After a child accepts Christ into their hearts what are the next steps? How do I ignite them on a discipleship path to bring better understanding to the decision they have made and lead them to the next step of Water Baptism?

Dr. Shelly Melia is Associate Dean and Assistant Professor of Childhood education in the Graduate School of Ministry at Dallas Baptist University. Prior to her academic career she served in churches in Oklahoma, Florida and Texas. Most recently, she served as minister to young families for eighteen years at First Baptist Church in Burleson, Texas. She is a graduate of Oklahoma Baptist University, Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and the B.H. Carroll Theological Institute. In addition, she is a licensed professional counselor in the state of Texas specializing in grief and trauma. Most importantly, she is the proud mother of three children.

Recorded: February 19, 2019, CM Live! Webinar

At the age of 15 years old, Melissa Minter was called into children’s ministry by God and her mom!  I believe her mother’s words were, “You’re old enough to teach this class.  You can do it!”  God had already placed in her heart a desire to teach children, and He began to prepare her for a life of ministry.  Melissa has a B.S. degree from Lee University in Math and Science and a Master’s Degree in Curriculum and Instruction.  She’s had the privilege of teaching in public schools in both Tennessee and Georgia, as well as, a mission school in Greece.  It has been her joy to serve on the ministry teams of five different churches, and she is currently the children’s pastor at Central Community Church in Chatsworth, GA.  Several years ago, she began to shift from a life of education to a life of ministry.  Melissa still teaches science to homeschoolers, but her greatest joy is being able to introduce children to the love of Jesus.

The children in your ministry are facing greater pressure from louder voices and from more directions than ever. Many children are confused by the mixed messaged they hear everyday. The church tells them one thing, the world tells them another. As the church of Jesus Christ, what do we do when faced with a culture that is completely anti-Christian and anti-God? In this episode, Brian shares some principle strategies to help you address cultural issues with a God-centered and love-filled spirit.

Regular weekly ministries are the foundation a Children's Ministry calendar and ensures ongoing discipleship. However, a huge draw for your kids and their friends is
your ability to say “there is no such thing as a typical Sunday/Wednesday season in our Children's Ministry!" And that's why Special Events, Theme Days, and traditions are so important.

Ryan Frank serves as the CEO of KidzMatter and a Vice President at Awana. Ryan and his wife, Beth, are also the publishers of KidzMatter Magazine. Ryan served as a children’s pastor for 15 years at the church where he came to the Lord at age five. He is the author of 9 Things They Didn’t Teach Me in College About Children’s Ministry (Standard) and Give Me Jesus (Baker). Ryan and Beth live in Converse, Indiana, with their three daughters. You can connect with Ryan at www.RyanFrank.com.

At the age of 15 years old, Melissa Minter was called into children’s ministry by God and her mom!  I believe her mother’s words were, “You’re old enough to teach this class.  You can do it!”  God had already placed in her heart a desire to teach children, and He began to prepare her for a life of ministry.  Melissa has a B.S. degree from Lee University in Math and Science and a Master’s Degree in Curriculum and Instruction.  She’s had the privilege of teaching in public schools in both Tennessee and Georgia, as well as, a mission school in Greece.  It has been her joy to serve on the ministry teams of five different churches, and she is currently the children’s pastor at Central Community Church in Chatsworth, GA.  Several years ago, she began to shift from a life of education to a life of ministry.  Melissa still teaches science to homeschoolers, but her greatest joy is being able to introduce children to the love of Jesus

Brian has been a Kids’ Pastor since 1992. He approaches Children’s Ministry with a cutting-edge style, leading a volunteer staff of over 150 in ministering to the children at First Assembly of God in North Little Rock, Arkansas.  Every week, more than 600 children gather for high-energy worship, games, and life-changing ministry from their dynamic ministry team.

In 1998, he founded High Voltage Kids Ministry Resources which creates cutting- edge multi-media Children’s Church curriculum, music, and videos. High Voltage Kids Ministry resources have been used in more than 5,000 churches across America.

Recorded: September 13, 2013, Institute of Children’s Ministry

Dale Hudson has co-authored several books on children’s ministry leadership and written dozens of articles for various magazines. He currently writes the “Leading Volunteers” column for Children’s Ministry Magazine. His Children’s Ministry articles are featured at www.churchleaders.com and www.cmbraintrust.com.

Dale’s passion is helping children and families discover God’s life-changing grace. He is also passionate about encouraging and equipping children’s ministry leaders.

Passionate about the church and about kids, Melissa J. MacDonald travels extensively speaking, training, coaching, and consulting. She’s the author of Missing: An Urgent Call for the Church to Rescue Kids. She currently serves as the National Children’s Disciplemaking Specialist for the Christian and Missionary Alliance denomination. With a fresh and unique perspective Melissa boldly calls the church to be The Church everywhere she goes. She’s been to over 30 countries and seeks out the best ethnic food in every city she visits.

 Find out more at www.melissajmacdonald.com.