Workshops

Bill Allison

• They're Driving Me Nuts! Four Causes of Behavioral Problems in Children's Ministry
  We cause the majority of our own discipline problems in children's ministry. Find out why -- and more importantly -- what you can do about it. Come all ye who are ready to take arsenic or give it to someone!
  
  
• Teaching With the End in Mind: What Do You Want Children to Know and Be Able to Do?
  What is it -- exactly -- that you want those you teach to know and be able to do? I dare you to answer that question. And don't miss this workshop because we'll begin to wrestle down some exit goals. Please bring your thinking cap -- and your sense of humor -- with you!
  
  
• Time Management for Painfully Pooped Out Children's Ministry Workers
  "I'd love to, but I just don't have the time." Have you heard these words before in children's ministry? The number one issue for volunteers these days is time. In this session you will learn three biblical principles for helping busy volunteers take control of their life and time. Come all ye who are painfully pooped-out.
  
  
• Caffeinated Volunteers: Twelve Ways To Motivate Volunteers
  The effectiveness of your children's ministry is -- to a large degree -- dependent upon the motivation level of the volunteers. But what makes a children's ministry volunteer tick? If you want to learn what motivate volunteers to serve well -- then this session is for you. If you are looking to use and manipulate volunteers -- then please don't come to this session.
  

Rob Biagi

• The Non-Musician's Guide to a GREAT Children's Worship Program
  Most children's ministry workers are NOT musicians, but need a rockin' music program to engage the kids during Kid's church, don't you think? In this workshop you will get a "jump start" in picking songs, how to lead praise and worship (or help for finding someone), and getting your kids to join in with fun choreography. We will analyze actual situations that have worked (and failed), and discuss how to tailor your Music Time and take the "next step."
  
  
• Using Technology to Engage Kids
  What can children's ministers learn from Disney, Nickelodeon, and MTV about engaging kids? This workshop will be a lively brainstorming and application session where you'll pick up powerful ideas to make your music and teaching stick in the children's minds. We will talk about using sound effects, music, lighting, and video to reinforce the concepts and truths you're teaching from God's word.
  

Kimborah Bobb

• Children's Ministry for Dummies
  If you have been in ministry for years or you are brand new, this session will help you to learn some basic teaching principles and exciting twists that you can add to your ministry that will keep your kids guessing and growing for years to come!
  
  
• FAM JAM: Effective Family Ministry
  This workshop will explore Family Ministry and how it can impact your church and community. Families are a vital part of who we are and this class will take a closer look at how we can minister to the family as a whole. Learn creative and fun ideas, activities, and games that work for families of all ages. See how to encourage a paradigm shift in your church and minister to the whole family at your summer VBS. Think outside the box and hear about the exciting opportunities that await you and your church as you begin to think about effective family ministry what it looks like and how you can implement changes in your own ministry.
  
  
• Praise Him, Raise 'Em
  This workshop will take a look at what's new and current in Children's Ministry music. You will hear kid tested and approved music that is cutting edge and cool. You will learn motions, new songs and how to find all of this great music for your ministry! Come ready for a workout as we move and groove for Jesus!
  
  
• Club 345: Effective Upper Elementary Ministry
  Having trouble reaching your upper elementary kids? If so, this is the place for you to be. Take an in depth look at Club 345 and the mission and goals behind this thriving ministry for 3rd, 4th & 5th graders.
  

Ronnie Caldwell

• Creative Song Services
  Music is vital to effective children's ministry. Today, children's taste in music is maturing early, demanding dynamic song services. We will explore many fun ways to capture the attention of your children's church class!
  
  
• Costume Characters and Skits
  Skits and costume characters appeal to the imaginations of kids of all ages. We'll discuss various ways to use characters to enhance your class time and demonstrate how to use skits to bring your lesson to life!

Dick Crider

• Understanding Preschoolers
  They aren't little adults and they love learning. You will enjoy teaching more when you understand their unique needs. But, watch out, you will fall in love with preschoolers.
  
  
• Catch Them At The Back Door
  Why are we losing up to 40% of our pre-teen kids? They have special needs that must be met by the church before it's too late. We can catch them before they run out the back door if we understand the seductions pulling them away.
  
  
• Getting the Most Out of your DiscipleLand curriculum
  If you understand the history and philosophy of DiscipleLand curriculum, you will capture a new vision for making disciples. This practical workshop will show you how to get the most from your Sunday school hour using Discipleland.
  
  
• Teaching For Changed Lives
  This motivational workshop will help every teacher gain a new understanding of the value of Christian education. Teachers will see their role in a new light that will encourage and challenge them. Has your teaching staff been faithful for many years? "Teaching For Changed Lives" will give them a boost to carry on for many more years.
  

Ron Fugle

• The Bible with Balloons (Beginners)
  If you never used balloons before, this workshop is for you. See how balloons are twisted and shaped to keep kids on the edges of their seats. You'll learn the basics of ballooning, while tying into Bible teaching and illustration. Discover what the ideal balloons, pumps, storage devices, and makers to purchase. You'll learn how to create the alphabet, make a fishing pole, build a ladder and create a cross. This workshop is great for first time 'twisters'.
  
  
• Teaching with Balloons (Advanced)
  Take your balloon twisting abilities "up a notch" as you learn more complex shapes. This workshop will illustrate the creation of a turtle, ladybug, flower, rainbow, and ark. In addition, you'll learn how to make a giant ostrich and various hates. Teaching applications will be shared via the "Full Armor of God" shapes and the "Wordless Balloon Bible." If you are looking for a more advanced balloon workshop that is very hands on, you've found the right place!
  
  
• Fun n' Simple Object Lessons
  Ron use simple and fun objects to teach the kids the Bible. By focusing on the use of a concordance, you can learn how to use sports equipment, gloves, rings, money, and other props to keep the attention of kids. Learn how to associate a Bible verses with each object and where you can find these teaching tools in your very own garage or basement. You'll need high energy to keep up!
  

Kal Gilchrist

• Eight Is Enough!
  Do Family Ministry? Let current stats speak for themselves! Family issues are critical to the well-being of our churches. This workshop explores at least Eight Elements that every family ministry should have.
  
  
• Eat Your Way Through The Bible!
  For most families Sunday morning breakfast is an after-thought. They get in the car and realize that the kids have not eaten anything! Oops! Do most of your ministry kids come to church hungry? Use it as a teaching tool! Learn how you can eat your way through the Bible!
  
  
• Take Me Out To The Ballgame!
  Ministry can be like a baseball game. We're on the same team but were not all the same. That's why we've got to learn to play together. In this workshop you will experience 'team games' to help build unity among your team members. Be inspired. Be encouraged. And coach, don't give up!
  
  
• Just Play It!
  Games make great energy burners. Games are an interactive way to reinforce biblical principles. Many games can be adjusted to meet specific themes. It's always helpful to have one or two bible games ready in the rare event that you run out of lesson before you run out of time.
  

Aaron Reynolds

• Mastering Creative Communication Techniques (Parts 1 & 2)
  This workshop utilizes Master Classes, a unique and exhilarating training style that have been in use in the music and theatre community for years. You will learn to strengthen your up-front skills in an extremely tangible and unforgettable way. Through demonstration and hands-on coaching, you and your team will uncover new techniques for dynamic and transformational teaching. An exhilarating experience!
  
  
• Three Ways to Teach the Bible Creatively (Parts 1 & 2)
  Through three creative lessons, you'll learn three different methods for creatively teaching the Bible that could be applied to any Bible story in any curriculum.
  

Kris Smoll

• Stand Firm! - Challenging Elementary Kids
  In today's turbulent world, how do you challenge your elementary kids to stand firm in their faith and confidently share the gospel with others? Come see how our elementary kids learn through music, Bible lessons, and small group discussions how to become confident in their faith. Co-presented by the Discovery Land Elementary Team.
  
  
• From Ordinary to Extraordinary--Early Childhood
  We will show you how to take bouncy, energetic, loving 3-5year olds and challenge them to become followers of Christ. Discovery Land has found that if you go the extra mile with the E.C. children they will absorb Biblical truths that will help them develop a solid spiritual foundation. We will cover both the basics and the extras--from worship to shepherding to Bible lessons-that will create a Total Time Teaching experience for your kids. Co-presented by the Discovery Land Early Childhood Team.
  
  
• Mega Memory Marathon
  During this session, we will run a marathon of memory. Your vision for scripture memory will warm up as you pace yourself through steps on teaching, explaining, and reviewing Bible verses to all age levels while having fun! If you apply these training tips to your ministry, you will be able to "stop and watch" your kids finish strong in the race of life.
  
  
• Top 18 Favorite Resources and Ideas
  This session promises to be fast paced and entirely practical! Come away with ideas on a variety of topics that you can use in your ministry today including: our favorite CDs, how to create hands-on activities, easy missions activities, presenting a Bible lesson, training volunteers, recruiting, and linking parents to your ministry.