Children’s Ministry
We can’t afford to waste a single moment with our kids! Every time and space hold opportunities to make a difference in the lives of children, their families, and the kingdom of God. Together, we will explore how to help kids see themselves as part of God’s Big Story. We will discover the power of telling our story, sharing God’s story, and how we are all “woven together.” We will create a sacred space for those who minister with children to share their experiences and examine ways to move our children and ourselves closer to God as well as reflect on the power of narrative. Come, be fed, and grow in connection with others who pour into the lives of the youngest of God’s people.
COMMUNITY DETAILS
We are thrilled that Stacey Losher and Kaya Coleman have partnered together to lead the children’s ministry community at Summit this year. Their vision for the children’s ministry community will nourish, inspire, and empower your ministry. Check back soon to learn more about the community and the additional voices that will speak into this work.
FACILITATORS
STACEY LOSHER
Stacey Losher is the Next Gen and children’s minister at Preston Road Church of Christ in Dallas, Texas. She has been ministering to kids and families for over 20 years. Stacey earned her undergraduate degree from Amberton University and is currently working on a Master of Arts in Christian Ministry at ACU. Stacey is passionate about bringing the Bible to life in ways people of all ages don’t want to forget; she believes God's word is relevant to today's world and deserves the very best we have to offer. One of Stacey’s favorite things to do is pour into the people who make ministry happen, and one of the ways she gets to do this is through her association with HOPE Network as a children’s ministry coach and mentor. Stacey wants everyone to fall in love with children’s ministry and to see the value it can bring to their church, their community, and the kingdom!
KAYA COLEMAN
Kaya Coleman is the Children's Minister at Sugar Grove Church of Christ in Meadow Place, Texas. She is currently pursuing a Master of Arts in Christian Ministry at Abilene Christian University after spending three and a half years getting a bachelor's degree in Theology & Ministry at Lipscomb University in Nashville, Tennessee. Kaya's foundational ministry belief is that no child is too young to encounter the Holy Spirit. She likes to spend her free time trying new local coffee spots in Houston and going to Astros games with her coworkers!
Additional speaker
CASEY TOY
Ministry Leader on the Children’s Ministry, Worship, and Preaching Teams (Sugar Grove Church of Christ); English Teacher (Logos Preparatory Academy, Sugar Land, Texas)
The Power of Narrative - Our Story: Learning to Tell Our Story
ANN REESE
Spiritual Director (Belton, Texas)
Soul Care
session information
In addition to sharing and fellowship led by Stacey Losher and Kaya Coleman, the children’s ministry community can also look forward to keynote sessions led by Casey Toy that will encourage ministers, volunteers, and leaders to value the role that narrative plays in the spiritual nourishment of children. Participants in this community will also explore and be empowered by God’s presence in their own personal narratives.
THURSDAY MORNING SESSIONS
9:30 - 10:00 a.m. | Introduction and Vision Casting | Stacey Losher and Kaya Coleman
10:00 - 10:30 a.m. | Get to Know the Cohort
10:30 - 10:45 a.m. | Break
10:45 - 11:30 a.m. | “The Power of Narrative - Our Story: Learning to Tell Our Story” | Casey Toy
THURSDAY AFTERNOON SESSIONS
1:30 - 2:30 p.m. | “The Power of Narrative + Children’s Ministry” | Casey Toy
2:30 - 3:00 p.m. | Break
In addition to the main community sessions on Thursday, there will be a time of round table discussion, called Open Space, where ministers can move between the different discussions as desired in order to focus on their most pressing needs.
3:00 - 4:30 p.m. | Open Space Round Table Discussions
STACEY LOSHER
Next Gen Minister (Preston Road Church of Christ)
Topic: Next Gen Ministry: From Cradle Roll to Cap and Gown
HOLLY RACCA
Children’s Minister (Southern Hills Church of Christ)
Topic: Children’s Ministry and Community Outreach
JENNIFER SCHROEDER
College Fellow for Children and Family Ministry, Department of Bible, Missions and Ministry (Abilene Christian University); Summit Director (Siburt Institute for Church Ministry)
Topic: Engaging Children in Worship
FRIDAY MORNING SESSIONS
Children’s ministers are not always good about recognizing their own need for soul care in the midst of ministering to others. The children’s ministry community will spend time engaging in spiritual practices that they can use to feed their souls as well as that of their volunteers and families.
9:15 - 10:45 a.m. | Soul Care | Ann Reese