Children's ministry leaders gathered Monday for the inaugural Kids Ministry Summit, where they were challenged to model the truth they teach and anchor young disciples in God's Word. The conference at Hopewell Baptist Church in Monroe equipped about 250 leaders with practical tools and renewed vision for shaping the next generation for Christ.

For Josh Roberts, director of children and families at First Baptist Church of Pinehurst, Monday’s Kids Ministry Summit came at an opportune time.

“As a new children and family director, attending the N.C. Baptist Kids Ministry Summit was an incredibly enriching experience,” Roberts said. “The summit provided a wealth of knowledge, practical resources and genuine encouragement.”

Roberts was one of about 250 children’s ministry leaders who gathered at Hopewell Baptist Church in Monroe on April 20 for the inaugural Kids Ministry Summit, a one-day conference designed to refresh, equip and inspire those shaping the next generation for Christ.

The summit’s theme, “Anchored in Truth: Standing Firm in Biblical Teaching in a Shifting Culture,” was based on Hebrews 6:19 and featured keynote sessions from Sam Luce, managing editor of child discipleship for Awana International, along with practical workshops and times of worship and fellowship.

The day exceeded Kaye Johnson’s expectations. Johnson is a children’s ministry volunteer at Green Street Baptist Church in High Point.

“There was a great array of topics offered in the breakout sessions, and the speakers were amazing and very informative,” Johnson said. “The things I learned today will help me in my personal growth as a kids ministry volunteer, and ultimately I will be more effective at reaching kids for God’s kingdom.”

Kristi Stam, kids’ ministry director at Apex Baptist Church, said the gathering provided something she didn’t know she needed.

“Any time that we stop and take a break from our regular weekly rhythms and gather with people who do the same kind of ministry we do, it causes us to pause and think about the big ‘why’ of what we’re doing,” Stam said. “It always encourages our hearts in a way we didn’t know we needed.”

Stam said the main sessions and breakout sessions offered reminders she needed to hear. She attended a breakout about leading teams well, during which the facilitator spoke about focusing on the mission: passing on the gospel to children.

“We have to encourage our leaders in that way too. They’re fueled by that fire, that Jesus that we love is what we’re passing on to kids,'” Stam said.

Practical tools and fresh perspective

Kim Jones of Cape Carteret Baptist Church led a breakout session titled “Little Learners, Big Faith: Ways to Engage Preschoolers in the Classroom,” where she discussed creating memorable experiences, engaging all five senses and building relationships that reflect Jesus.

“Great ideas were shared today within the classroom,” Jones said. “I would ask questions, they would discuss, and we all walked away with great new ideas. This was beneficial to me as it was to them because I got fresh ideas too.”

When asked what she would share with leaders seeking advice, Jones said, “Be flexible. Know that what you’ve planned may not always happen, but know that your main goal is to walk in there and show them the love of Jesus. If you’ve done that, whether the way you planned it or not happens, as long as you stay focused on the mission and that’s grown them closer to Jesus, then you’re a success.”

Throughout the day, Luce challenged leaders to model faithfulness, forgiveness and repentance “in a world of outrage, self-justification and self-promotion.”

“If our greatest joy is the kids we lead and the leaders we disciple walking in truth, then our greatest passion must be teaching and loving what is true,” Luce said. “Our kids will never walk in something we don’t teach, and they will never love something we don’t model.”

He reminded leaders that their influence extends beyond Sunday mornings.

“Leadership is not about influencers and followers. It is about surrender,” Luce said. “As a leader, model faithfulness, forgiveness and repentance. … Be the same person at church and at home.”

Luce also challenged attendees to think about legacy in eternal terms.

“One hundred years from now, the only thing that matters is not the college that your kid attended or what job they had, but who or what their savior was,” he said.

Attendees appreciated the summit’s balance. 

“Each session was both engaging and informative, led by seasoned leaders with decades of ministry experience,” Roberts said. “I especially appreciated the balance of ideas — offering both immediate takeaways to implement and long-term vision for future growth. It was a Christ-centered event that was truly worth the time and investment.”

Find upcoming events and additional resources at ncbaptist.org/children.

By Liz Tablazon, N.C. Baptist Contributing Writer