news article
Item of interest: Binghamton District to host children’s church ministries workshop
February 9, 2016 / By Lynne Kimpland
I was recently asked by the Binghamton District Leadership Team to develop and conduct a workshop on how to implement or recharge children's ministries and programs in the life of our churches. This would include Christian education programs such as Sunday school and children's church, children's choirs, seasonal community events, and special programs.
The free workshop is called “Fruitful Game Plans for Implementing Children's Church Ministries” takes place from 9 a.m.-noon on April 30 at the Endwell United Methodist Church. It will serve as a step-by-step guide on how to start or charge up children’s ministry programs. This workshop, designed for directors of Christian education and children ministries leaders, will cover the following topics:
- God’s expectations
- Bearing fruit while keeping it fun
- Why children ministries are important
- Leadership essentials
- Casting a vision
- Creating momentum
- Implementing programs
- Choosing curriculum
- Providing safety
- Keeping in touch
- Using big events
For 30 years, I’ve designed and implemented children and youth ministries and family events in the churches I have served and am very passionate about this. Just short of three years ago, when my husband, the Rev. Mark Kimpland, and I arrived at the Endwell UMC, there was nothing in place for children or youth. I've been able to develop a great team of people, and with God as my guide, the children's program went from four children on a Sunday to now averaging 40. We recently held a community event called the third annual Olaf Winter Fest and had more than 500 people in attendance. Our vacation bible school this past summer had a total of 135 children in attendance. I have learned so much throughout my years in ministry and feeling God calling me to help others. I feel it is one of the most important factors in building a healthy growing church.
Click here for more information and to register.
Lynne Kimpland is the Director of Children and Youth Ministries at the Endwell UMC.