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Atlanta—One hundred and twenty people, involved in youth ministry in the local church attended the annual training conference sponsored by Christian Education and Publications and Great Commission Publications and held at Simpsonwood Conference in Northeast Atlanta area.  The theme of the conference will conclude the theme for the five regional conferences held in 2009 was ‘Great Expectations 2010.’  Due to sudden illness the plenary speaker Rev. Joe Novenson of Lookout Mountain, TN was unable to speak; however, the conference was ably lead by opening speaker, Dr. Allen Curry, retired Christian Education Professor at RTS, and a regional trainer and advisor for CEP.  His challenge was to clearly understand what God expects of his covenant children and then adjust our ministry to those expectations, accordingly.  He challenged the audience not to dumb down the message or simply view the ministry as providing fun and games or as giving them materials that will help them later in life as they mature.

A panel discussion, led by CEP Coordinator Charles Dunahoo, dealt with a multitude and variety of questions the participants face in their local ministry.   Under the CEP theme of ‘Making Kingdom Disciples’ Dunahoo challenged the group to think of their children’s ministry in a broader way by focusing on ‘Discipling God’s Covenant people.’

People representing some 20 states including California, New York, Florida, Colorado, Wisconsin, Massachusetts, as well as surrounding states attended the conference.  They came primarily from PCA churches as well as a group from the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church.

There were over 30 seminars to choose from during the two day conference covering many of the aspects of children’s ministry in the local church, as well as emphasis on parenting and partnering with family and church in that discipleship process. Some of the titles and the entire line-up can be seen on the CEP Website, Connecting Parents to What is Taught in Church,   Helping Parents Build a Godly Heritage in Their Children were among the workshops offered.  Covenant Seminary also was represented.  Tasha Chapman from the seminary and Brent Turner, Executive Director of Christian Education Ministries of the ARP were also among the 18 different workshop presenters.

The conference closed on Thursday AM with a challenge from Sue Jakes, CEP’s Coordinator of CEP’s children’s ministry track.  Her challenge representing CEP’s Strategic Faith Plan revolved around the theme 2020 Vision—what are we seeking to accomplish in the lives of the children during the next ten years?

Listen to Bruce McRae talk on teaching Leviticus to children:

Click below to download handouts from select workshops:

How to Have a Great VBS - Elaine Bonner

Leadership for Learning - Tasha Chapman

How Children Learn - Tasha Chapman

    a) How Children Learn

    b) Learning Cycles

    c) Space for Learning

Special Events: Linking Home and Church - Robin Gorab

A Biblical Perspective on Disability: Seeing as God Sees, Loving as God Loves - Steph Hubach

 Translating Perspective into Practice: Getting Disability Ministry Started in Your Local Congregation - Steph Hubach

Recruiting and Retaining Teachers and Leaders - Brent Turner

What About the Basics & What About Family Devotions? - Brad Winsted

    For articles and other information about these topics visit the Children's Ministry
    International website.

2020 Vision - Plenary Session by Sue Jakes (Power Point)