Workshops

18 pratical workshops to choose from

Workshop 1 - Friday 8:00pm-9:15pm

Creative Eruption - Practical Decorating/Prop Ideas
Julie Palley
Unleash your God given creative side by learning the secrets of imagination. Learn practical decorating/prop making ideas that will transform your children's programs. A hands on experience and resource sheet will be provided.

Avodah (To Serve and Honor)
Donna Boone
Avodah is a project designed to motivate children and get them involved so they can become powerful leaders. Learn how to inspire them to go deeper in their relationship with God through journaling and "God time". It really works!

When All Your Brain Wants to do is Fly! Creative Dramatics With Young Children
Steven James
Foster a sense of wonder in your children through creative teaching. You'll learn how to teach Bible stories through storytelling, creative dramatics and audience involvement. You'll also learn how to develop activities and exercises that encourage imagination, group involvement and creative movement. A session loaded with ideas teachers can use right away.

The Church Has Left the Building
Linda Roussel & Kristy Chaisson
Learn about how to find common ground with the community and eliminate church barriers. This workshop includes steps to create your own entry points.

There is No God! How Can There be?
Melodie Bissell
Those who have worked with survivors of child abuse know the profound impact abuse leaves and the scars that are still so sensitive decades later. Victims of abuse often come to the conclusion there is no God, or they want no part of a God that allows abuse to happen. Designed to assist the church in spiritually nurturing an abused child, Melodie's missional model involves a child's entire community.

Being a Team Player
Graham Greenwood and Gary Taitinger
Join Pastor Graham and other members of the Mill Woods pastoral staff for a candid discussion of the realities of leading a dynamic children's ministry in the context of a large church. You'll gain valuable insights into how you can be a more effective and influential member of your own church's leadership team.



Workshop 2 - Saturday 10:45am - 12:00pm

Explosive Science Object Lessons
Ryan & Devon Marshall
Do you want some excitement in your Children's Church? Join Ryan and Pastor Devon as they teach you various experiments, from the fiery to the loud and everything in between that will be sure to put your children on the edge of their seats. You will learn how to relate the experiments to the Bible and how to use them as object lessons. This workshop will include both observation and hands-on experiments.

Leading Kids in Worship: Developing Choreography and Raising Up Worshippers
Donna Boone
Looking for new choreography and actions that really get your kids pumped about praising our awesome, BIG God? Do you want to develop your skill in creating your own moves for some of your favorite praise and worship songs? Now is the time to expand your music repertoire and freshen your vision for what YOUR kids' worship service can grow to be.

The Story - Interactive Storytelling Idea Explosion!
Steven James
Starting in Genesis we'll travel through some of the important stories in scripture while joining in interactive storytelling ideas ranging from monologues to spontaneous melodrama, reader's theater, story dramatization, frozen poses, role playing, raps and more! A high-energy seminar with practical ideas you can use tomorrow. An in-depth handout will be provided.

Part 1 - The World at our Doorstep
Linda Roussel & Kristy Chaisson
Understand who makes up our diverse communities. Discover their needs and the incredible opportunity to reach the world in your own backyard. Come to learn about different people groups in Canada and some of the challenges of reaching them.

Kids Have Stress Too
Heather Stringer
We often overlook the reasons behind why kids react negatively, display outbursts, and seem unable to express what is upsetting them. Misbehavior can be an outward sign of stress on a child, which they do not have the tools to handle. Come and find out how to help your child learn how to communicate and problem solve in the face of stress.

It's Time to Dream Again
Mark Colwell
There are certain points in ministry where programs and administration can overwhelm us as we can lose sight of what we had a passion for in the first place. Our passion and dedication get us through those moments, but it's time to dream again. Who are you as a leader? What is your vision and purpose? What is God speaking to you in this season? Come for a time dedicated to refreshing your perspective and priority.



Workshop 3 - Saturday 1:15pm - 2:30pm

So You Don't Think You Can Dance?
Connie Jakab
Anyone can dance! Come learn how God made you funky by learning some cool hip hop moves that you can share with kids in your kids ministry (or use in your room when no one's looking!)

What is Discipleship?
David Sawler
This session will be a challenge on what discipleship really is and looks like. We will look at the model Jesus gave us compared to programs, our own ideas, and perceptions.

Been There, Done That! Creative Storytelling Ideas for Reaching Preteens
Steven James
If you've been looking for ways to tell stories to preteens in exciting, relevant and memorable ways these incredible storytelling secrets will ignite your lessons and actively involve your students. By mixing together the right amount of goofiness, audience participation and adventure, you can tell Bible stories to preteens in ways that they'll love and relate to.

Part 2 - Talk Their Talk
Linda Roussel & Kristy Chaisson
Reach kids where they are at. Sometimes cultural, age and gender differences distort the message you are presenting. Learn how to bridge the understanding gap.

Making Musicals Happen
Coreen Frey
Learn what it takes to put on a children's musical in your church no matter how big or small. Whether it's a 3 month Christmas preparation or a week in the summer, hear some practical steps and great ideas for choreography, casting, rehearsals, staging and set design. No talent required!

Discipling Your Ministry Team
Donna Boone
As a Children's Pastor you are a leader of leaders. Your vision for ministry and the programs you run are dependent on the team of leaders you have. Come and learn how to communicate with, encourage, inspire, disciple, and train your team.