Introductions/Ice Breaker

• Description: Share who you are and your experience while learning about the other cohort members during this introduction session. We will discuss our cohort goals of creating our own child care center as we learn the secrets and strategies of educational leadership.

The Children/Youth Ministry Manual Training describes how to organized, lead, and develop ministry programs for young people by combining theological foundations with practical skills. Topics include curriculum planning, discipleship strategies, volunteer management, and building relationships with children and families.

Objectives:

• Teach how to organize, lead, and administer programs, including understanding how to run a children/youth ministry.
• Explore the theology of youth and children’s ministry and use biblical principles to develop successful programs.
• Examine current literature and philosophies regarding children and salvation to provide a relevant and effective.

Child Abuse provides tips and techniques for recognizing and preventing physical, sexual, emotional abuse, and neglect of ministry participants.

Upon completion of this educational experience, the learners will:

• Implement background checks of ministry workers
• Recognize abuse and neglect characteristic
• Establishing guideline for mandated reporters

The Churches Partnering with Schools training equips church leaders and volunteers to build meaningful partnerships with local schools, fostering community engagement and supporting educational goals. Strong relationships through a combination of service, mentorship, and shared values will collaboratively provide concrete strategies for churches and schools working together.

Objectives:

• Focus on creating and managing mutually beneficial partnerships
• Establish ethical and legal guidelines
• Develop practical community engagement strategies

Professionalism in Children/Youth Ministry explains the importance of high standards in a ministerial role, ethical practices, professional characteristics, and administrative skills needed to support the ministry effectively. The training discusses direct ministry work through strong communication skills, developing competence, and working in integrity.

Objectives:

• Develop and maintain professional, therapeutic relationships with children, youth, and families, including building trust and communicating effectively.
• Demonstrate cultural competency and anti-bias practices to support children and families from diverse backgrounds.
• Identify personal biases and develop self-care strategies to prevent burnout and compassion fatigue

Safety in the Children and Youth Ministry addresses opportunities to provide an environment that lessens the chance for participants to become injured while experiencing the joy of worship.

Objectives:
Upon completion of this educational experience, the learners will:

• Identify guidelines and regulations for maintaining safe environments for children
• Identify the characteristics of effective supervision
• Recognize the importance of safety to prevent and reduce injury

Youth in the Old Testament explains biblical stories of young people, their faith journeys, and their relationship with God, while also exploring themes like wisdom, courage, and identity. Narratives are used to teach valuable life lessons, encourage spiritual growth, and help youth understand the significance of their faith in their own lives.

Objectives:

• Examine the stories of young people who were used by God.
• Connect the lessons from the Old Testament to the challenges and opportunities faced by young people today, encouraging them to apply biblical principles to their own lives.
• Provide an overview of the history and culture of ancient Israel to help students understand the stories in their original setting.

Children in the Old Testament focuses on the biblical narrative from Creation through the prophetic books in an engaging and age-appropriate manner. A thematic approach will share God’s faithfulness, provision, and redemption in order to provide a foundational understanding of God’s work in history and how Old Testament stories point to Jesus.

Objectives:

• Articulate a biblical and theological philosophy for ministering to children and youth.
• Examine the stories of young people who were used by God
• Provide an overview of the history and culture of ancient Israel to help students understand the stories in their original setting.

Games, Songs, and IceBreakers for children and youth creates and engaging, positive and inclusively environment. Participants will learn practical techniques for managing groups, fostering teamwork, and using activities to support learning objectives and social-emotional development.

Objectives:

• Identify and implement a wider range of age-appropriate games, songs, and icebreakers
• Lead group activities that foster an atmosphere of respect, participation, and teamwork.
• Understand the social-emotional and developmental benefits of using play and music in a learning environment.

Establishing a professional Children and Youth Ministry provides participants with he essential knowledge, attitudes, and skills to work effectively and ethically with children, youth, and families across diverse settings.

Objectives:

• Develop and maintain professional, therapeutic relationships with children, youth, and families, including building trust and communicating effectively.
• Demonstrate cultural competency and anti-bias practices to support children and families from diverse backgrounds.
• Define the purpose and goals of a virtual ministry showcase for your specific church context