What to Expect at the Child Discipleship Forum
Kids are asking harder questions and looking for solid answers; they’re questioning their identities and their place in the world. If you’ve served in the most future-oriented ministry of the church – the children’s wing — for any length of time, you probably have questions of your own: “Are we just teaching kids about God or are we giving them the opportunity to know God and experience a personal relationship with Him? Will what we’ve all been doing continue to make fruitful discipleship opportunities for the Church of 2050?”
The Child Discipleship Forum, Sept. 16 and 17 in Nashville, Tennessee or online, is the place to bring those questions. We’ve gathered world-renowned speakers to give passionate children’s ministry leaders, directors and pastors a perspective on the future of discipleship through the lens of cultural changes, child advocacy and local church practice.
So, what will our time look like?
More than a Dozen Renowned Speakers
For two days, we will sit and learn from more than a dozen speakers including Eli Bonilla and his energy for kingdom diversity; Dr. Holly Allen and her passionate discoveries around long-term discipleship and intergenerate worship; Cynthia Dixson and the way her leadership and the team at Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship have connected kids and families into deeper relationships with Jesus; Mark Matlock on our changing culture and the way those statistics change the church.
Ranging from 8-35 minutes, each speaker will share their passion, findings and research to help give attendees thought-provoking information in order to have conversations with fellow attendees either online or in person.
Thought-Provoking Round-Table Conversations
Between speakers, attendees (both online and in person) will have the opportunity to join together in conversation to discuss what they are learning. Supported by forum-wide polls, content from the speakers and question prompts, these conversations will give ample opportunity for attendees to connect, share their unique perspectives, process and dialogue with one another.
Highly Practical Curated Resources
Our speakers and founding partners have joined this critical conversation at the CDF because they see the need for fruitful dialogue and want to help connect you to the resources you need to make resilient disciples who will lead the church of 2050! For both online and in-person attendees, you’ll have access to a lengthy list of resources that we believe will help you bring biblical child discipleship to your church community in a post-Christian culture.
Have you admitted that reality out loud, yet? If not, say it with me now, “I am discipling kids in a post-Christian culture.” Kids are leaving the church when they graduate from high school, and the strategy to change this starts with YOU.
We’re saving a seat at the table for you; will you join us?
Melanie Hester is the Partner Communications Specialist at Awana. She grew up serving the church and finds it a privilege to continue doing that through both her career and as the 4’s and 5’s teacher at her local church. She has a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and desires to always be in a learning mindset. She is a wife and mom, a lover of craft coffee, and an avid shopper at Trader Joe’s.
