our light shine before men.” The idea here is that as we strive for holiness and live for Christ, people will see our good works and recognize Jesus living through us. We must allow His light to shine through us and radiate out into the world. He is the only true light and also our only hope for making a spiritual difference in the world.
We hope you’ll join us at KMC this October 19-21 at Nashville’s Music City Center! Together we will further explore this idea of making a difference, shaping the culture, and radiating the light of Christ. Visit kidsministryconference.com for more details about the conference such as a list of speakers, a complete schedule, hotel information, and even media from previous conferences.
This Fall, don’t simply shine your light in a dark world—RADIATE!
Events, Fun, Kids Ministry, Training

Top Ten Reasons Nashville Is Awesome

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rp_Jeffrey-150x150.jpgI’ve lived here three different times in my life. Before I can remember, my dad moved us here from Louisiana. Next, I lived here in the summer of ’93 waiting tables and working on my first recording project.  (almost as long ago) Now, I live here with my family and help lead the kids team at Lifeway.

Here are ten reasons why I love Nashville and keep coming back!

10) Centrally located in the U.S.
Travel in and out of Nashville is so easy! For a day’s drive or less, I can be in almost any city this side of Texas! The airport usually gives me a one-leg trip to almost anywhere. I love that! It’s a big airport with one of the easiest and shortest security and baggage claim processes. This makes a national ministry easy.

9) It’s a great sports town.
Yeah, it doesn’t mean that all of the teams are great, but they can hold their own. Pro football and hockey are right downtown!

8) Music City!!!
Most would agree that there is no place in the United States with a richer history and current buzz in the music industry.

7) Johnny Cash
Yes, this is a subset of number 8, but the man in black deserves his own kudos. The Johnny Cash Museum is a glimpse into American music history and Johnny’s faith during his later years.

6) Country Music Hall of Fame
Another Subset…and many here would claim the ONLY subset that matters.

5) Seasons
I’ve lived in the deep south, out west, and up north. I prefer four seasons. Nashville gives a beautiful glimpse into all four.

4) Great Churches
There are some amazing congregations in and near Nashville. It’s great to see God’s people engaging a culture that is similar to the one that the apostle Paul faced in Athens.

3) The arts, including a TV Show!
All types of artists live in Nashville, providing an atmosphere full of creativity and excitement. A hit TV show is named after and filmed in our city. I don’t necessarily recommend the show “Nashville,” but occasionally I get to see several friends in the cast.

2) Music City Center
Nashville has one of the coolest, most unique conference centers in the U.S. It’s right in the middle of everything in downtown Nashville.

1) KMC!
This October, our Kids Ministry Conference will be right here in downtown Nashville at the Music City Center. This will be an amazing gathering of Children’s Ministry leaders and volunteers from across the world. Want a little glimpse? Click here for details and register now. We expect a sell-out this year!

Events, Fun, Kids Ministry, Leadership, Training, Worship

Special Offer for KMC15

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JEIt’s the last chance to get this special price for KMC15!

KMC14 was an awesome experience, and for those of you with us for the final main session, you heard about the price that we offered through January 31st. Time is running out for this rate of $200 for KMC15 – so don’t miss it. After this, the normal early-bird rate of $275 will be in effect.

Register today at kidsministryconference.com or by calling 1-800-254-2022. The event is in Nashville, TN on October 19-21, 2015.

Check out these highlights from KMC 14 in Nashville. KMC15 will be another great experience with practical breakout sessions and inspiring worship during the main sessions.

JE (@coachechols) leads the @centrikid camps and events team for Lifeway Kids. He met his wife Emily working summer camp, they serve in the kids area on Sunday’s at church, and they are blessed with their daughter #BabyMadison who was born in 2011.

Events, Fun, Kids Ministry, Networking, Worship

#ThrowbackThursday #KMC14

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whitlock-4Eleven months until our next Kids Ministry Conference seems like way too long to wait, am I right? Today we’re taking a look back at the life-change, laughter, and lattes we shared with many of you during the month of October. If you’re feeling nostalgic like we are, let us know in the Comments section below!

The one word we want to elevate over these 3 days is the name Jesus. –

When God first called me into children’s ministry, I remember being given a budget & thinking it was missing a zero. –  

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We’re going to sing Scripture together, in spirit and in truth. – 

eric

Discipleship is neither information nor behavior modification. It’s heart transformation. –

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My 4-yr-old looked @ me the other day & said he wanted to be a doctor.”Yes!” I thought.Then he added,”Or a dinosaur.” –  

Have you signed up yet for next year?! Register today for early bird pricing!

 Cristy Whitlock serves on the Lifeway Kids marketing team. A native Texan, her heart for ministry led her to Nashville in 2013. Her passions include loving on African children, playing sports, and serving in college ministry, which she does at Cross Point Church in Nashville, TN.

Events, Fun, Kids Ministry, Leadership, Training, Worship

5 Reasons You’ll Love KMC

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JEblogmugshotThe Kids Ministry Conference happens every October, and we at Lifeway are excited to host hundreds of kids ministry leaders from across the country in our building!

The theme of this year’s conference is “Transformed.” If what you are doing in your ministry doesn’t transform the hearts of kids, if it doesn’t shape the culture, if it doesn’t expand the kingdom, then is it really important? Is it really as good as God wants it to be? Is it really transforming?

Here are 5 great reasons you want to be at KMC this year!

1 – Every general session involves both a house band and a worship band! Prepare yourself for some incredibly talented Nashville musicians rocking the house band and to be led by The Village Church’s super-gifted worship pastor, Michael Bleecker.

2 – Get Sally Lloyd Jones’ signature! Sally is doing a book signing after the sessions where she shares how the Gospel permeates everything we do.

3 – Experience “Worship For Life” in a one-of-a-kind setting at Lifeway. You can observe a session in action with real leaders leading the session and a bunch of real kids taking part.

4 – Make your own t-shirts in the Event Store! With the help of a mobile screen-printing unit and professional screen printers, you can transform your blank shirt and get bragging rights for screen printing it yourself!

5 – Worship God and allow your heart to be moved. We are confident that God will inspire and refresh every participant.

Don’t miss this conference! We believe transformation will take place at KMC. You can still sign up at kidsministryconference.com

JE (@coachechols) leads the @centrikid camps and events team for Lifeway Kids. He met his wife Emily while working summer camp. They serve in the kids area on Sundays at Cross Point Church and they are blessed with their daughter #BabyMadison who was born in 2011.

Kids Ministry, Training

Being Part of a Group!

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emeott-150x150Last month I spent 4 days with 5,000 of my closest friends!  Actually, I was in Baltimore, MD to represent Lifeway in the exhibit hall of the annual Southern Baptist Convention.

Folks choose to attend that convention for a variety of reasons. In the actual meeting, business of the denomination takes place. Reports are given and decisions are made. Some probably think that’s the most important part of the week. I noticed, as I stood and watched people in the exhibit hall, that most people really make the decision to attend because of fellowship!

People need the opportunity to be with other people who think like they do (or at least think a little bit like they do). People enjoy the opportunity to see old friends, meet new friends, become reacquainted with people who have impacted their lives, glean from those who’ve “been there/done that,” and generally share some of the same goals, desires, and hurdles. People want to belong to a group … some are calling it a “tribe!”

Kid’s ministers need to belong, too!  We need to have a tribe that we can go and feel a kinship; a group of like-minded and similar-goaled people who we can trust and grow with. As a Children’s minister, finding people in my area to talk with, bounce my ideas off of, and sometime complain to, was invaluable! I wouldn’t trade my friendships with Susie, and Cindy, and Donna, and Renee, and Kim, and Clara Mae, and Susan … for anything! They were the people who got me through the early years. They were the people I called when I was “on the ledge.” They were the folks who shared with me ideas and resources that would make my ministry better. They are still the folks that I share my ministry with. They are part of my tribe. Thanks!

Here’s the bottom line — we all need to belong to something. We all need help at some point. We all need to know there are others out there who are “doing it,” too! We all need friends in ministry.

Lifeway’s Kids Ministry Conference might be the place for you to find “tribe.” Each year we come together to learn, to network, to encourage each other, and to worship as Kids Ministers. This year we’ll be in Nashville, TN on October 6-8, 2014. Join us!

Bill Emeott Since 2003 Bill Emeott has served as a Kids Ministry Specialist for Lifeway. His passions include childhood ministry leadership training and development, leading children’s Bible Study, and being an Uncle! Bill has been teaching children at First Baptist Nashville for ten years.

Kids Ministry, Training

Who’s Coming To Kids Ministry Conference?

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If what you are doing in your ministry isn’t transforming the hearts of kids and expanding the Kingdom, is what you’re doing really worth pursuing? That is the question we are going to tackle together at this year’s Kids Ministry Conference. We have some amazing speakers lined up to help us with these issues and speak directly to the transforming effect of how you lead your kids ministry. Here is our current main stage lineup:

  • Sally Lloyd Jones, author of The Jesus Storybook Bible
  • Pete Wilson, pastor of Cross Point Church in Nashville, TN
  • Lisa Harper, Bible teacher and speaker, and currently on the Women of Faith Tour
  • Michael Chanley, former Executive Director of International Network of Children’s Ministry
  • Jeffrey Reed, Director of Lifeway Kids
  • Eric Geiger, Vice President of Lifeway Church Resources Division
  • Michael Jr., stand-up comedian

We also have Michael Bleecker and his band coming to lead us in worship. Michael currently serves as Worship Pastor for the Village Church, located in Dallas, TX, where Matt Chandler serves as lead teaching pastor.

Additionally, for the first time ever, we will also have a house-band during Kids Ministry Conference 2014! That’s right, we are going to jam out and have a blast during our main sessions this year!

So if you can’t tell, an amazing conference is being planned just for you! Come be a part and experience how God can use you to transform the hearts and minds of kids within your sphere of influence. Come be a part of experiencing what it means to lead your ministry in a way that shapes the culture of kids today. It’s going to be simply awesome! Are you ready to register? Simply visit Kids Ministry Conference for more details. See you in October!

Andy Dukes serves as Event Coordinator for Lifeway Kids. He graduated from Murray State University in KY in 2008. He served on summer staff (Crosspoint and CentriKid) for 7 summers and moved full-time at Lifeway in December 2008. Andy’s wife, Meghan, is a 1st grade teacher and they attend and serve at Redeemer Church in Hendersonville, TN.

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