Breakouts

Pre Conference

Danielle Bell
ACC
Partnering with Parents
Come explore ways to teach truth at home, build bridges from church to home, and oﬀer Christ-centered training for families at church.

Luke Harding
Gym 211-213
Creating a Leadership Pipeline
Your greatest impact on future ministry will be the leaders you help raise up. This breakout will discuss how to identify, develop, and utilize young leaders within your ministry area.

Shelly Melia
Kids 204
Artificial Intelligence: Shepherding Kids and Parents to Know the Potential and the Pitfalls
This session will explore the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on childhood development, learning, spiritual formation, and relationships. Participants will gain greater awareness of AI’s influence and leave with practical, actionable suggestions.

Sandra Peoples
Gym 214-216
Welcoming Every Child: Building an Inclusive Kid Min
Churches welcome kids with a wide range of needs, including ADHD, autism, learning differences, sensory challenges, and more. This pre-con session will help equip leaders with practical strategies for adapting lessons, managing attention and behavior, and creating a classroom rhythm where every child can learn.

Session 1

Preschool Session 1

Debbie Barrett
Kids 212
Classroom Centers – Why are they important?
Come discover how to set up centers in your classroom and use them effectively.

Stephanie Chase
Kids Theater
Bible Alive! Teach – Play – Remember
“Bible Alive!” will equip you with creative, practical tools to bring the Bible to life through storytelling, games, songs, visual aids, and interactive activities for preschoolers. Learn how to make lessons fun, memorable, and impactful so kids not only understand Scripture but remember it long after Sunday ends.

Shelly Melia
Kids 204
Beyond Alpha: Here Come the Betas!
Move over, Generation Alpha, the Beta Generation has arrived. This session will unpack new research about Generation Beta and discuss the importance of understanding the parents of Beta. If you enjoy thinking ahead and learning about new trends, this session is for you.

Donna Peavey
Kids 211
Best Practices in Faith Formation for Kids
In a rapidly changing world, nurturing the spiritual lives of children requires creativity, intentionality, and a deep understanding of their developmental needs. This session will explore proven strategies and innovative approaches to children’s faith formation.

Kayla Wescoat
Kids 213
You’ve Only Got 30 Seconds
How can volunteers effectively use the 30 seconds they have with parents at child drop-off and pick-up to equip them to continue faith conversations throughout the week? We must intentionally make the most of the resources we use, the time we have, and the gospel opportunities God gives us each week.

Children's Session 1

Caitlin Beauplan
Gym 103
Less is More – Building a Ministry Calendar
We live in a fast-paced society. Our kids and families are pulled in a million different directions. Let’s talk about the ways that we can maximize our ministry calendars without overwhelming our families with countless events and programming.

Pam Copeland
Gym 105
Leading a Child to Christ
There are many ways of explaining Christ to a child. In this session, we’ll consider how to plant gospel seeds thoughtfully—inviting questions and discovery rather than simply supplying answers. We’ll also emphasize that leading a child to Christ is more than preparing for baptism; it’s about nurturing a growing relationship with Him and a genuine change of heart.

Lynn Jordan
Kids 215
Revise, Rethink, Retool: Bible Skills Activities

Come discover ways to create Bible skills games and activities using items you probably already have in leader packs, resource rooms, or your recycle bins.

Jana Magruder
Gym 205
Wearing (and Sharing) All the Hats of Kids Ministry
Children’s ministry leaders often find themselves wearing multiple hats—volunteer coordinator, teacher, event planner, tech support, and more. This session explores the multi-faceted nature of the role, helps leaders identify their strengths, and gives practical strategies for managing their weaknesses.

Brandi Melvin
Gym 101
Help! I’m New Here!
This session is designed to give tips and tricks to those new to ministry. These tips will help any leader go back to their church on Sunday more confident and more equipped for their role.

Christy Nance
Kids 216
Games and Science
Let’s look at spot-on science activities and games that will drive home your lesson, provide application, and reinforce Bible learning.

Carisa Wilsie
Gym 206
Seeing Beyond Their Behavior to Their Experiences
This breakout will explore what is happening with our children that results in challenging behaviors at church. By learning about generational poverty, adverse childhood experiences, and childhood trauma, we can better understand the children we serve and respond with greater wisdom, care, and support.

Preteen Session 1

Jeremy Carroll
Gym 203
Engaging the Unengageable Preteens
Preteens are often considered un-engageable and distant—often because of their developmental stage and life transitions. Let’s take a deep dive into who preteens are and how best to reach them.

Ally Freeman
Gym 204
Preteen on Purpose
Preteens are in one of the most defining seasons of their spiritual and personal development—and they need ministry that’s designed just for them. In this workshop, we’ll dive into how to build intentional, purposeful experiences that speak to where preteens are developmentally, emotionally, and spiritually.

Courtney Ingram
Gym 207
Preteens, Belonging & Jesus
A PB&J sandwich can be made in countless ways, but it remains a classic—nostalgic in part because of its simple, familiar consistency. Preteens are not looking for a club sandwich approach to church; they are seeking basic needs and wants. In this session, we will explore the kind of consistent simplicity preteens expect from their church today.

Brandi Melvin
Gym 101
Help! I’m New Here!
This session is designed to give tips and tricks to those who are new in ministry. These tips will help any leader go back to their church on Sunday more confident and more equipped for their role.

Disability Ministry Session 1

Karan Brunette
Gym 210
Sensory Processing Disorders in Young Children
This session will introduce how the brain processes information and how sensory experiences shape neural circuitry and neurochemistry, particularly for children with disabilities and those who have experienced adverse childhood events. We will explore practical examples of sensory materials and activities that can help children de-escalate when they are triggered or become dysregulated. Participants will also have the opportunity to view and explore a variety of toys and materials during the session.

Sandra Peoples
Gym 214-216
Supporting Families Affected by Disability
Families of kids with disabilities need more than Sunday morning inclusion. They need community, care, and consistent support. In this session, we will discuss how to partner with parents, communicate with compassion, and create systems that help families feel seen, heard, and valued in every season of life. Discover practical ways your ministry can become a trusted source of hope and encouragement for the whole family.

Family Session 1

Taylor Garmon
Gym 208
@ THE DINNER TABLE
This session is designed to equip families to have practical and simple gospel-centered conversations during dinner.

Martha Harvey
Gym 209
Worship in the Home: Creating a Culture of Faith Beyond Sunday
Family worship doesn’t have to look like a sermon; it can look like real life. Yet for many families, worship in the home feels out of reach. In this session, we’ll explore why family worship matters, why it’s often missing, and how ministry leaders can champion it with practical, doable ideas that make faith formation part of everyday life.

Leadership Session 1

Billy Hardesty
WC 1-2
The Hidden Life of a Healthy Leader
In this session, you will discover how emotional health, spiritual depth, personal boundaries, and sustainable rhythms protect you from burnout. Whether you are feeling stretched too thin or simply ready to grow, this session will equip you with practical tools and biblical wisdom. Come learn how to cultivate a hidden life that honors God and supports a lifetime of faithful leadership.

Luke Harding
WC 3-4
The Art of Delegation
A vast majority of ministry involves delegation. In this breakout, you will learn how to effectively delegate, receive delegation, and why this skill set is so crucial to ministry and influence.

Emily Smith
WC 5-6
Band-Aids, Boo-Boos, & Safety Aids!
Kids like to wiggle, giggle, and squirm, and with this come boo-boos. Let’s explore safety aids inside and outside the classroom so they can wiggle, giggle, and squirm in a kid-safe environment.

Session 2

Preschool Session 2

Debbie Barrett
Kids 212
Guiding Preschool Behavior in the Classroom
Come learn how to set boundaries and guide preschoolers as they explore, learn, and grow in the classroom.

Caitlin Beauplan
Gym 103
Building Foundations Through Baby Dedications
Baby dedications are a great way to build a strong foundation and partner with parents as they launch into parenthood. In this session, you’ll discover key components you can incorporate into baby dedications—such as parent orientations, programming ideas, resources, and follow-up support—so you can find an approach that fits your church and ministry.

Ally Freeman
Gym 204
Tiny Disciples
Even the youngest hearts can begin to know and follow Jesus. This breakout focuses on how to teach toddlers about God in ways that are simple, memorable, and developmentally appropriate. You will discover practical strategies for storytelling, worship, and hands-on activities that help little ones connect with God’s Word.

Donna Peavey
Kids 211
Building Spiritual Foundations through Social and Emotion Development in Preschoolers
Preschoolers, from birth through age five, experience rapid social and emotional growth that shapes how they relate to others, manage feelings, and understand themselves. These developmental milestones deeply influence their spiritual formation. In this session, ministry leaders will explore key stages of social and emotional development, learn practical strategies to nurture healthy relationships, and discover ways to integrate spiritual truths into everyday interactions.

Delanee Williams
WC 5-6
Thought Igniting Prayer For Preschoolers
Preschoolers can talk to God. In this session, we’ll discuss the importance of prayer, learn how to teach preschoolers to pray, and share practical ideas for using prayer in the classroom with preschoolers.

Children's Session 2

Jeremy Carroll
Gym 203
The Power of Belonging
Helping kids know they belong isn’t just about fun and friendships—it’s about opening their hearts to Jesus. In this breakout, we’ll explore how a strong sense of belonging builds trust and lays the foundation for faith. You’ll walk away with practical tools to make your ministry a place where kids feel at home and encounter the love of Christ.

Stephanie Chase
Kids Theater
Heart Connection: Sparking a Love for God & His House
Kids today crave connection. Learn how to truly connect with kids and create relationships that make kids light up when they walk in the church doors and lean in when God’s Word is shared.

Pam Copeland
Gym 105
Thriving and Not Just Surviving Children’s Ministry
Join us for an honest conversation on how to ride the waves of highs, lows, and burnout in ministry. Let’s talk about strategies to find longevity in ministry as a children’s leader and to be encouraged as you serve children and parents.

Lynn Jordan
Kids 215
Connecting How We Teach With How They Learn
Come be introduced to different learning styles and discover a variety of ways to reach, teach, and guide behaviors specifically appropriate for each child’s needs.

Jana Magruder
Gym 205
Serving Every Generation from the Kids Minister Seat
From Boomer volunteers to Beta babies, all generations are represented in children’s ministry. Learn more about the strategic opportunity for kingdom impact across every generation that can truly align the heart of the church around the mission of the gospel.

Christy Nance
Kids 216
Make Sunday School More Fun
Small changes can make a HUGE difference for you and the kids. Add some variety to Sunday morning activities and space with simple steps that add pizzazz to your classroom.

Preteen Session 2

Billy Hardesty
WC 1-2
When Karla Becomes Karl: Navigating Gender Confusion in Preteen Ministry
This session is designed to help preteen ministry leaders navigate the growing challenge of gender confusion with biblical clarity and Christlike compassion.

Courtney Ingram
Gym 207
Launch & Lead–Mission Minded Preteens
Preteens are not confident in who they are yet, but we can help empower them to do what God has commanded them to go and do. Let’s propel preteens to not just do mission projects but to truly live out a missions lifestyle before they even enter the student ministry.

Kayla Wescoat
Kids 213
Leading Preteens to Lasting Faith
The preteen years are a pivotal window in a child’s faith journey. In this breakout, we’ll explore why preteen ministry deserves our full attention and how leaders can guide kids to know Jesus personally, discover their unique gifts, grow in spiritual habits, and join God’s mission.

Disability Ministry Session 2

Karan Brunette
Gym 210
Engineering the Classroom with Visual Supports to Maximize Engagement of Children with Disabilities
This session will introduce visual strategies designed to help all young children participate more fully in learning environments. We will look at practical examples such as visual schedules, task sequences, self-regulation cues, escape communication supports, and emotion cards, and discuss how these tools can be used to promote engagement and understanding for every child.

Sandra Peoples
Gym 214-216
Creating an Inclusive Children’s Ministry: Models and Methods
With the rising number of children who have autism, ADHD, and other neurodiverse diagnoses, churches need to be ready to support their unique needs and engage their interests. This session will share characteristics of neurodiverse kids, explain behavior support strategies, and offer curriculum and activity modifications to keep everyone engaged.

Carisa Wilsie
Gym 206
How to Navigate and Respond to the Big Behavioral Health Challenges of Adolescence
This breakout will focus on the science behind brain development and the key to adolescent development of identity formation. The discussion will focus on how to support youths during this time. Participants will learn how to approach conversations with teens about mental health.

Family Session 2

Taylor Garmon
Gym 208
FAMILY MINISTRY = RELATIONSHIPS
Come learn how to transform your family ministry from a weekly to-do list to a thriving community.

Martha Harvey
Gym 209
Beyond Drop off and Pickup: Reaching Parents in Today’s BUSY World
Family ministry isn’t just about sending resources home; it’s about relationships. Learn how to create thoughtful, effective touchpoints that move your ministry from “drop-off and go” to “discipling together.” You’ll leave this session with practical strategies, ready-to-use ideas, and digital rhythms that make partnering with parents doable, even in the busiest weeks.

Carisa Wilsie
Gym 206
How to Navigate and Respond to the Big Behavioral Health Challenges of Adolescence
This presentation will focus on the science behind brain development and the key to adolescent development of identity formation. The discussion will focus on how to support youths during this time. Participants will learn how to approach conversations with teens about mental health.

Leadership Session 2

Danielle Bell
ACC
Leading When You’re Not in Charge
In this breakout, we’ll explore what it means to lead from the middle, influencing others and advancing your church’s mission from a supporting role. We will investigate together how God uses middle leaders to unify teams; lead up, down, and across; communicate mission; and expand ministry for His glory.

Luke Harding
WC 3-4
Hiring, Firing, and Staff Evaluations
This breakout will equip you to lead paid staff positions. Whether you are a pastor, kids minister, weekday preschool director, or a Christian business person, leading paid employees is not easy. This breakout will give you practical skills for leading with clarity, kindness, and Christlikeness, while also maintaining high standards for employment, ministry, and team culture.

Landry Holmes
Gym 211-213
10 Attributes of an Unshakable Ministry
The best ministries remain unshaken when unexpected trials arrive (COVID-19, anyone?). We need to be intentional to build our ministries on unshakable ideas that will help them remain strong no matter what circumstances come. This session covers 10 areas to evaluate in your shakability factor to strengthen your ministry.

Brandi Melvin
Gym 101
Surviving & Thriving When Church Hurt Hits
Being hurt in ministry can come out of nowhere and leave you feeling done with ministry. This session is designed to encourage, uplift, and help those get back to fulfilling the calling God has placed on the lives of believers.

7:30 Saturday: Family Ministry Breakfast

Dr. Nurse Mama (Jessica Peck)
Student Building
Emotional Emergencies: Mental Health First Aid in Children’s Ministry
Children today are facing increasing mental health challenges, and ministry leaders are often the first to notice when something isn’t right. In this practical, faith-informed session, you’ll learn how to recognize signs of emotional distress, respond with confidence and compassion, and offer hope rooted in both clinical connections and biblical truth. Equip yourself to be a safe, supportive presence for kids and families struggling with anxiety, trauma, depression, and other mental health needs.

12:15 Saturday: Mega Breakout Sessions

Stephanie Chase
Kids Theater
Give Kids Clarity in the Chaos
In a world buzzing with confusion, lies, and half-truths, kids are facing hard topics about identity, marriage, and purity. Now is the time to equip them with solid answers. In this power-packed session, you’ll learn how to help kids recognize the truth, overcome the world’s mixed messages, and boldly share what they believe and why.

Dr. Nurse Mama (Jessica Peck)
Worship Center
Risky Business: Managing Exposure and Preventing Harm
This session takes a rapid-fire look at today’s emerging risks and digital exposures that are contributing to children engaging in risk-taking behaviors at younger ages. Ministry leaders will leave better equipped to support parents with developmentally appropriate strategies, helping position parents as trusted experts in their children’s lives. Through the lens of relationship-based “lighthouse parenting,” leaders will learn how to set safe boundaries, reduce harm, and foster trust while keeping connection at the heart of protection.

Shelly Melia, Donna Peavy, Karen Kennemur
ACC
Children and Salvation Panel
Join the panel of childhood education professors as they unpack insights from their newly released book on children and salvation. They will explore how kids understand the gospel, what helps and hinders their response to Jesus, and how churches and parents can faithfully nurture genuine faith without pressure or confusion.

Landry Holmes
Gym 211-213
Ministry at the Speed of Culture
Culture is changing fast, and it exerts a strong pull on our kids. In this compelling session, we will discuss the importance of maintaining our focus as we minister to today’s kids in a high-speed world.