Children's Ministry

Children's Ministry goes far beyond a child's Sunday-school classroom. It's ministry that reaches youth, parents, and volunteers. It's ministry that touches the community through summer camps and special events. It's discipleship to, through, and with people of many ages, gifts, and abilities. 

On this page, you will find links to some of our Children's Ministry blogs and over 30 Children's Ministry training sessions from several MinistryLift Conferences (video access requires a MinistryLift Membership). Please note that some of the recordings are unedited (we have not edited out parts where no one is speaking, etc.) and in some cases the video is not the best quality (for these videos, we have simply perserved the audio part as MP3 files). Having said that, the audio is usually good, so you can always listen to the videos as a type of podcast if the video is an issue. It is also important to realize that the presenter descriptions were current when the conferences took place, but may have changed since then.

BLOG ARTICLES  

Overview of Videos (Click on Topics or Video Titles to go to Descriptions)

Raising Counter-culture Kids

Family Discipleship

Discipling Kids in the Church

Raising Counter-cultural Kids

Description of the Three Videos in this Series - Canada is a post-Christian country. Certain cultural elements are in direct opposition to the Gospel, making it increasingly more uncomfortable to be a Christian in our culture. What are the forces arrayed against the Gospel in our society? Chris Price will help us understand how we can help kids follow Jesus in the midst of these cultural challenges.

Presenter - Chris Price is the Lead Pastor at Calvary Baptist Church and the author of Radical Hope and Suffering with God. In addition, he is the co-editor for Everyday Apologetics. Chris lives in Port Coquitlam, BC with his beautiful wife Diandra and his two children Kaeden and Mila.

Free! Video #1 - The Lure of Culture (Chris Price) - Teaching Video

Video #2 - Moving Beyond Moralism (Chris Price) - Teaching Video

Video #3 - Raising Counter-culture Kids (Chris Price) - Teaching Video

Family Discipleship

Free! Video #1 - Theology at Home (Pastor Robyn Dueck) - Teaching Video

God is clear about how He feels about kids and how He wants children to be raised. How do we, as parents, correctly balance the plethora of opportunities that our kids have with their need for spiritual nourishment to give them the strength to be Godly children, teens, and adults in the midst of the world where they are growing up?

Presenter - Robyn Dueck is passionate about teaching kids about Jesus. Robyn and her husband, Ray, have three married children and six grandchildren. They have served together in ministry in both Canada and the United States.

Video #2 - Godly Discipline (Nikki Lanigan) - Teaching Video

Are you going grey early from the antics of particular children? Godly discipline requires a biblical foundation and holistic approach that is as much constructive as it is corrective. Learn the basics of discipline to assist in developing a life of discipleship in your child.

Presenter - Nikki Lanigan has served in Children’s Ministry both professionally and as a volunteer. Nikki finds great joy in engaging a child’s heart, mind, and soul in a Bible passage. Nikki is married to Brent and has two sons – one sensitive and one that takes many more adjectives to describe.  

Video #3 - Discipleship on the Homefront (Elizabeth Faulkner) - Teaching Video

We would like a simple formula for raising our kids to love Jesus, but the truth is that every family is unique and sometimes messy. This practical workshop will look at our own family environments, routines, and priorities to see how we can weave teaching and God moments into our everyday activities.

Presenter – Elizabeth Faulkner has been working with children and families at SouthRidge Fellowship Church for 15 years – first as a volunteer, then as the Children’s Ministry Director, and now as the Family Ministry Director. She loves hiking, book clubbing, drinking coffee, and hanging out with her husband and three children.

Video #4 - Children's Ministry as Family Ministry (Dr. Randy Wollf) - Teaching Video

In this workshop, Randy will explore how churches can resource and partner with families to make the home the primary place for the formation of the Christian faith.

Presenter - Dr. Randy Wollf was a pastor for 20 years (including 10 years as a children’s pastor). He is currently a professor at Mennonite Brethren Biblical Seminary (part of the ACTS consortium) and the director of MinistryLift, a ministry devoted to resourcing individuals and churches. Randy and his wife, Lore, have four children, ages 3-18.

Audio #5 - Talking to Kids about LGBTQ Individuals (Pastor Thaleia Sawatsky) - Teaching Audio (due to video quality issues, we can only offer the audio version of this session)

LGBTQ, gender and sexuality. What do these words mean? How does our culture view these issues? How does God view these issues? How can we as parents and leaders in our church talk about these issues with each other and our kids in ways that honour the God we love and serve?

Presenter – Thaleia Sawatsky has her Master’s degree in Counselling Psychology from Trinity Western University. She currently works as a care pastor helping people who are facing a variety of challenging issues in their lives. Thaleia has been married to Mark for 23 years, and they have two teenagers who are in high school.

Audio #6 - Preparing Your Kids for the Social Media Roller Coaster (Alisha Stobbe) - Teaching Audio (due to video quality issues, we can only offer the audio version of this session)

Technology and social media are now an integrated part of growing up in today’s world. Technology brings new possibilities and opportunities, as well as new responsibilities. This presentation will review how teens are utilizing technology through various devices and social media platforms (such as Facebook, Yik Yak, Snapchat, and more), as well as Internet safety tips and practical ways of supporting children’s healthy spiritual and mental development.

Presenter - Alisha Stobbe is a Registered Clinical Counsellor, trained in Marriage and Family Therapy. She works out of her private practice in Langley where she sees youth, young adults, women, couples, and families. In addition, she sees youth and families referred by the RCMP through Langley Youth & Family Services. Alisha also presents on the topics of Teen Sexting and Anxiety.

Video #7 - Dealing with the Screen: Talking about Kids and Games (Dr. Kevin Schut) - Teaching Audio

Parents and pastors often feel like video games are an alien force taking over their kids’ lives. Are games addictive? Does violence in games make children aggressive? Are gamers becoming the zombies they love to fight on screen? Do games have space for faith? This workshop will look at some of the research and give a balanced take on how to approach games and kids, avoiding the extremes positions of some fans and critics.

Presenter – Dr. Kevin Schut is Professor of Media + Communication and Associate Dean of the School of Arts, Media + Culture at Trinity Western University. He studies pop culture and media and how they impact our culture. He specializes in video games and has written a book called Of Games and God: A Christian Exploration of Video Games. He is married and he loves playing Mario Cart, Splatoon, and adventure games with his daughters, aged 12, 9, and 6.

Video #8 - The Heart of Modesty (Jane Thompson) - Teaching Video

Using her nursing background and her belief that our bodies are created with awesome design, Jane will thoughtfully ask questions surrounding the topic of modesty that can help us adopt God’s view of self-esteem and relationship building.

Presenter - Jane Thompson has been an RN for 25 years working in both hospital and retirement home settings. She also volunteers every summer at kids’ camps and gives talks at middle/high schools on healthy sexuality. She has been married to Steve for 26 years. Together they have raised two boys and two dogs.

Video #9 - Smart Money, Smart Kids (Pastor Cindy Gammie) - Teaching Video

Many of us wish we had been taught more about money. Now as adults, we are challenged to teach kids how to view and use money in God-honouring ways. Parents and children’s ministry workers can learn skills to help kids give, save, and spend in ways that glorify God.

Presenter - Cindy Gammie graduated from Trinity Western University with a Psychology degree. She parented high risk youth in a group home and foster home for 10 years. Cindy and her husband now have two daughters of their own and Cindy serves as a Couples Relationship Skills Coach and a Children’s Pastor at South Langley Church.

Video #10 - "Telling" Stories, Transforming Families (Pastor Dan Unrau) - Teaching Video

It’s no secret that storytelling is a powerful communications tool. But our personal stories are sometimes unknown or overlooked. This workshop will look at how parents can steward their family stories so that their kids can encounter their own history even if they weren’t around to experience it firsthand.

Presenter – Dan Unrau was raised in Manitoba, but he’s also lived in BC, Israel, and Germany. He has a BA in Sociology, English & Religious Studies; an MA in Jewish Studies; and a DMin in Leadership Studies. Dan has been a clergyman/pastor for the past three decades and is currently working as an MCC agent, HR consultant, and church trouble-shooter. He has been married to Lois for more than 40 years, and they have 3 children, 2 sons-in-laws, 3 darling grandkids, and no cats.

Discipling Kids in the Church

FREE! Video #1 - What Children Need from the Church (Dr. Randy Wollf) - Teaching Video

Based on the groundbreaking Hemorrhaging Faith study on why Canadian young adults stay or leave the church, Randy will share several key implications for how churches can best disciple children.

Presenter – Dr. Randy Wollf was a pastor for 20 years (including 10 years as a children’s pastor). He is currently a professor at Mennonite Brethren Biblical Seminary (part of the ACTS consortium) and the director of MinistryLift, a ministry devoted to resourcing individuals and churches. Randy and his wife, Lore, have four children, ages 3-18.

Video #2 - Mobilizing Children into Ministry (Pastor Mikey Pierson) - Teaching Audio (due to video quality issues, we can only offer the audio version of this session - we do have a video session on Mobilizing Children into Ministry by Dr. Randy Wollf below)

It is important to foster a healthy culture of volunteerism and an attitude of servant leadership at a young age. This workshop will give the reasons why, along with practical steps to mobilize children into ministry.

Presenter – Mikey Pierson has the joy and the challenge of serving as an Associate Pastor of Grade School. He is excited to teach the Word of God to kids, and equip volunteers to disciple children. He enjoys backpacking, gardening, reading and his wife and two lovely daughters.

FREE! Video #3 - Incorporating Children with Special Needs (Brent Lanigan) - PowerPoint, Handout 1, Handout 2, Handout 3, Handout 4, Handout 5, Handout 6, Teaching Video

With the increase of children with supportive care needs, our churches must respond in grace and with genuine care. Come join the discussion on support systems, family support, intake interviews, sensory issues, and God’s heart for the often overlooked.

Presenter – Brent Lanigan works with individuals with supportive care needs at both Northview Community Church and Bethesda Christian Association. He believes all are equal members of the body of Christ. Brent is married and has two young sons.

Video #4 - The Prepared Volunteer (Linda Rae) - Teaching Video (unfortunately, the first part of the video is missing)

Leading effectively is not just about showing up and getting the job done. It takes preparation and planning to lead well. In this session, we are going to look at how we can come to class relaxed, ready and engaged to lead kids to the heart of God. We will talk not only about preparing the lesson but also about preparing ourselves so that we can come with eyes and ears open to hear what God has for us and His Kids.

Presenter - Linda Rae has been serving as the Family Ministries Pastor at North Shore Alliance Church since 2006. She grew up volunteering in Children’s ministry and after her years at Briercrest Bible College found herself back in North Vancouver doing the thing she loves – showing kids God’s loves and teaching them to follow Jesus. One of Linda’s favorite words is TEAM – she works with an incredible group of volunteers and she takes great delight in releasing them in their gifts and growing them in their callings. She really loves coffee and if you’re looking for Linda and she’s not at the office, check out the closest coffee shop.

Video #5 - Redefining Discipline (Nicki Lanigan) - Worksheet, PowerPoint, Teaching Video

One of the greatest struggles for Children’s Ministry workers is classroom management and discipline. Come have your definition and perspective of discipline redefined, freeing you to teach your class with greater passion and purpose.

Presenter – Nikki Lanigan has served in Children’s Ministry for numerous years, both professionally and as a volunteer at Northview Community Church. Nikki finds great joy in engaging a child’s heart, mind, and soul in a Bible passage. Nikki is married to Brent and has two young sons.

Video #6 - Coaching in Children and Youth Ministries (Chris Lam) - PowerPoint, Handout, Teaching Video

Coaching is a critical component of leadership development. During this session, you will learn how to better connect with your children ministry leaders, teachers, and counselors by strengthening four essential coaching skills - listening, expanding, focusing and empowering - based on Keith Webb's COACH Model for Christian Leaders. By the end of this session, participants will know the difference between coaching and mentoring, begin their own development as coaches, and explore applications of the COACH Model in their children’s/youth ministries.

Presenter - Christopher Lam has been married to Sabrina since July 2014 (this year!). He and his wife are professional teachers and enjoy teaching and coaching children/teens. Chris has served in Children/Youth Ministry for numerous years as a volunteer and as an intern at Vancouver Chinese Evangelical Free Church. He is currently completing his M.Div. at ACTS Seminaries.

Video #7 - Soul Care for Children’s Pastors (Deborah Judas) - Handout, Teaching Video

This workshop recognizes the stresses and pressures children’s pastors’ face - missing ‘adult’ service, a lack of volunteers, an administrative workload, children’s special needs - that lead to discouragement, disillusion, and burnout. We will examine ways to refresh our souls as we serve in the ministry to which God has called us.

Video #8 - Mobilizing and Serving Volunteers (Dr. Randy Wollf) - PowerPoint, Teaching Video

The Mobilizing and Serving Volunteers workshop will help you sharpen skills related to recruiting and serving volunteers in ways that help volunteers live out their calling with excellence and a deep sense of fulfillment while making an important contribution to the ministry or program in which they volunteer.

Presenter – Randy Wollf, Ph.D., is the Associate Professor of Practical Theology and Leadership Studies at ACTS Seminaries.  Randy served as a pastor (including several years as a children’s pastor) and missionary for 20 years before taking up his current position.

Video #9 - Teaching Children Well: Training Them Up Without Dumbing Things Down (Dr. Brian Cooper) - Prezi Link, Teaching Video

Children’s ministries are far more than sanctified day care, right?  So why don’t we aim higher with what we teach? Good teaching imparts a robust Christian world view and fosters good family conversations without being simplistic or moralistic. Come find out how to teach good theology to kids, not just platitudes.

Presenter - In addition to being a dad, Dr. Brian Cooper, Ph.D., has worked as a youth pastor, Teamster chaplain, family ministries pastor, and seminary faculty member, but two things remain constant: He loves theology and he has always been a kid at heart.

Video #10 - Preparation Skills for Ministering to Children (Dr. Randy Wollf) - Teaching Video 

Children's ministry workers need to be growing their own faith before they can nurture a child's faith. This workshop examines the key areas that children's ministry workers need to grow.   

Presenter – Randy Wollf, Ph.D., is the Associate Professor of Practical Theology and Leadership Studies at ACTS Seminaries.  Randy served as a pastor (including several years as a children’s pastor) and missionary for 20 years before taking up his current position.

FREE! Video #11 - Teaching Skills for Ministering to Children - Parts 1 and 2 (Dr. Randy Wollf) - Teaching Videos 

These two workshops identify how to effectively teach a child by reaching their head, heart, hands, and senses. Skills such as active listening, discipline, and asking questions are also highlighted.  

Presenter – Randy Wollf, Ph.D., is the Associate Professor of Practical Theology and Leadership Studies at ACTS Seminaries.  Randy served as a pastor (including several years as a children’s pastor) and missionary for 20 years before taking up his current position. 

Video #12 - Shepherding Skills for Ministering to Children (Dr. Randy Wollf) - Teaching Video

This workshop focuses on specific shepherding skills such as relationship building, equipping, and encouraging. 

Presenter – Randy Wollf, Ph.D., is the Associate Professor of Practical Theology and Leadership Studies at ACTS Seminaries.  Randy served as a pastor (including several years as a children’s pastor) and missionary for 20 years before taking up his current position.

Video #13 - Mobilizing Children into Ministry (Dr. Randy Wollf) - Teaching Video

The teaching from this workshop provides practical steps for equipping children as well as philosophical convictions about the ability of all people to minister and serve.  

Presenter – Randy Wollf, Ph.D., is the Associate Professor of Practical Theology and Leadership Studies at ACTS Seminaries.  Randy served as a pastor (including several years as a children’s pastor) and missionary for 20 years before taking up his current position.