Schedule

MORNING

9:00 AM • Registration & Register for Door Prizes
9:15 AM • VBS Rally & 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!

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Lifeway Special Guest

Landry Holmes

Landry Holmes is the Manager of Lifeway Kids Ongoing Bible Studies. He has his Bachelor’s in both English and Business from Howard Payne University and his Master’s in Divinity from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. Landry is the author of It’s Worth It: Uncovering How One Week Can Transform Your Church, co-author of Every Age, Every Stage: Teaching God’s Truth at Home and Church, and co-editor of the Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary for Kids. Landry loves partnering with parents to help them build spiritual foundations in their children’s lives.

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 →

Discover Your Child's World
Led by Ray Seto

Location: Room 207 F&H

If we are to effectively lead and teach children, then it is important to be familiar with their characteristics at various stages of their development. Let’s learn some of the main characteristics of children at various ages so that we may better teach and lead them.

Escuela Biblica de Vacaciones en Español
Led by Erika Zelaya

Location: Room 209

 

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

Location: Room 201

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!

Mini Leaders - Major Impact
Led by Garrett Oppel

Location: Room 207 A&C

Preteens have a unique space in our ministries. How can we foster their character and leadership? Let’s talk about how to empower preteens to serve, lead, and change their world.

Starting Strong: Launching a Special Needs Ministry
Led by Tammy Dunkum and Toy Hine

Location: Room 202

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.

Threats to Your Kid's Ministry
Led by Landry Holmes

Location: Fellowship Hall

Remember when ministry threats were as simple as behavioral issues? Today, leaders face deeper internal and external challenges—like cultural pressure, character struggles, competency gaps, and capacity limits. In this session, we’ll explore these growing threats and discuss practical ways to respond.

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

Location: Room 207 E&G

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: Building C

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 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 Jan Frost

Location: Room 205

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

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

Location: Room 207 B&D

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 209

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.

Developing A Plan to Partner with Parents & Invest in Small Group Leaders
Led by Jeremy Rader

Location: Room 207 E&G

To leave a lasting impact on the lives of the kids in our ministries, it is critical that we have a plan for influencing those who have the most potential to influence them. In this breakout, we will discuss some strategies for empowering, training, and partnering with parents and volunteer leaders.

Fun and Games for Preschoolers
Led by Landry Holmes

Location: Fellowship Hall

Preschoolers learn best through play. In this breakout, we’ll explore how to create intentional, Bible-centered, fun experiences that help young children grasp and apply biblical truths. Discover practical ways to turn playtime at church into powerful moments of faith formation, helping preschoolers build early Bible skills while engaging their hearts and minds.

Making Scripture Stick
Led by Sharon Stratmoen

Location: Room 201

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.

Technology Resources for your Ministry
Led by Kristen McCarthy

Location: Student Center

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 Toy Hine

Location: Room 202

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 203

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 204

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.

1:00 PM • Breakout Session 3

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

Location: Room 201

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.

Equipping Volunteers for Special Needs Ministry
Led by Tammy Dunkum and Toy Hine

Location: Room 202

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.

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

Location: Room 209

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.

Mini Leaders, Major Impact
Led by Garrett Oppel

Location: Room 207 A&C

Preteens have a unique space in our ministries. How can we foster their character and leadership? Let’s talk about how to empower preteens to serve, lead, and change their world.

The Bible: More Than a Storybook
Led by David Roach

Location: Room 207 F&H

In a world filled with captivating tales and engaging fiction, how do we teach children to distinguish the Bible as more than just another story? This breakout session equips parents and ministry leaders with practical tools and faith-based strategies to help children understand, believe, and trust that the Bible is the true and inspired Word of God. Learn how to transform Bible lessons from simple stories into life-altering truths, empowering the next generation to stand firm on God’s unchanging Word.

Threats to Your Kids Ministry
Led by Landry Holmes

Location: Fellowship Hall

Remember when ministry threats were as simple as behavioral issues? Today, leaders face deeper internal and external challenges—like cultural pressure, character struggles, competency gaps, and capacity limits. In this session, we’ll explore these growing threats and discuss practical ways to respond.

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

Location: 207 E&G

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: Building C

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 203

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: Student Center

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

Bridging the Gap with Ministry Teams
Led by Kristen McCarthy

Location: Student Center

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

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

Location: Room 209

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.

Developing A Plan to Partner with Parents & Invest in Small Group Leaders
Led by Jeremy Rader

Location: Room 207 E&G

To leave a lasting impact on the lives of the kids in our ministries, it is critical that we have a plan for influencing those who have the most potential to influence them. In this breakout, we will discuss some strategies for empowering, training, and partnering with parents and volunteer leaders.

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

Location: Room 207 B&D

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.

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

Location: Room 207 A&C

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 201

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!

Special Needs Ministry Q&A
Led by Tammy Dunkum and Toy Hine

Location: Room 202

Tammy and Toy offer opportunities for participants to ask questions based off of where they are in their ministry journey. /p>

The Bible: More Than a Storybook
Led by David Roach

Location: Room 207 F&H

In a world filled with captivating tales and engaging fiction, how do we teach children to distinguish the Bible as more than just another story? This breakout session equips parents and ministry leaders with practical tools and faith-based strategies to help children understand, believe, and trust that the Bible is the true and inspired Word of God. Learn how to transform Bible lessons from simple stories into life-altering truths, empowering the next generation to stand firm on God’s unchanging Word.

VBS Children's Bible Study
Led by Niky Brooks

Location: Room 204

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 205

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