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

Kimba Campbell

Kimba Campbell is the Publishing Team Leader for Bible Studies for Lifeway Kids. She’s a graduate of Texas A&M University with a Bachelor’s in Business Administration, and has a Master of Arts in Christian Education from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. Kimba’s passion for NextGen ministry has led her to serve in children’s ministry since 1998 in Texas, Georgia, California, and Tennessee. She loves witnessing those “a-ha!” moments when kids begin to understand God’s great love for them.  

Want to participate in a track? Follow the color scheme in the descriptions

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 →

Escuela Biblica de Vacaciones en Español
Led by Erika Nunez and Mary Preza

Location: Room 238

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

Location: Room 210 Left

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!

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

Location: Room 202

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!

Leading a Child to Christ
Led by Kimba Campbell

Location: Room 113

Guiding children toward a personal relationship with Jesus is the most important responsibility we have as ministry leaders and parents. In this breakout session, we’ll explore how to clearly present the gospel to children in age-appropriate ways. You’ll learn how to recognize when a child is ready, how to respond to their questions, and how to avoid pressure or confusion. We’ll also discuss follow-up steps to help children grow in their faith after making a decision for Christ.

Starting Strong: Launching a Special Needs Ministry
Led by Tammy Dunkum and Ester Warren

Location: Choir Room

Every child is made in the image of God and deserves a place to belong and grow in faith. This session is designed for churches ready to take the first steps in creating a special needs ministry. We will explore how to launch a special needs ministry from two distinct perspectives: a new church plant and an established mega church. We’ll discuss how to start small, assess readiness, identify key roles, and foster a culture of belonging—one that reflects the inherent dignity and spiritual value of every child. Whether you’re just beginning or looking to strengthen existing efforts, this session will equip you with practical tools and inspiration to move forward faithfully.

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

Location: Room 210 Right

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 Suzie Smith

Location: Room 112

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 Music
Led by Michelle Vlasek

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 Jan Frost

Location: Room 240

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.

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

Location: Room 300

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!

11:15 AM • Breakout Session 2

Building Teams: The Essential Action in Ministry
Led by Donnie Slade

Location: Room 210 Left

Without building a team, you will not be able to accomplish the most out of your ministry.  A team allows us to accomplish more.

Construyendo un puente: Comunicación efectiva entre maestros y padres
Led by Erika Nuniz and Mary Preza

Location: Room 238

Desarrollar las habilidades de comunicación para construir un puente de cooperación entre el hogar y la Iglesia, de modo que padres y maestros trabajen juntos en el crecimiento espiritual integral de los niños.

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

Location: Room 202

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.

Teaching Children to Be Disciples
Led by Kimba Campbell

Location: Room 113

We want kids to know God and grow in their relationship with Him, but trends show that our culture is increasingly secular with fewer younger generations staying in the church. In fact, even the church-going faithful attend less often. Where do we begin? The research helps us see that we need not look further than God’s Word. During this breakout, we will discuss 15 influencers of spiritual health and ways we can support the church and family as we teach children to be disciples of Jesus.

Teaching Kids to Pray
Led by Diamond Cotman

Location: Room 210 Right

Let’s help children communicate with our Father in heaven. Come brainstorm ways to engage the children in your ministry to pray.

Technology Resources for your Ministry
Led by Kristen McCarthy

Location: Room 235

Explore digital resources, apps, and creative tools for ministry life—helping you work efficiently, communicate clearly, and ultimately invest more deeply in people. Digital shortcuts that save you time—so you can spend more of it investing in people.

Theology of Disability in Children’s Ministry
Led by Tammy Dunkum and Ester Warren

Location: Choir Room

Inclusion is more than access-it’s about belonging. Grounded in a theology of disability that affirms the sacred worth and spiritual gifts of every child, this session explores how churches can create environments where all children are seen, safe, and spiritually nurtured. Learn how to adapt classrooms, worship spaces, and activities to meet diverse needs, including sensory sensitivities, communication differences, and mobility challenges. Discover how small changes can make a big impact in helping children with disabilities fully participate in the life of your church.

Today’s Kids on Mission
Led by Kelly Little

Location: Room 240

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 233

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 Leisa Todd

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.

1:00 PM • Breakout Session 3

Coaching Children in Spiritual Habits
Led by David Pinkham

Location: Room 210 Left

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.

Cultivating a Vibrant Preschool Ministry
Led by Kimba Campbell

Location: Room 113

This breakout is designed to equip and empower preschool ministry leaders with the knowledge, skills, and passion to create a thriving preschool ministry. Through interactive discussions, attendees will discover 10 attributes that are vital to the life of their ministry. Let’s cultivate vibrant preschool ministries and sow the seeds of faith in the hearts of our precious children!

Guiando Corazones Pequeños: Estrategias para Conducir a los Niños a Cristo
Led by Erika Nunez and Mary Preza

Location: Room 238

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.

Making Scripture Stick
Led by Sharon Stratmoen

Location: Room 202

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.

Partnering with Families with Special Needs
Led by Ester and Kenny Warren

Location: 210 Left

Families of children with disabilities often carry unique burdens—and blessings. This session focuses on how churches can build strong, supportive relationships with parents and caregivers. Learn how to listen well, communicate clearly, and offer spiritual and emotional support that reflects Christ’s love.

Pivotal Moments to Engage with Parents
Led by Kevin Chewning

Location: Room 235

Sunday morning and midweek Children’s ministry can be busy, but we need to connect with parents to maximize discipleship. Let’s explore ways to rethink check-in and dismissal to make great connections with our parents and maximize child discipleship. We’ll also explore other times to connect with parents.

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

Location: Room 210 Right

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 Suzie Smith

Location: Room 112

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 Luke Long

Location: Room 300

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 Mike Tortora

Location: Room 232

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.

1:40 PM • Breakout Session 4

Bridging the Gap with Ministry Teams
Led by Kristen McCarthy

Location: Room 235

We are stronger together! Enlist other ministry teams in your church to join the ministry of discipleship of the next generation.

Building Resilience and Longevity in Ministry
Led by Cindy Clegg

Location: Room 113

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.

Creciendo como Maestro: El Arte de Enseñar con Efectividad y Corazón
Led by Erika Nunez and Mary Preza

Location: Room 238

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.

Equipping Volunteers of Special Needs Ministry
Led by Tammy Dunkum & Ester and Kenny Warren

Location: Choir Room

Volunteers are the heart of special needs ministry—and intentional training is key to their success. This session provides a framework for equipping volunteers with the knowledge and confidence to serve children with disabilities. We’ll cover disability awareness, behavior support, safety protocols, and spiritual engagement strategies. Leave with customizable training tools and a plan to build a team that serves with excellence and love.

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

Location: Room 210 Left

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 300

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 Falls VBS Sneak Peek
Led by Sharon Stratmoen

Location: Room 202

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!

Teaching Kids to Pray
Led by Diamond Cotman

Location: Room 210 Right

Let’s help children communicate with our Father in heaven. Come brainstorm ways to engage the children in your ministry to pray.

VBS Children's Bible Study
Led by Niky Brooks

Location: Room 233

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 Jan Frost

Location: Room 240

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