LifeWay Kids Conference Workshops & Descriptions
(alphabetical by title)

A Year in Review: Keeping on Track”
Diane Lane
This workshop will help you evaluate your ministry for one calendar year, examining programming purpose and matching it with projected budget.

Am I Part of the Solution or the Problem
Clara Mae Van Brink
Is church a family place? We always say it is. It is time we ask ourselves what the church is doing to promote healthy families. We can either be part of the solution or contribute to the problem. Discover how to be part of helping families choose a healthy lifestyle.

Bible Skills: What, When, Where, Why?
Maria Brannen
Come and learn great ideas for teaching children Bible skills at church. These Ideas can be used whenever and wherever you'd like - Sunday morning, Sunday night, Wednesday night, or for other events!

Bridging the Gap from Kindergarten to 1st Grade
Scott Wiley
Kindergarten is a key transition year. We will examine some distinctives of kindergartners, look at ways to teach and minister to them, and discuss how to adjust your teaching sessions throughout the year so they will be ready for a first grade classroom at church.

Catch a Child Being Good
Mary Manz Simon
How many times did you say “No” to a child today? In what ways do you encourage compliant behavior? Why are “I” messages more effective than “you” messages? These and other class management principles will be addressed in a practical session highlighting preventative child management techniques.

CentriKid Camp Preview
Jeremy Echols
Designed for experience CentriKid Camp sponsors, or folks who are new to this camp, this course will look at the schedule, spiritual direction, and some of the fun activities for camp in 2010!

Child Evangelism: A Child's Readiness, Knowledge and Activation of Christ's Saving Grace
Roger Acton
Do you want support in preparing children to commit their lives to Christ, as their Savior and Lord? Do you lack tools to help newly converted older children be a witness on their campuses and in their neighborhoods? Do you want to understand what a child understands about Biblical principles at different ages/stages of their lives? Join us as we overview and discuss helpful information that will empower you as a leader, along with tools to equip your parents (grandparents) in this awesome partnership to prepare and walk with children into Christ’s saving grace!

The Child In Our Midst
Marcia McQuitty
Then Jesus said, “Leave the children alone, and don’t try to keep them from coming to Me, because the kingdom of heaven is made up of people like this. (Matthew 19:14 HCSB) Can our preschoolers and children grasp the rich teachings of the Bible? If so, then what and how much?

Child Sexual Abuse Awareness & Prevention
Greg Love and Kimberly Norris
Sexual abuse is epidemic and on the rise. This workshop will focus on the risks of sexual abuse in children’s ministries, and a description of tools and systems which can be implemented by churches to provide child safe environments.

Creating an Evangelistic Worldview
Tim Pollard
How can ministry leaders create an environment in their ministries that will encourage families to become more evangelistic in their thinking?

Code Blue! Help -- My Meetings are Dying!
Klista Storts
Have you considered calling out a “Code Blue” because your teacher meetings are dying a slow death? Bring your meetings (and teachers) back to life by using unique approaches to problem-solving and training.

Decorations for VBS 2010
Mark Jones
The VBS catalog has great pictures for VBS sets but this conference will provide ideas for creating those wonderful decorations on a budget. You don’t have to be artist to make this happen! Come see the decorations. Take pictures and write down lots of possibilities for creating eye popping props that will excite your church for VBS! The best part, these decorations fold flat and travel easy.

Developing a Staff that Makes a Difference in Weekday Ministry
Ann Parnell
Want to make a real difference in ministry? Learn to develop a weekday ministry team through hiring, training, communicating, and evaluating.

Discipleship: Whose Job is it Anyway?
Paula Stringer
Deuteronomy 6 says, "Teach it to your children." It's not us or them; they're our children and they need us all. In this workshop particpants will explore ways to partner with parents to disciple children.

Discovering the Secrets of Servant Leadership from the Life of Christ
Donna Peavey
In this session we will look at how Jesus humbled himself as a leader to carry out God's will and purpose for his life and how we as leaders should imitate that in our lives and ministry

Empowering Parents
Jerry Vogel
This conference will summarize George Barna's observations about the parents in America today. It will also challenge individuals to develop a heart-felt conviction about the importance of parent education in our local churches.

The Facebook Generation: Using Technology with Children at Church
Karen Kennemur
Can technology be an effective ministry tool with children? Can children really learn, grow, and build relationships using technology? Technology is here to stay--let's discuss how to use it effectively.

The FIVE Dysfunctions of A Team
Stephanie Chase
Do you feel your staff is falling apart? Learn practical ways to overcome the 5 dangerous pitfalls & how to build a cohesive, effective team. (Based on the book by Patrick Lencioni).

Five Principles for Accommodating Children with Special Needs
Carlton McDaniel
Children with special needs require specific accommodations. But how do you prepare for an unexpected visit? Apply these five principles of accommodation to become better prepared for children with special needs.

Handling Hang-ups
Kelli McAnally
So you don’t have furniture or teachers, but you have more preschoolers than you can deal with, plus you are in a small room. What do you do? Come get some hands on ideas to handle your “hang-up.”

Help! I’m burning up!
Bill Emeott
Have you been exposed to the number one killer of today's children's minister? In this workshop participants will look at reasons why children's ministers suffer from burnout. We will examine a simple perscription that will help you to prevent, overcome, and heal from this deadly disease.

Help, My Classroom Needs Music But I Can't Carry A Tune
Stephanie Chase
Songs & music activities ANY teacher can use in the classroom.

Help, My Team is Crazy!
Donna Peavey
In this class participants will learn how individual personalities impact the way one communicates and handles conflict.

How Am I Smart
Kathy Koch
Everyone has eight different intelligences that can be awakened, strengthened, focused, and trained. These intelligences will be defined and explained so leaders can determine which ones are strengths for their students and how to use them when leading. Participants will self-identify their strengths and weaknesses, learn ways to maximize learning while minimizing distractions, be empowered to be smart with their smarts, and discover they have been made uniquely smart.

The Importance of Play
Todd Capps
Play has extremely benefical impacts on children and adults. Discover how play impacts brain development and facilitates problem solving for children and adults.

Kid's Culture
Cindy Lumpkin
Kids view the world around them differently than adults. Discover how kids view of the world affect how you reach children, teach children, keep them coming back.

Legacy of an Early Childhood Educator
Mary Manz Simon
“Don’t lose hope while you’re chasing that preschooler,” might be the subtitle of this encouraging message. Early childhood educators often ask, “Am I making a difference?” After all, it might be years before the significance of our teaching can be measured. This session will look at key elements that contribute to the legacy of an early childhood educator.

LifeWay's VBS 2010 Saddle Ridge Ranch and Route 254 Showdeo
Jerry Wooley
Saddle up for the stunning vistas of Big Sky country where kids will spend a week at the ranch roundin' up questions and drivin' home answers! Learn how you can point kids to God for the ultimate answers to life's questions.

Linking Literacy to Bible Learning
Kelli McAnally
Children begin to learn language from the moment they are born. Effective Bible teaching incorporates literacy practices into every aspect of the session. Learn how to link literacy to Bible learning centers to help children listen, speak, know, read, and write about God's truths.

Making History: Leadership Lessons from Great Leaders of the Past
Tommy Sanders
Learning lessons from leaders of the past that will help you minister and lead in your church.

Ministry as Being: Revolutionary Spiritual Leadership
Matt Weston
Are you looking for a fresh perspective on leadership and ministry? In this workshop, we’re not going to talk about managing people, handling conflict, or leadership strategy. In this workshop, we are going to explore the idea of ministry as flowing from being, rather than doing. We’ll dig into Scripture and examine the Scriptural model of the spiritual leader and the vital role he or she plays within the Body of Christ

Missions Resources That Work
Lisa Graves
Description: Looking for children’s missions resources that specifically meet the needs of your ministry? IMB wants to provide international missions resources that work…but we don’t want to do it without you! In this session, explore current IMB resources and tell us how we can better meet your needs in sharing missions with your children.

Nutrition for Children
Dick Couey
This seminar will discuss what children should eat in order for them to develop to their fullest growth potential. Special attention will be given to help the sick child overcome many health problems such as allergies, asthma, add, adh, digestive disorders and other illnesses.

Nuts and Bolts of Weekday Administration
Ann Parnell
Get a grip on the big picture of weekday ministry. Learn to enjoy being the leader God has called you to be by evaluating your administrative skills, understanding finances, maintaining ministry, sharing space effectively, and developing delegating skills

The Parent Adventure
Rodney Wilson
Parenting is a challenge no matter how you slice it. Yet, it can be fulfilling in the process! In the midst of the challenge, The Parent Adventure offers some practical methods to love and relate to your kid while preparing them for their own adventure with the Lord.

Physical Exercises for Children
Dick Couey
This seminar will discuss ways children should exercise in order to develop their physical skills. Special emphasis will be given to help overweight children lose weight. Valuable information will be provided to help the child develop confidence and self esteem.

Play, DeBrief, Replay
Ann Edwards
Children enjoy play, that is how they learn, and that is how they work. We have learned that play is an important part of their total development. They are constantly learning and building new knowledge on previous experiences. How can we use this understanding of children to make sure we are doing our part in Bible teaching at church? Discover some creative ways we can spark learning and enjoy the child's journey to understanding of God, Jesus, and the Bible.

The Power of One Hour
Marcia McQuitty
We cannot expect God to work through us if we do not allow Him to live in us…. every day of our lives. “Then He came to the disciples and found them sleeping. He asked Peter, ‘So couldn’t you stay awake with Me one hour? Stay awake and pray, so that you won’t enter into temptation. The Spirit is willing but the flesh is weak.” Matthew 26:40-41 HCSB

Preparing Children to Worship
Todd Capps
Guiding children to worship is very important. We will discover issues associated with leading children to worship. In addition, we will examine how to transition children from one type of worship to another.

Preventing Sexual Abuse in Your Church: Effective Policies & Procedures
Greg Love and Kimberly Norris
Ministries must develop effective Policies & Procedures to protect children from sexual abuse in ministry programs. This session introduces protective principles which must be utilized in the development of tailored and effective Policies & Procedures.

Priorities in Children’s Programming
Karen Kennemur
Do parents, pastors, and children's ministers agree on the priorities in children's programming at church? What do studies show about the priorities in ministry to children? Who is the driving force in making these decisions? How are priorities determined? In this workshop participants will ponder these and other questions as we consider children's ministry programming.

Recharge and Refresh – Dealing with Stress
Mary Harkins
Everyone experiences stress in their lives. Our bodies will tell us when we are experiencing stress. Participants will learn what stress can do physically and mentally. Learn how to recharge your batteries with simple techniques that can help you “de-stress” and refresh your outlook.

Say What? Preteens and Sex — Where Does the Church Fit in the Equation?
Jeff Land
Preteens are exposed to sex on a daily basis in television, magazines, and even video games. Gone are the days of quietly skirting this major issue facing preteens. This conference will equip leaders with the statistics regarding preteen sexual activity, as well as, providing tools for helping preteens understand God’s plan for sex.

Screening the Sexual Predator -- Keeping the Wolf out of the Sheep-Pen [Pt 1]
Greg Love and Kimberly Norris
Hiring a sexual predator can devastate your children's ministry. Because sexual predators have no visual profile, effective screening of potential employees and volunteers is CRITICAL. Part 1 of this workshop discusses the process of screening applicants for high risk behaviors and life patterns. Part 1 lays a foundation for Part 2 of the workshop.

Screening the Sexual Predator -- Keeping the Wolf out of the Sheep-Pen [Pt 2]
Greg Love and Kimberly Norris
Part 2 of this workshop identifies 'risk indicators' in sample applications in a hands-on fashion – identifying high-risk responses and effective follow-up questions when an evasive or high-risk response is received from an applicant.

Super Slimy Summer Solutions
Jeff Land
Not everyone in the Bible wore clean white shirts, so why do you tell Bible stories like they did? Planning curriculum for Sunday and Wednesday nights during the summer can be a tough task. Experience a whole new way to teach an appealing and intriguing Bible Study that's guaranteed to get the kids' attention.

Stress Points - How Do You Spell Relief?
Dick Couey
In this session you will learn how stress effects your body, how to overcome stress related illnesses, and how to cope with stress so you can serve God as long and as best you can.

Taking the Dream to Reality
Cindy Lumpkin
What are your dreams for reaching families? Explore today’s culture and discover ways to reach families in your community.

Teaching Children with Learning Disabilities
Carlton McDaniel
Children with Learning Disabilities may have difficulties in class even though they generally have average or above average intelligence. Learn how to teach the Bible in ways that will engage and educate every child.

Technology as Tools for Preschool and Kindergarten Teachers
Scott Wiley
Can digital cameras and computers help you as a preschool or kindergarten teacher? We will examine ways to use these technologies to make teaching resources...and to use as resources in the classroom, too.

Ten Tips for Making Change Painless
Ken Marler
Change is inevitable. This workshop will look at ten tips on how to make change manageable.

This Job is Not My Life
Clara Mae Van Brink
How can we, as ministers, model healthy balance in our lives. Are you a workaholic? Does your family wonder who you are? Are you a single minister with no social life? It is time to discover life outside of ministry. Learn how to establish appropriate boundaries and get a life.

Three Pillars for Building a Strong Children’s Ministry
Mark Jones
There are many gimmicks and curriculums that promise healthy children’s ministry but never go the distance. What does every church need for building and sustaining an ongoing work for reaching children and measurable spiritual growth for each child? We will discover what three elements are a must for building a strong ministry. In this search you will also hear ideas for enlisting workers, communicating your vision, sharing Christ and developing children into life-long followers of Christ. It’s time to step back and look at the big picture.

Twibes, Missional Tribes, and Community: Being Authentic Community for Children
Paula Stringer
What does all of this mean for my ministry? In this workshop participants will discuss how we can help children find the community they crave in our churches.

Upward - More Than A Game
Wade Taylor
Can sports be used to share the love of Christ with children and their families? Absolutely! Upward children's sports ministry is a powerful outreach tool to help your congregation minister to your community through basketball, flag football, soccer, and cheerleading. If your church has a gym, field space, or access to either, Upward is for you!

Uses for Social Media in Children's Ministry Settings
Tim Pollard
What types of social media are out there that kids are using? How can we incorporate the use of electronic social media as a tool of ministry?

What’s in Your Box?
Jan Marler
Thinking outside of the box is one important foundation to a growing a children's ministry. But, what needs to stay inside the box to insure healthy long term growth? Conferees will discover 4 key principles to help evaluate where you are and where your ministry is headed.

Where Have All the Good Leaders Gone?
Tommy Sanders
There are no easy answers to the crisis of finding, keeping, and motivating lay leaders, but this conference will offer philosophical and practical tips leadership development in the local church.

 

 

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