N.C. Baptists equip churches to partner with parents in discipling their children. Meet Kendra Joyner, the new children’s ministry strategist, who works with churches to train the youngest disciples so they live gospel-driven lives rooted in God’s Word.

North Carolina Baptists value investing in children because doing so strengthens families and the church. We strive to teach disciples the ways of Jesus — from the youngest ones to the most seasoned. N.C. Baptists recently welcomed Kendra Joyner as the new children’s ministry strategist, with a mission to train churches to partner with parents in discipling their children to live gospel-driven lives.

Joyner has served in children’s ministry for more than 20 years in North Carolina and South Carolina churches.

Get to know Joyner and her vision for children’s ministry through this Q&A:

1. What first drew you to children’s ministry, and how has your calling grown or changed over the years? 

I began working in children’s ministry as a college student for a summer internship and ended up serving in that church during my college years for two and a half years before finishing college and heading into full-time ministry as the Lord saw fit. My calling has always been to serve families and children of the church, as they lay a solid foundation built on God’s Word and what He has done for them. As I have learned and grown in ministry, I’ve spent time investing in leaders and families as they grew in their own understanding and knowledge of who Christ is and what He has done for them. I am excited for this new opportunity as we partner together with the local church and help cheer them on as they grow the kingdom from the youngest member to the oldest. 

2. From your perspective, what is the local church’s role in equipping parents to be the primary disciple-makers in their homes?  

The local church is here to partner with and help equip parents to become the primary disciple-makers in their homes. We repeat what we know. If parents have never been discipled themselves, they will need help understanding what it means to model and become disciple-makers within their own homes. We, as the local church, are here to partner with and help equip them as they walk the journey hand-in-hand to help build the kingdom, starting in their own homes. 

3. How can partnerships between churches strengthen children’s ministry across North Carolina? 

As local churches, although autonomous in nature, we can partner together with other churches to help build the kingdom and build children’s ministry and family ministry. Our ultimate goal is to make disciples of all nations. With that, we give time to be outside the walls of our own local churches and join in partnership to help have a greater kingdom impact, all for God’s glory.

4. What are some creative or practical ways churches can help children grasp biblical truths at a young age? 

Remember to engage children on the level they are on. Break down big words, and make learning fun for them as they learn and explore things that connect in the Bible. That means allowing movement and activity as they learn biblical truths from God’s Word. Kids today are engaged in all types of learning styles and need activity and motion while also being engaged creatively. Play a game as they learn the truths from God’s Word. Don’t be afraid to give movement and object lessons as well. 

5. What excites you most about serving N.C. Baptist churches through this role?

I am excited that N.C. Baptist churches can connect and help build the kingdom as we come alongside them to help and cheer each other on in the mission of making disciples and building the kingdom from the youngest to the oldest for generations to come. 

6. When you’re not teaching or leading, how do you recharge and have fun?

I enjoy being outdoors and spending time with family and friends. I enjoy traveling, hiking, SEC football and basketball and most of all, enjoying sweet laughter with friends and family. I’m always up for an adventure. 

Joyner holds a Master of Divinity degree from Southern Baptist Theological Seminary with an emphasis in church leadership and a concentration in children and family ministry. She also holds a bachelor’s degree in music from the University of South Carolina.

To connect with Kendra about how she can help you take your children and family ministry to the next level, email kjoyner@ncbaptist.org.