2022 Childhood and Family Ministry Summit Program

Childhood and Family Ministry Summit August 5–6, 2022 Truett Seminary, Waco

WELCOME Welcome to the 2022 Childhood and Family Ministry Summit! What a joy it is to be able to gather in person! If you are joining us for the first time this year, welcome. We are so glad you are here!

We have a host of sessions that will encourage, inspire and challenge you. Collectively, we have a wealth of knowledge, and I hope you will walk away feeling equipped for the service that God has called you to do. We are here to support and provide resources and enjoy learning together.

We are so grateful for the expertise that Mary Ann Bradberry brings. She knows ministry not only from a children's ministry perspective, but also as a writer, curriculum developer, and administrator. I know you will enjoy sitting under her teaching this year.

Jennifer Howington Children’s Ministry Specialist Center for Church Health

We are also grateful for Truett Seminary and their gracious invitation to host our Childhood and Family Ministry Summit again this year! What a gift to be able to enjoy this beautiful campus.

I am honored to be a part of this journey with you! Know that you are in my prayers as you seek to serve children and their families. What you do makes a tremendous difference, for all of eternity!

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SCHEDULE FRIDAY, AUGUST 5 S TAR T

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ACTIVITY

8:00 am

Registration Begins

9:00 am

10:00 am

Session One

10:10 am

11:10 am

Session Two

11:20 am

12:20 pm

Session Three

12:20 pm

1:30 pm

Lunch on your own

1:30 pm

2:30 pm

Session Four

2:40 pm

3:40 pm

Session Five

3:40 pm

4:00 pm

Break with snacks

4:00 pm

5:00 pm

Session Six: Keynote

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ACTIVITY

SATURDAY, AUGUST 6 S TAR T 8:00 am

Registration Begins

9:00 am

10:00 am

Session Seven: Keynote

10:10 am

11:10 am

Session Eight

11:10 am

11:30 pm

Break with snacks

11:30 pm

12:30 pm

Session Nine

12:40 pm

1:40 pm

Session Ten

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KEYNOTE SPEAKER Mary Ann Bradberry

What a difference a child makes! For the past few years, Mary Ann has had the privilege of seeing life through the eyes of her four-year-old granddaughter. Through this experience and an awareness of societal pressures on children and families, Mary Ann is more committed than ever to helping adults gain the knowledge and understanding to create the relationships and pathways children need to thrive and experience the wonder and awe of God and His creation.

Mary Ann’s experiences in the field of childhood Christian education has spanned over 40+ years.

Early in her life, she realized that God was calling her to be an advocate for children. That calling has lead her to be a teacher, childhood minister, curriculum writer and editor, speaker, trainer, and most recently the Executive Director of Texas Baptist Church Weekday Education Association.

Mary Ann holds a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and a graduate degree in Early Childhood Education from North Texas State University in Denton, Texas. She also has done extensive study in the area of brain development of young children.

Mary Ann is co-author of the book Teaching Preschoolers: First Steps Toward Faith and a contributor to the book Kids Ministry 101. She also wrote the introduction to the Weekday Early Education Curriculum Guide for Pre-K published by LifeWay Christian Resources and numerous articles for ParentLife magazine. Mary Ann has also been an online adjunct professor at Dallas Baptist University.

Mary Ann and her husband, Doran, attend Real Life Church in Austin, Texas.

MEET THE LEADERS

MARY ANN BRADBERRY Keynote Speaker

CAL TODD VisionBridge Consulting Houston

MARK TODD VisionBridge Consulting Houston

JOANNA JESPERSEN Hillcrest Baptist Church Cedar Hill

LEZAH MAITLAND First Baptist Church Allen

DELANEE WILLIAMS Lifeway Christian Resources Nashville

SHELLY MELIA Dallas Baptist University Dallas

SHARON STRATMOEN Group Publishing Lake Elmo, MN

HEATHER SMITH Taylor's Valley Baptist Church Temple

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LEADERS & DOCUMENTATION HEATHER SMITH

MARY ANN BRADBERRY

Title  Children’s Minister, Taylor’s Valley Baptist Church, Temple Education  B.S., Interdisciplinary Studies, West Texas A &M; Childhood Ministry Certification, Texas Baptists; Advanced Certificate of Ministry, Truett Seminary Experience  12 years as children’s minister at City Church in Amarillo; 4 years as children’s minister at Taylor’s Valley Baptist Church, Temple

Title  Child Advocate, Speaker, Trainer, and Consultant Education  B.S., Elementary Education, University of North Texas; Master of Education, Early Childhood Education Experience  Over 40 years of experience in early education as a children’s minister, author, speaker, curriculum writer and developer, and executive director of a non-profit organization (Trainer Criteria (a.5) of Minimum Standard 746.1317)

(Trainer Criteria (a.5) of Minimum Standard 746.1317)

JOANNA JESPERSEN

CAL TODD

Title  Adjunct Professor, Dallas Baptist University Education  B.S., Counseling, Howard Payne University; M.Div., Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary; M.A., Family Ministry, Dallas Baptist University Experience  25 years of experience in college, women, children’s, and family ministry

Title  Consulting Director, VisionBridge Consulting, Houston Education  B.B.A., Sam Houston State University; Master of Public Administration, Texas A&M University Experience  7 years as a consultant for churches in security, facility planning, needs assessment, and construction management

(Trainer Criteria (a.5) of Minimum Standard 746.1317)

(Trainer Criteria (a.5) of Minimum Standard 746.1317)

LEZAH MAITLAND

MARK TODD Title  President, VisionBridge Consulting, Houston Education  Bachelor of Environmental Design, Texas A&M University; Master of Architecture, Texas A&M University Experience  40 years of experience in church architecture and consulting

Title  Minister of Children, First Baptist Church, Allen Education  B.S., Agricultural Services & Development, Tarleton State University; M.A.C.E, Children’s Ministry, Dallas Baptist University Experience  Minister of Children, FBC Allen, April 2012-Present; Children’s Ministry Associate, FBC Allen, 2009-2012

(Trainer Criteria (a.5) of Minimum Standard 746.1317)

(Trainer Criteria (a.5) of Minimum Standard 746.1317)

DELANEE WILLIAMS

SHELLY MELIA

Title  Content Editor, LifeWay Christian Resources, Nashville Education  B.S., Early Childhood Education, Baylor University; M.A.C.E, Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary Experience  Content Editor, Lifeway Christian Resources (May 2020-present); Kids Ministry Specialist, Lifeway Christian Resources (July 2016-May 2020); Minister of Preschool, First Baptist Church of Allen, Texas (April 2006-May 2016); Assistant Minister of Preschoolers, First Baptist Church of Dallas, Texas (January 2003-March 2006)

Title  Professor of Childhood Education/Associate Dean, Graduate School of Ministry, Dallas Baptist University Education  B.A., Oklahoma Baptist University; M.A.R.E., Religious Education, Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary; M.A., Marriage and Family Counseling, Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary; Ph.D., BH Carroll Theological Institute Experience  Over 25 years of experience in children’s and family ministry in Oklahoma, Florida, and Texas; Licensed Professional Counselor

(Trainer Criteria (a.5) of Minimum Standard 746.1317)

(Trainer Criteria (a.5) of Minimum Standard 746.1317)

SHARON STRATMOEN Title  Preschool Ministry Director, Rockpoint Church, Lake Elmo, MN; Events & Developer, Group Publishing Education  B.A., Religion & Fine Arts, St. Olaf College Experience  Over 30 years of experience serving on staff in children’s ministry; over 20 years of experience as a writer and trainer for Group Publishing (Trainer Criteria (a.5) of Minimum Standard 746.1317)

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SESSIONS & DESCRIPTIONS SESSION 1 CAL TODD & MARK TODD VISIONBRIDGE CONSULTING, HOUSTON Intentional Spaces- Overview of Security, Appeal, and Function in our Children’s Ministry Every church that wants to grow in today’s culture must be intentional with their ministry priorities and space. The average family will not return to your church if we lack excellence with our safety, security, and facility appeal and function. This session will help evaluate current safety practices, provide practical applications, and share current trends of relevance in Children’s Ministry facilities.

Core Competencies for Administrators: Implementing a Developmentally Appropriate Curriculum and Environment: Environmental Assessment (5.5) Core Competencies for Early Childhood Practitioners: Core Competencies for Early Childhood Practitioners: Planning Framework: Environmental Design, Equipment, Materials, Routines, Schedules, and Learning Formats (3.1)

SESSION 2 MARY ANN BRADBERRY KEYNOTE SPEAKER Let the Children Come and Play Play is critical for children (and adults)! Play is how children explore, discover, socialize, develop creativity, learn teamwork, and make sense of their world. And the latest research presents evidence that brain functions such as attention, focus, empathy, and behavior regulation are best developed through play. But most importantly, play nurtures the child’s wonder and awareness of God. This session will explore the definitions of play along with its benefits and discuss the barriers preventing children’s play.

Core Competencies for Administrators: Implementing a Developmentally Appropriate Curriculum and Environment: Teaching Practices (5.2) Core Competencies for Early Childhood Practitioners: Development Through Play (1.5)

SESSION 3 JOANNA JESPERSEN HILLCREST BAPTIST CHURCH, CEDAR HILL Let's Build Up the KidMin Team!

Has it been hard to get good KidMin volunteers lately? Come join this important conversation of the why, how and what of effective team building so that we can maximize our time and efforts together as we serve kids and families!

Core Competencies for Administrators: Human Resource Leadership & Development: Leadership and Support (3.3) Core Competencies for Early Childhood Practitioners: Ethical Standards and Professional Guidelines (9.1)

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SESSIONS & DESCRIPTIONS SESSION 4 LEZAH MAITLAND FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH, ALLEN Grab the Oxygen Mask- How to Take Care of Yourself so You Can Best Minister to Others Do you feel like you are drowning? Do you ask yourself if you can keep doing this? It's time to grab the oxygen mask.

We will look at ways we can take care of ourselves and set boundaries so we can best minister to those around us.

Core Competencies for Administrators: Human Resource Leadership & Development: Leadership and Support (3.3) Core Competencies for Early Childhood Practitioners: Reflective Practices and Professional Growth (9.2)

SESSION 5 DELANEE WILLIAMS LIFEWAY CHRISTIAN RESOURCE Does Your Teaching Connect?

Shouldn't we teach kids in the way God created them to learn? Come discover how to make your teaching connect with preschoolers and children, helping them succeed and be a "shining star."

Core Competencies for Administrators: Implementing a Developmentally Appropriate Curriculum and Environment: Teaching Practices (5.2) Core Competencies for Early Childhood Practitioners: Planning Framework: Environmental Design, Equipment, Materials, Routines, Schedules, and Learning Formats (3.1)

SESSION 6 MARY ANN BRADBERRY KEYNOTE SPEAKER Keynote 1: Created to Flourish (Part 1): God’s Design for Developing the Mind, Brain, and Spirit The need for understanding God’s design for the growth and development of children has never been more needed than NOW! The mental health of children and adolescents has been declared a national crisis. Parents and teachers are struggling to make sense of what is best for children. Part 1 of this keynote will examine the most recent and relevant findings on how God wired the brain for connection and how that connection is needed for children to thrive and experience an abundant life emotionally, physically, intellectually, and spiritually. (John 10:10) Core Competencies for Administrators: Implementing a Developmentally Appropriate Curriculum and Environment: Teaching Practices (5.2) Core Competencies for Early Childhood Practitioners: Child Growth and Development: Domains, Stages, and Milestones (1.1)

SESSION 7 MARY ANN BRADBERRY, KEYNOTE SPEAKER Keynote 2: Created to Flourish (Part 2): God’s Design for Developing the Mind, Brain, and Spirit Part Two of this keynote will dive deeper into the winning formula for a child’s healthy mind, brain, and body with emphasis on ways adults can be intentional in being who (not what) children need to flourish and become who God created them to be. Childhood ministry has been called to “show up” for such a time as this! (Esther 4) Core Competencies for Administrators: Implementing a Developmentally Appropriate Curriculum and Environment: Teaching Practices (5.2) Core Competencies for Early Childhood Practitioners: Child Growth and Development: Domains, Stages, and Milestones (1.1)

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SESSIONS & DESCRIPTIONS SESSION 8 SHARON STRATMOEN GROUP PUBLISHING Nursery Ideas That Nurture…a Relationship with Jesus The nursery is an entry point for new parents into your church. And children have an amazing capacity to learn.

What you do or don’t do with them is mission critical. Learn how to shift the mentality from babysitting to ministry.

Explore how caring for infants and toddlers can be the beginning of a life-long relationship with Jesus. Discover simple ways to give babies and toddlers the love of Jesus. Create a nursery ministry that nurtures—with strategies to minister to families with young children that will keep them coming back every week!

Core Competencies for Administrators: Implementing a Developmentally Appropriate Curriculum and Environment: Teaching Practices (5.2) Core Competencies for Early Childhood Practitioners: Child Development: Domains, Stages, and Milestones (1.1)

SESSION 9 DR. SHELLY MELIA DALLAS BAPTIST UNIVERSITY Sharing an Authentic Gospel that Leads to a Robust Faith This session will focus on sharing the gospel with children with an emphasis on discipleship that promotes a robust faith.

Core Competencies for Administrators: Instituting Family & Community-Centered Programming: Positive Relationships with Families (6.1) Core Competencies for Early Childhood Practitioners: Influences on Development: Biology, Families, Environment, Culture, and Stress (1.4)

SESSION 10 HEATHER SMITH TAYLOR’S VALLEY BAPTIST CHURCH, TEMPLE I'm the Leader, Now What?

Stepping into a leadership role for the first time, or moving to a new position? This session will look at how to plan and survive your first year of ministry or first year at a new church.

Core Competencies for Administrators: Human Resource Leadership & Development: Personal and Professional Awareness (3.1) Core Competencies for Early Childhood Practitioners: Reflective Practices and Professional Growth (9.2)

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hungeroffering.org

OUR VALUES

Affordable, relevant, and research-based training & resources with a Biblical perspective.

Expect God to do great things!

Group Children’s Ministry Partnering with you to help children grow in their relationship with Jesus through Sunday school, VBS, seasonal events, and more!

Stop by the Group resource table for special offers.

Check out all of Group’s resources.

Our values continue to flow from our belief that we have a divine calling to serve those who serve the youngest in our midst with: + Excellence in Training + Integrity in Actions + Respect for Childhood Scan for our + Intentionality in Teaching 2022 events! + Biblical Concepts + Inspiration & Encouragement

earlychildhoodchristiannetwork.com /earlychildhoodchristiannetwork

Learn more at group.com/ChildrensMinistry

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Pursue a Master’s Degree in Children’s or Family Ministry Choose from online or face-to-face classes

Dallas Baptist University’s Graduate School of Ministry is poised to prepare you to meet the challenges of children’s or family ministry.

With our unique University-model approach, DBU’s master’s degree programs in ministry give students an ageless foundation coupled with relevant ministry training.

Special Needs Ministry Concentration Available

Choose from a Master of Arts in Children’s Ministry or a Master of Arts in Family Ministry. Both degrees are designed to help you balance school with your other commitments. For more information, e-mail Dr. Shelly Melia at shelly@dbu.edu or call 214.333.5494.

Pursue your call. Prepare to serve. www.dbu.edu/ministry

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CONNECT WITH US (214) 828-5205 sarah.johnson@txb.org 7557 Rambler Road, Suite 1200 Dallas, TX 75231

txb.org/childhood