Children’s ministries leaders in the Idaho Conference came for a weekend of learning to “Empower Our Young Heroes” in early October. Gem State Adventist Academy in Caldwell, Idaho, played host to the group, providing meeting space, lodging and meals.
The conference covered the cost of the weekend, including lodging and meals. Providing this opportunity is part of our vision of creating “a cutting-edge, equipping, lay-driven conference that is growing in personal spirituality and soul-winning.”
The North American Division (NAD) sent four individuals: Robin Galgon and Rocio Rojas, who provided the training in English, and Justo and Rosa Morales, who taught in Spanish. Between 20 and 30 church leaders participated at various times in the weekend training, which began on Friday evening and finished on Sunday morning with a graduation ceremony and presentation of certificates. Attendees were able to complete the first track in the NAD Children’s Ministries Certification in "Understanding Children."
The courses included Understanding 21st-Century Children, Learning Styles (which covered the four different ways children learn), Understanding Child Development, and Faith Development and Life Stages. Saturday night’s activity was a superhero party, complete with costumes and crafts. Leaders learned new crafts and new ways to use crafts in their teaching.
Pam Day, primary Sabbath School leader at the Nampa (Idaho) Church, posted this on her Facebook page: “Had a wonderful learning time at the Idaho Conference Children’s Ministry Workshop this weekend. Completed Track One of Eight tracks where you can be certified in Children’s Ministry. Got to experience an amazing lunch at Gem State Adventist Academy with their new professional chef that is now at the academy! What a wonderful blessing. Got some good information that I can use in my Primary class.”
“This post from Pam is the reason we provide training for our members," says David Prest Jr., Idaho Conference president. "Leading and teaching our children is one of the greatest jobs in the church. In nominating committee meetings, what if, instead of filling the offices of elders and deacons and other adult ministries first, we consider filling our children’s Sabbath Schools, Vacation Bible School, Pathfinders and Adventurer positions with the cream of the crop?”
It's not too hard to make costumes from ordinary, everyday items.
The group enjoys a meal together in the Gem State Academy cafeteria.
Leaders learn hands-on, getting down on the floor to gather new ideas for leading the children under their care to Jesus.
Children's ministries leaders listen intently as they learn to inspire their youngest church members.
The Spanish language track draws many leaders from the churches in Idaho's Treasure Valley.
Pat Frey, Idaho Conference school superintendent, checks out the resource table.
Empowering Our Young Super Heroes gives the participants creative ideas for decorating.
The Super Hero party on Saturday evening is a hit.
Coming to a Sabbath School, Vacation Bible School and Adventurer Club near you: super leaders.
