Speakers:

Rev. Bradley Barnes is the lead pastor of Christ the King-Newton. Bradley graduated from Wake Forest University in North Carolina and in 1994 married Meda. They headed north for him to attend Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. After receiving an MDIV, Bradley was ordained as a minister in 2004 and for the next five years served with Reformed University Fellowship at Harvard University. Through that experience, he and his wife’s love for the Church and for New England blossomed. They began working on the launch of CTK-Newton in 2009 and celebrated the first public worship at their church in September 2010 – truly a dream and prayer come true.

Bethany Belue graduated from Western Carolina University with a degree in early childhood education. She has served on staff with 2 large PCA churches as the Children’s Director, Redeemer Presbyterian in New York City and Oak Mountain Presbyterian in Birmingham.  She currently works at CDM as the Executive Assistant to Stephen Estock and Certification Administrator.  She lives in Atlanta, GA with her husband Dustin.

Rev. Rick Downs – Since moving to Cambridge with his wife, T, and their six children in 1999, Rick has served as the Senior Pastor at CTK Cambridge for the past 17 years. His vision of a multi-site congregation has led to the church planting efforts around the Boston area.

Stephen Estock is Coordinator for the PCA Committee on Discipleship Ministries (CDM). A former USAF officer, he has been in pastoral ministry for 20 years, serving churches in Montgomery, AL and St. Louis, MO. Stephen has also been an adjunct professor at Birmingham Theological and Covenant Theological Seminaries. His Ph.D. is in education, with an emphasis on competency-based learning and leadership training. He and his wife, Susan, have three children and live in Atlanta, GA.

Kristen Harnly received a Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy from Medical College of Georgia (now Georgia Regents University). After moving to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania she worked as an occupational therapist at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and in early intervention. Kristen’s interest in disability ministry began as she served families with young children in the nursery of Tenth Presbyterian. In 2007, she began Tenth’s special needs ministry and served there for nine years. In 2012, Kristen joined Engaging Disability’s team of volunteer Ministry Facilitators. Drawing on her experience there and at the congregational level, Kristen joined the staff of Engaging Disability in 2016 as Associate Director, Congregational Ministry. Kristen and her husband, Keith, have two children and live in Havertown, a suburb of Philadelphia. They worship at nearby Proclamation Presbyterian Church in Bryn Mawr. Kristen’s family enjoys music, playing games and beach trips together. Their lives are affected by several hidden disabilities.

Deborah Harrell grew up in Tucson, Ariz., where she developed a love of teaching and a passion for helping children develop deeper understanding of the gospel. She graduated with a bachelor’s in Child Development and Family Relations from the University of Arizona. In 1987 she married her husband, Jason. They have a daughter, Sarah.

Deborah has taught for more than 25 years in both public and private schools across the United States. In 2000 Deborah joined a short-term teaching team in Malaga, Spain, to work with Third Culture Kids with Serge. That two-week trip turned out to be a calling to full-time service for Serge.

Since 2001, Deborah has served as the Overseas Educational Advisor for Serge. She supports mission families by partnering with them as they explore the best educational atmosphere for their children. Deborah reviews and evaluates various curricula for homeschool or other educational environments. She provides educational seminars on Third Culture Kids, oversees the Serge child protection policy, and writes curriculum for both children and adults. Deborah is the co-author of What’s Up? Discovering the Gospel, Jesus, and Who You Really Are, a middle school Bible study. She is currently working with other Serge writers on a Bible study for parents. She also is the author of What’s Up curriculum for elementary and middle schoolers and had a part in editing the book Show Them Jesus.

Sue Jakes is the mother of four, grandmother of eight, and lives in Atlanta, GA where she serves as Children’s Ministry Coordinator for the Presbyterian Church in America’s Committee on Discipleship Ministries. She is also a teacher trainer and consultant for Great Commission Publications and the PCA’s Special Needs Ministry. She has served as director of children’s ministry at Covenant PCA in Fayetteville, GA and is now serving as children’s director at Westminster PCA in Atlanta.  Sue received a Masters Degree in Education from West Georgia College, taught in the public schools for seven years and home-schooled for twenty-two years.  She has been teaching children, youth, and women’s groups in the church for over thirty-five years. Sue Jakes is a co‑author of “Heart of the Home”, a Bible Study ministry for moms and Teach Me To Worship, CDM’s children’s church online curriculum.

Sherry Kendrick has served as the Children’s Director of Covenant Church of Naples in Naples, FL for eight years. She has a degree in elementary education from East Tennessee State University and over 30 years of experience in children’s ministry as well as homeschool, private school and public school education. She loves children’s curriculums and tends to collect them. Sherry was married to her pastor husband, Mike, for 36 years serving in both small and large churches. As a widow, she continues to serve the church and has three grown children and one grandchild.

Joseph Parker was born and raised in California, ultimately living there 45 years before God opened his heart to move his family to Atlanta, GA for four and a half years before leading him to Village Seven. After 25 years of ministry with children in various capacities Joseph is looking forward to completing his MDiv from Western Seminary in early 2018, and Lord willing, pursue ordination later in the year. Joseph and his wife Kelly have been married since 2002 and have two sons, Jacob and Makiah, whom they adopted in 2013.

Sean Sawyers has been in pastoral ministry in Texas, Colorado, Mississippi, and Missouri. He is the former Sr Pastor of Trinity PCA in Orangeburg, SC and currently a church planter in Boston, MA with the Christ the King church planting network. Throughout his ministry, Sean has emphasized making worship and preaching more accessible to both children and the unchurched.

B.A. Snider has more than 20 years’ experience as a children’s director in PCA churches ranging in size from 200 to 4,000 but finds her passion is the same no matter how many children she’s serving. Show the children Jesus. B.A. began her formal ministry as a children’s director and consultant in 1993, but she has taught and led music for children since she was in junior high school. She earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Tennessee and taught college until the Lord called her to seminary and full-time ministry. She graduated with a master’s degree in Christian Education from Columbia International University. Speaking at conferences, consulting with leadership, and training teachers brought her to Great Commission Publications in 2014 as the Children’s Ministry Consultant and Marketing Director.

Tony Souder is the Founder of the Pray for Me Campaign and Executive Director of the Chattanooga Youth Network, a ministry dedicated to helping churches flourish in bringing the greatness of God to the next generation. For over 24 years he has connected, coached and cared for youth ministry leaders across denominational and racial lines around the southeast. Since 2014 he has specifically been equipping churches across the country in building natural and effective intergenerational relationships beginning with prayer. The Pray for Me Campaign has been launched in over 391 churches in 39 states equipping over 31,000 adults to be Prayer Champions for the next generation in the US, Canada and Scotland. He is author of the Pray for Me Prayer Guides, which have been translated into both Spanish and Chinese. Tony and his wife Rhonda have been married since 1985. They have twin adult daughters and live in Chattanooga, Tennessee.

Christine Stone is a physical therapist and the Director of Children’s Discipleship at Christ the King Somerville. She developed a heart for relational discipleship by coming alongside children and youth through Young Life and the church. Christine and her husband Geren originally moved to Boston in 2007 where they were part of CTK Cambridge. Having grown up on a farm, Christine was surprised by how quickly she fell in love with the city. In 2010, shortly after the birth of their first son, they left to live and serve in Kenya. While working with Indiana University and Moi University in Kenya, their second son was born. Christine and Geren were excited  to return to Boston in 2013 to see how God would be at work in their hearts and in the hearts of their children in this urban setting. They have loved joining with a larger community in discipling their children within the city’s diverse and religiously pluralistic culture. Christine and Geren live in Somerville with their three children, Gavin (8), Ashton (6), and Alana (3). Christine can typically be found buckling helmets for scootering children on the playground after school.

WORKSHOPS SESSION #1

• Coming Alongside Parents: Connecting the Home and the Church (Sherry Kendrick) What are the best methods of encouraging and equipping your families in their discipleship journeys? How is communication working both ways, uniting home and church? This workshop will talk about the importance of healthy communication between home and church as well as practical tips!
• Doing Church as a Family Affected by Disability (Kristen Harnly) Disabilities, whether visible or invisible, bring many challenges to everyday family life and to participation in church life. In this workshop, we will consider these challenges and next steps forward as families seek to worship and be involved in church life. This workshop is designed for family members and those ministering alongside them.
• How to Give the Gospel to Children: Getting to the Heart of the Matter (Deborah Harrell) Recognize the ditches of unbelief we fall into as parents and teachers and focus on the importance of belief over behavior, pointing children to Jesus through every Bible story.
• Nursery from A to Z: 6 Must Haves for the Church Nursery (B.A. Snider) A thriving nursery is an important part of children’s ministry. Come learn about the essential elements for establishing a great nursery from infants to 3-year-olds. We’ll also consider strategies for adapting as your ministry changes and grows.
• Raising Kids in the City: The Gifts and Challenges of Urban Discipleship (Christine Stone) In many ways, cities are an incredible place to raise children. Urban areas give children a glimpse of the big wide world—when you’re still around to discuss it with them. In the midst of living in densely populated, culturally diverse, and religiously pluralistic cities, how can we disciple our kids to grow deeply in their faith? What are some of the gifts and challenges of urban discipleship? How can we help come alongside our kids as they live out their faith in a peer group where they may be one of very few who share the same Christian worldview?
• Recruiting, Training, and Retaining Ministry Volunteers (Bethany Belue) Volunteers are an essential part of a children’s ministry, but how do we effectively recruit, train and retain our church members to be a part of investing in the next generation of our church body?

WORKSHOPS SESSION #2

• Homosexuality and Gender Identity (Rick Downs) How do we talk to our kids about homosexuality and gender identity? How can we parent our kids in a way that teaches them about the convictions of our faith when it comes to homosexual behavior and gender identity swapping? How do we live counter-culturally, yet love others well in a growing culture where homosexuality and gender swapping is accepted?
• Ministry To and Through our “Big Kids” (Joseph Parker) Transitioning and training older elementary to middle schoolers (3-6th graders) as they age out of children’s ministry is a crucial piece of ministry to our children. How can we love our children well as they transition, while raising them up to be servant leaders with true ownership of the ministry in ways that grow, support and value them.
• The Priority of Prayer in Parenting (Tony Souder) Prayer is the most basic aspect of the Christian life and yet it is one of the most essential aspects of walking with God well. Prayer is God’s gift to us as His children to know and love Him deeply and intimately. It is through prayer that parents can show their children how to interact with God and know Him for themselves. In this seminar we will explore proven ways of creating a culture of prayer for, with and around our children.
• Training Children in Worship (Sean Sawyers) God calls us to worship him in all that we do. How do we include covenant children in that practice both at home and at church? How do we help them become worshippers in Spirit and in Truth? While parents are the primary spiritual leaders for their children, they often feel lost or defeated in leading their children. What are practical ways the church can train children for worship and also equip and empower parents to lead family worship and disciple children in their homes?
• Welcoming, Outreach and Special Events (Bethany Belue) Events geared toward both church and community families are important in developing a well-rounded children’s ministry. Let’s discuss ideas and how to plan for different events to reach out to, welcome and connect families in your community–even with minimal resources or in an urban setting! Come share what has or has not worked in your church or neighborhood.

WORKSHOPS SESSION #3

• Gospel Centered Parenting (Stephen Estock and Sue Jakes) Training the parents in our churches to raise up their children in the Lord may take a different turn if we truly understand the gospel and its power in our lives.
• How to Give the Gospel to Children: Getting to the Heart of the Matter (Deborah Harrell) Recognize the ditches of unbelief we fall into as parents and teachers and focus on the importance of belief over behavior, pointing children to Jesus through every Bible story.
• Rethinking Youth Group (Bradley Barnes) How can we disciple our youth to grow and stand firm in faith among a culture and peers lacking truth? How can we cultivate community and spiritual depth during this important age? We will explore different ideas and strategies for youth ministry in churches challenged by minimal or expanding numbers of kids, limited resources, and geographic obstacles.
• Tips and Tricks to Engage Kids in Learning (CTK Leaders) This workshop will assist participants in learning foundational classroom management practices and engagement strategies for keeping children attentive and active in class.
• Building or Rebuilding Your Children’s Ministry (Sherry Kendrick and Sue Jakes)  Whether building your church’s ministry from the ground up or strengthening an existing children’s ministry, what are the first steps and the most important parts to be considered? Mixed-age strategies applicable to small congregations and emerging church plants will also be discussed and considered.

Location: BOSTON, MA

Christ the King Presbyterian Church
99 Prospect Street, Cambridge, MA 02139

617-354-8341

Conference Schedule: Boston, MA

Friday, October 12, 2018

2:00-5:00 pm – ESTABLISHED: Children’s Ministry 101 (Joseph Parker, Sherry Kendrick, Sue Jakes)

Spend the afternoon reviewing the new book by this title, unpacking all the basics of beginning, developing and sustaining ministry to children in your local congregation.

2:00-6:00 pm – Individual Appointments Register for a one-hour appointment with:

• Stephen Estock – CDM Coordinator
• Kristen Harnly – Associate Director, Congregational Ministry at Engaging Disability with the Gospel
• B.A. Snider – Great Commission Publications
• Tony Souder – Pray for Me Campaign

Browse Bookstore and Exhibits

6:30-8:30 pm – Dinner and Opening Session

“Psalm 78 – The Great Value of Ministry to Children” – Rev. Rick Downs

8:30-9:30 pm              Visit Exhibits and Bookstore

Saturday, October 13, 2018

8:00-8:30 am – Continental Breakfast

8:45-9:30 am – Introductions, Instructions and A Charge for the Day

“Psalm 78: The Great Hope that is Ours”

Dr. Stephen Estock, PCA/CDM’s Coordinator of Discipleship Ministries

9:40-10:40 am – Workshop Session #1

10:40-11:00 am – Break

11:00-Noon – Workshop Session #2

Noon – Lunch

12:45-1:45 pm – Workshop Session #3

2:00-2:30 pm – Closing Session

“Psalm 78:  Established – THE Covenant Promise

Dr. Stephen Estock, PCA/CDM’s Coordinator of Discipleship Ministries

Sue Jakes, PCA/CDM’s Children’s Ministry Coordinator

Pre-Conference Optional Training and Appointment Opportunities:

Friday, October 12, 2018

ESTABLISHED, Children’s Ministry 101

Spend the afternoon reviewing the new book by this title, unpacking all the basics of beginning, developing and sustaining ministry to children in your local congregation.

Opportunity for an individual meeting with one of our Team Members

Hotels:

Porter Square Hotel

1924 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02140

Call 617-499-3399 for reservations – Request code ESTBOS for the discounted rate when making reservations.

Petite Twin Room, with two twin beds, a private bathroom, and a 48″ Smart TV.  We have a special rate of $ 239+14.45% tax for this room style.

Deluxe Twin – $249 +14.45% tax

Deluxe Queen – $259 +14.45%tax

Queen Suite – $299 +14.45% tax

Other hotels in the area:

Boston Marriott Cambridge

We have a block of rooms at a rate of $299.00, plus tax, per night.

Guests may reserve their rooms by calling Marriott Central Reservations at 1-800-228-9290 no later than Friday, September 21^st, to receive the discounted rate for the room block. Book your group rate for Established Conference Room Block

Each individual guest will be responsible for all room, tax and incidental charges and will be asked for a credit card when making the reservations. They will also need to present one upon check-in. If any guests are Marriott Rewards members, please remind them to have their account number put on their reservation.

Media Kit:

Conference Promotional Materials are available.