Schedule

MORNING

9:00 AM • Registration & Register for Door Prizes
9:15 AM • VBS Rally and Praise and Worship
10:00 AM • Breakout Session 1
11:15 AM • Breakout Session 2

AFTERNOON

12:30 PM • Lunch & Door Prizes
1:00 PM • Breakout Session 3
2:15 PM • Breakout Session 4
3:30 PM • Conference Concludes

Choose from over 40 breakout session options for equipping and training in Children’s Ministry and Vacation Bible School. Descriptions of each breakout session are included below.

Don't miss out—secure your spot today!

register

Lifeway Special Guest

Shelly Harris

Shelly Harris is the publishing team leader for Lifeway VBS. She is a graduate of Murray State University and the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. As a former kids’ minister, Shelly is passionate about equipping the church to share the gospel and disciple kids. She is the Contributing Editor for What Is A Christian: Answers for Kids and a contributing writer for What About Kids Ministry: Practical Answers to Questions About Kids Ministry. Shelly loves answering kids questions about God’s Word, and she currently serves in the children’s ministry at The Church at Station Hill in Spring Hill, TN.

Children’s Ministry Track
Spanish Track
VBS Track
Special Needs Track

10:00 AM • Breakout Session 1

Use the downloadable Plan Your Day document to determine which breakout sessions you want to attend!

DOWNLOAD NOW →

Guiding Gospel Conversations
Led by Shelly Harris

Location: Room 129

God wants kids to know Him and have a relationship with Him. Gospel conversations with kids can be challenging yet holy moments for leaders. How do we take abstract ideas and make them concrete? How do we discern if the Holy Spirit is prompting a child to repent and trust in Him? Let’s look at ways we can communicate the gospel to the kids in our ministries and help kids understand how to respond to the gospel.

Hinder Not the Children: Spiritually Healthy Strategies for Behavior Management
Led by Sarah Carroll

Location: Room 122

We’ve all been there: we have one child under the table, one child taking their shoes off, and one who just can’t stop interrupting. How can we point kids to Jesus and manage these behaviors at the same time? In this session, you will learn how effective and biblically based behavior management can actually be a vital tool that points kids to the heart of Jesus. Plus, you’ll receive some practical tips to help your Sunday mornings go smoother!

Making Scripture Stick
Led by Sharon Stratmoen

Location: Room 128

Discover a fresh formula for making Scripture STICK—to kids’ hearts, minds, and lives! We’ll show you how to more effectively help kids find verses in the Bible, understand the “tricky words” they see, and connect truth from God’s Word onscreen and in daily life. You’ll walk away with practical ways to immerse kids in Scripture so they understand God’s Word, apply it to their lives, and remember Bible truth for years to come.

Teaching Kids to Pray
Led by Anne Edwards

Location: Room 105

Come brainstorm ways to engage the children in your ministry to pray.

The Why and How of Starting a Special Needs Ministry
Led by Jill Funk

Location: Room 123

Does your church see the need for a special needs ministry? Have you been seeking information on getting started? During this session we will discuss preparing, starting and implementing a special needs ministry in your church. We will talk about the who, what, and why of special needs ministry.

Transformational Kids Ministry: A New Approach for a New Generation
Led by Jayne Hoare

Location: Room 121

Ministry to children needs to be gospel-centered; intentional, relational, and applicable. Programs that align with mission and values, connection with a volunteer leader, engaging curriculum, and partnerships with parents are essential in moving beyond information to transformation in a kid’s life.

VBS Crafts
Led by Hannah Eldridge

Location: Room 120

AA preview of the crafts rotation of Lifeway’s VBS Illumination Station, with connection points to assist craft leaders in reinforcing the day’s Bible truth.

VBS en Español
Led by Julio Velandia

Location: Room 125

VBS Music
Led by Bethany Baldwin

Location: Worship Center

A preview of the music and motions of Lifeway’s VBS Illumination Station, with tips on reinforcing the day’s Bible truth.

VBS Preschool
Led by Stacey Price

Location: Room 124

A detailed look at preschool material for Lifeway’s VBS Illumination Station, including teaching helps for use with any curriculum to make your preschoolers’ experience engaging.

11:15 AM • Breakout Session 2

Behavior Strategies and Sensory Needs
Led by Jill Funk

Location: Room 123

Do you have kids in your kid’s ministry who struggle with participating due to behavior challenges? During this session we will learn about strategies and techniques to encourage wanted behaviors and discourage unwanted behaviors. We will learn what sensory needs are and how to address them in your ministry setting. Leave this session with tools to anticipate unwanted behaviors, promote wanted behaviors and create a sensory rich environment.

Coaching Children in Spiritual Habits
Led by Michael Kilbride and David Pinkham

Location: Room 106

What are the best, age-appropriate spiritual habits for the children we teach? How can we coach them to give them the best foot forward on their spiritual journeys? There are practical ways to help them be successful.

Conectando Generaciones: Enseñando con Corazón y Contexto
Led by Natalia Alvarado

Location: Room 125

Las próximas generaciones aprenden mejor cuando se sienten comprendidas y representadas. En este taller aprenderemos cómo nuestras raíces culturales y el idioma influyen en la forma en que enseñamos y aprendemos. Descubriremos recursos, herramientas y ejemplos que nos ayudarán a transmitir valores, conocimientos y fe de manera relevante y efectiva para niños y jóvenes de diversos orígenes.

Don’t Throw Out the Baby with the Bath Water
Led by Shelly Harris

Location: Room 129

Curriculum Is a wonderful guide for what to teach and ways to teach, but it’s not always a one size fits all experience. Before we cut out an activity, let’s consider some simple adjustments to adapt your curriculum to fit your space and your kids

From Yes to Blessing: Leading Well Through the Joys and Challenges of Kids’ Ministry
Led by Nancy Ryalls

Location: Room 105

When you said “yes” to serving kids in kids’ ministry, you signed up for joy, laughter…and maybe a little chaos too! In this session, we will explore how to navigate conflict with grace, care for your own soul while caring for others, volunteer enlistment, and recognize the beautiful blessings hidden in the everyday moments of ministry. Come be refreshed and reminded that your faithful “yes” is shaping hearts—including your own.

It Takes a Village: Intergenerational Fun for the Whole Church Family
Led by Sharon Stratmoen

Location: Room 128

God’s family includes people of all ages and stages of life—and so does your church family! Come dream with us as we envision formats for all-church family ministry, including holiday services, outreach initiatives, easy events, and VBS. Prepare to be inspired by fresh ideas and activated with practical plans to try right away!

Today's Kids on Mission
Led by Rachel Guilliams

Location: Room 124

Missions in children’s ministry is alive and well! Let’s talk about how to lead a Great Commission focused Kids Ministry. Plus, a bonus of leading a mission rotation in both Lifeway’s VBS Illumination Station and any curriculum.

VBS Children's Bible Study
Led by Niky Brooks

Location: Room 121

A preview of days one through five Bible study rotation for Lifeway’s VBS Illumination Station for students in grades 1-6, including teaching helps for use with any curriculum.

VBS Decorating
Led by Bethany Baldwin

Location: Worship Center

A preview of Lifeway’s VBS Illumination Station decorating tips and ideas to transform your rooms or space to help engage students as they hear God’s Word and help remember the day’s Bible truth.

When You’ve Got 10 Extra Minutes: Faith-Filled Fun for Kids Ministry
Led by Mike Summy

Location: Room 122

Ever finish a lesson early or find yourself with a few extra minutes before pickup? This workshop will equip children’s ministry leaders with quick, easy, and meaningful Bible-based games and activities that keep kids engaged while reinforcing spiritual truths. Discover how to turn unexpected moments into opportunities for laughter, connection, and discipleship—no prep required!

1:00 PM • Breakout Session 3

Adapting Lessons and Visual Supports for Special Needs
Led by Patrice Smelser

Location: Room 123

This session is designed to give examples of how to adapt lessons for our children with special needs. It will include adapting lessons for children with intellectual challenges, sensory challenges and physical challenges as well as ways to accommodate emotional needs. It will also include methods and resources for sharing the gospel with children with special needs.

Discipleship Preschool Style: The Power of Play-Based Learning
Led by Sharon Stratmoen

Location: Room 128

There’s so much that preschoolers can do! Even as their busy brains develop and make new connections, these little ones really can befriend Jesus and learn to love and follow him. This interactive workshop will highlight early childhood best practices and techniques to help you disciple preschoolers—through play! You’ll walk away with up-to-date understanding of this age level, plus practical ways to introduce Jesus to our youngest brothers and sisters in God’s family.

Discipling Kids Impacted by Trauma
Led by Gary Wood

Location: Room 106

“Trauma Survivor” may not be the first way kids in your church describe themselves; but statistics have found that nationally, 1 in 6 kids has endured multiple traumatic experiences. Even more have encountered trauma just once. These Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) can and often do leave an impact that touches every part of their lives.

From Yes to Blessing: Leading Well Through the Joys and Challenges of Kids’ Ministry
Led by Nancy Ryalls

Location: Room 105

When you said “yes” to serving kids in kids’ ministry, you signed up for joy, laughter…and maybe a little chaos too! In this session, we will explore how to navigate conflict with grace, care for your own soul while caring for others, volunteer enlistment, and recognize the beautiful blessings hidden in the everyday moments of ministry. Come be refreshed and reminded that your faithful “yes” is shaping hearts—including your own.

Guiando Corazones Pequeños: Estrategias para Conducir a los Niños a Cristo
Led by Natalia Alvarado

Location: Room 125

Este taller ofrece herramientas y principios prácticos para enseñar a los niños sobre Jesús de una manera que tomen una decisión eterna. Con consejos practicos. Descubriremos maneras sencillas de cómo llevarlos paso a paso hacia una relación personal con Cristo.

Guiding Gospel Conversations
Led by Shelly Harris

Location: Room 129

God wants kids to know Him and have a relationship with Him. Gospel conversations with kids can be challenging yet holy moments for leaders. How do we take abstract ideas and make them concrete? How do we discern if the Holy Spirit is prompting a child to repent and trust in Him? Let’s look at ways we can communicate the gospel to the kids in our ministries and help kids understand how to respond to the gospel.

Transformational Kids Ministry: A New Approach for a New Generation
Led by Jayne Hoare

Location: Room 121

Ministry to children needs to be gospel-centered; intentional, relational, and applicable. Programs that align with mission and values, connection with a volunteer leader, engaging curriculum, and partnerships with parents are essential in moving beyond information to transformation in a kid’s life.

VBS Crafts
Led by Hannah Ethridge

Location: Room 120

A preview of the crafts rotation of Lifeway’s VBS Illumination Station, with connection points to assist craft leaders in reinforcing the day’s Bible truth.

VBS Directors
Led by Lynn Wampler

Location: Room 124

Whether you are a first-time director or have served as one many times, find planning helps and resources of Lifeway’s VBS Illumination Station, including helpful tips for planning and organizing the VBS of your choice.

VBS Recreation
Led by Noah Patrick

Location: Room 122

A preview of Lifeway’s VBS Illumination Station recreation rotation, explaining games and transitional activities with tips to help rotation leaders reinforce the day’s Bible Truths.

2:15 PM • Breakout Session 4

Community Events and Respite Ministry in Special Needs
Led by Patrice Smelser

Location: Room 123

This session is designed to give insight into why providing respite for parents of children with special needs is so important. It will give practical suggestions for respite activities and how to organize these events. It will also cover the why of providing community events for families dealing with special needs. It will include ideas for community events as well as practical ideas of how to organize community events.

Creciendo como Maestro: El Arte de Enseñar con Efectividad y Corazón
Led by Natalia Alvarado

Location: Room 125

Todo maestro tiene el potencial de impactar vidas. En este taller reflexionaremos sobre lo que significa enseñar con excelencia, empatía y propósito. Conocerás métodos y herramientas que te ayudarán a mejorar tu comunicación, planificar clases efectivas y motivar a tus estudiantes. Más que enseñar contenidos, aprenderás a enseñar con el corazón.

Discipling Kids Impacted by Trauma
Led by Gary Wood

Location: Room 106

“Trauma Survivor” may not be the first way kids in your church describe themselves; but statistics have found that nationally, 1 in 6 kids has endured multiple traumatic experiences. Even more have encountered trauma just once. These Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) can and often do leave an impact that touches every part of their lives.

Hinder Not the Children: Spiritually Healthy Strategies for Behavior Management
Led by Sarah Carroll

Location: Room 122

We’ve all been there: we have one child under the table, one child taking their shoes off, and one who just can’t stop interrupting. How can we point kids to Jesus and manage these behaviors at the same time? In this session, you will learn how effective and biblically based behavior management can actually be a vital tool that points kids to the heart of Jesus. Plus, you’ll receive some practical tips to help your Sunday mornings go smoother!

Policies with Purpose: Creating a Safe Environment for Every Child
Led by Mike Summy

Location: Room 129

Safety isn’t just a rule—it’s a reflection of how much we value every child God has entrusted to us. This workshop will help children’s ministry leaders understand the “why” behind policies and how to implement them with care and consistency. From volunteer screening and classroom procedures to emergency response and communication guidelines, you’ll learn practical steps to create a safe, trustworthy environment where kids can grow in their faith with confidence.

Rainforest VBS Sneak Peek
Led by Sharon Stratmoen

Location: Room 128

Get a taste of the adventure! Explore Group’s Rainforest Falls VBS where every Bible story, song, and activity reveals nature of God. Experience hands on activities, preview student materials, and learn how to lead the best week of the summer! Group has been creating life-changing VBS program for more than 30-years, come check it out!

Refresh, Renew, Reset
Led by Cathy Noell

Location: Room 120

Ministry is a marathon, not a sprint. This session will provide practical strategies and a sustainable framework to help you establish healthy rhythms and guard against the tolls of ministry work. Thus, helping you fuel the flame so you don’t let burnout crash your ministry. We will cover the essentials to ensure you thrive in your calling for the long haul.

Teaching Kids to Pray
Led by Anne Edwards

Location: Room 105

Come brainstorm ways to engage the children in your ministry to pray.

VBS Children's Bible Study
Led by Niky Brooks

Location: Room 121

A preview of days one through five Bible study rotation for Lifeway’s VBS Illumination Station for students in grades 1-6, including teaching helps for use with any curriculum.

VBS Preschool
Led by Stacey Price

Location: Room 124

A detailed look at preschool material for Lifeway’s VBS Illumination Station, including teaching helps for use with any curriculum to make your preschoolers’ experience engaging.

Don't miss out—secure your spot today!

register