Breakout 1
Monday, October 27, 4:00 p.m.
In our (youth) ministry landscape where churches often talk to parents but rarely partner with them, it’s time to stop standing on opposite sides of the dance floor. This research-backed breakout invites youth leaders to rethink how they engage, equip, and empower parents as the primary disciplers of their teens. Here’s what you get when you come: The results of new Lifeway Research on what parents actually want from their churches. The HOPE framework (Habits, Opportunities, Partnerships, Expectations) to build a practical parent ministry strategy. Why most ministries confuse efficiency for effectiveness, and how to make the shift toward depth and relational connection. We also are going to share some real stories, real laughs, and honest reflections about how we can build a better future.
Room: Choir Room
How can we reach hearts more than we focus on outward behavior? Let’s flip our approach! This fun, interactive breakout will give you fresh tools to help your team shift from behavior modification to heart transformation. You’ll leave encouraged and equipped to reach kids where it matters most—the heart. Perfect for leaders, friends, and influencers who love and lead kids in ministry.
Room: Wilson Hall A–C
This session explores how children come to understand salvation, what a genuine “profession of faith” looks like at a young age, and how to walk with them as they grow in their understanding of the gospel. We’ll address the importance of not rushing children into decisions they may not fully grasp, while also honoring the sincere spiritual experiences they may express. Together, we’ll consider how to discern readiness for baptism, how to provide assurance without pressure, and how to support children through both joyful and challenging moments in their spiritual development.
Room: Wilson Hall D–F
This session will equip ministry leaders and volunteers with practical tools for including and engaging neurodiverse children in church settings. We’ll explore how to create environments that support a variety of learning, sensory, and social needs while fostering genuine belonging and discipleship.
Room: Baskin Chapel
Between sports practices, school projects, and the endless scroll of modern life, families are constantly on the move—and church can feel like just another thing on the list. So how, in this fast-paced world, can we create family ministry moments that truly matter? In this breakout, you’ll explore practical, ready-to-use family ministry events and ideas that plug seamlessly into your church calendar and your families’ lives. From one-night events to simple weekly rhythms, these ideas are designed to help families grow in faith together—without adding more stress. Whether you’re starting from scratch or looking to refresh your current strategy, come discover how to put intentional connection and gospel conversations in motion.
Room: Inman Chapel
This breakout is for the ministry leader who loves people but loathes logistics. Whether you’re overwhelmed by the pressure to pull off big events or just tired of reinventing the wheel every time, you’ll walk away with simple tools, stress-reducing systems, and real-life hacks to make events easier, more effective, and (dare we say it) fun!
Room: 2004
Parents want safety, consistency, cleanliness, communication, and quality Bible teaching. If those five things aren’t in place, you’re going to have a hard time attracting families to your ministry. Come discover how to focus on the things that keep families coming back!
Room: 2103
If God has entrusted you and your ministry with teen girls, you are a girls minister! (Yes, even the men out there!) How are you equipping them to know God, to find community, and to walk in truth as young women? Instead of running from the drama and big feelings, let’s lean into God’s invitation to help make Him know among teen girls.
Room: 2122
As ministry leaders, we want students to grow from spiritual infancy to spiritual maturity. Biblical literacy is vital for true discipleship to take place. But how do we help students become biblically literate? In this breakout we will explore what biblical literacy is, why must rethink how we teach the Bible, and practical ways to cultivate a space in which students can grow to love God’s Word.
Room: 2132
From gender and sexuality to mental health, technology, and beyond, children are encountering increasingly complex topics at younger ages than ever before. This session will equip ministry leaders to guide and support parents through these conversations using the 3 D’s—Development, Direction, and Discipleship. Learn how to frame these discussions in age-appropriate ways, offer biblical guidance, and remind parents that they are appointed and equipped by God to lead their children with wisdom and confidence. Leave with tools to empower families and build a foundation of truth and love in an ever-changing world.
Room: 2140
Being in the middle of the leadership pack is one of the most exciting places for influence on a church staff. Let’s discover together how we can serve, support, and share the same vision as the church and passionately reach the families of today.
Room: Hudson Hall
Breakout 2
Tuesday, October 28, 10:45 a.m.
This session is designed to equip and empower preschool ministry leaders with the knowledge, skills, and passion to create a thriving preschool ministry. Through interactive discussions, attendees will discover 10 attributes vital to the life of their ministry. Let’s cultivate vibrant preschool ministries and sow the seeds of faith in the hearts of our precious children.
Room: Choir Room
What makes faith stick? Lifeway research uncovered five childhood habits commonly found in spiritually healthy adults—and your preteen ministry plays a crucial role in each one. In this interactive session, we’ll unpack the top five practices and explore how to help preteens begin living them now. You’ll leave with age-appropriate ideas and resources to equip your team to move from just entertaining kids to shaping a lifelong faith.
Room: Wilson Hall A–C
In a rapidly changing world, nurturing the spiritual lives of children requires creativity, intentionality, and a deep understanding of their developmental needs. This session will explore proven strategies and innovative approaches to children’s faith formation. Participants will engage with current research, share practical tools, and discover age-appropriate methods that foster lasting spiritual growth. Whether you’re a seasoned minister or new to children’s ministry, this session will equip you with insights and resources to inspire faith in the next generation.
Room: Wilson Hall D–F
If our churches reflect our communities, 15-20% of the kids in our ministries will have special needs, learning disabilities, and behavioral or mental health diagnoses. In this session, we’ll learn how to create ministry environments that will meet their sensory and learning needs and also give tips for supporting positive behavior.
Room: Baskin Chapel
There is no “us versus them.” When you effectively partner with parents, you are a WE. An effective partnership with parents is crucial for the success of their children. This breakout session will explore practical strategies for communication, equipping parents, cheering them on, providing practice, respect, and more. By aligning goals and working as a team, leaders and parents can ensure the best outcomes for the children and their families.
Room: Inman Chapel
This breakout will provide student leaders learn how to bridge, connect, and disciple students from different languages and cultures.
Room: 2004
In this breakout on Emotional Intelligence (EQ), you’ll explore what it means to recognize and manage your own emotions, as well as the emotions of those around you. Understanding EQ is key to building stronger relationships and becoming a more effective leader in both ministry and everyday life. This session will help you grow in emotional awareness and learn to express your feelings in healthy, constructive ways; strengthen your relational skills; and elevate your leadership by tapping into the power of emotional intelligence.
Room: 2103
Middle School and Junior High students are wonderfully weird—and wildly unpredictable (kind of like Pokemon?). So how do we “capture” their attention while forming engaged, discipled, and empowered students? In this session you’ll get: Field-tested techniques and strategies to build trust and foster deep connection with this unique age group. Rediscover the importance of the “ministry of fun,” the power of rhythms, and small group moments. You’ll walk away with practical tools for you and your volunteers and a renewed passion for reaching the most “in-between” group in your student ministry.
Room: 2122
We all remember that teacher—the one who never bored us and who made us feel seen. How do we become those teachers and leaders? We often hand our leaders the curriculum or content we’d like them to teach, but we neglect showing them HOW to teach it—how to connect with students in a meaningful way. In this breakout, we’ll talk through practical ways to engage students’ attention and captivate their minds and hearts so that they’re more receptive to the gospel. Let’s help your leaders use the tools you’ve given them so that students are excited to be a part of your small groups.
Room: 2132
Preschoolers learn best through play. In this breakout, we’ll explore how to create intentional, Bible-centered, fun experiences that help young children grasp and apply biblical truths. Discover practical ways to turn playtime at church into powerful moments of faith formation, helping preschoolers build early Bible skills while engaging their hearts and minds.
Room: 2140
Enlisting and training your volunteers needs to be intentional, fun, and relational. In this breakout, you’ll walk away with practical ideas to get your volunteers to read your emails, show up engaged, and feel like part of a team.
Room: Hudson Hall
Breakout 3
Tuesday, October 28, 1:00 p.m.
Do you see families impacted by disability in your church but feel unsure how to serve them—especially when you have limited volunteers and no extra budget? This session will walk you through how to start a sustainable, impactful special needs ministry using the resources already in your hands. We’ll cover how to identify the needs in your preschool, kids, and student ministries; recruit the right volunteers (even from unexpected places); and make small, flexible adjustments that create lasting impact. Whether you’re just getting started or looking to grow with intentionality, this session will equip you to start small—and serve big.
Room: Choir Room
As kids’ ministry leaders, sometimes we end up with a little more class time than we planned for. In this breakout, you’ll gain ideas for last-minute games, Bible verse activities, and more to make even those extra minutes matter!
Room: Wilson Hall A–C
Preteens need more than just extended kids’ ministry—they need a space to grow, lead, and belong. When space is limited, how do you create a ministry that truly reaches them? In this breakout, we’ll explore practical ways to engage preteens in shared environments through creative setups, intentional programming, and age-specific events that help them thrive.
Room: Wilson Hall D–F
Technology can be a critical barrier, a useful tool, or even an unexpected crutch in ministry. Are we using technology enough? Too much? What are some wise ways we can leverage technology? Let’s talk about some of the common struggles we share and practical ways to overcome them to get the most of from technology within our ministries.
Room: Baskin Chapel
This breakout session explores the critical role of parents in discipling their children and addresses the challenge that many parents lack their own discipleship foundation. For many churches, the focus for discipleship in the home falls on Next Generation ministries. This breakout will look at a holistic approach to learn how adult ministries can join in to intentionally equip and pour into parents, fostering their spiritual growth to confidently lead their families in faith. Discover practical strategies to create a culture where discipled parents naturally disciple their children, building a lasting legacy of faith in the home.
Room: Inman Chapel
On a long enough timeline, everyone is an interim. So how are you preparing the person(s) who are next to succeed you well? Wherever you are leading, let’s talk about how you can begin to prepare now to help them lead next. Practical, lived, and honest. Join us if you are asking questions about transitions and success in ministry.
Room: 2004
Change is inevitable in ministry. Whether it’s launching new programs, welcoming new volunteers, or navigating leadership transitions, every ministry faces seasons of change. This session offers practical strategies and real-life case studies to help ministry leaders respond to change with clarity, compassion, and confidence. Learn how to turn challenges into opportunities and lead your ministry through transition with purpose and grace.
Room: 2103
This breakout aims to help you build an effective campus ministry strategy that leads to making devoted followers of Jesus.
Room: 2122
What are they afraid of? Probably a lot. Teenagers today are exposed to more stress, worry, and anxiety than any other previous generation. Let’s learn and grow together so you can equip your students to face their fears by diving into what the Bible has to teach us about fear.
Room: 2132
In this session, we’ll explore key characteristics of today’s preschoolers and their families, uncover what’s behind many of the current classroom challenges, and discover developmentally appropriate teaching strategies that meet kids where they are—including kids with disabilities—without compromising biblical content. Walk away with practical tools to engage children’s hearts and minds, partner more effectively with parents, and lead a preschool ministry that truly matters in today’s challenging culture.
Room: 2140
Volunteers are the heartbeat of every kids and student ministry but leading them isn’t always easy. In this breakout, Chad Higgins, Senior Manager of Church Equipping at Lifeway, will unpack five proven tools every NextGen leader can use to lead, develop, and empower volunteer teams. Whether you’re leading a handful of volunteers or an army of them, these practical, repeatable tools will help you shape a healthy team culture, improve communication, and fuel long-term growth in your ministry. Leave with ready-to-use resources that you can take home, implement immediately, and use again and again to strengthen your team and sharpen your leadership.
Room: Hudson Hall
Breakout 4
Tuesday, October 28, 2:00 p.m.
Don’t be in the dark about Lifeway’s VBS for 2026. Illumination Station will make your VBS the brightest week of the year! Come get a sneak peek at what’s coming for preschoolers, kids, students (yes, students!), and adults in the summer of 2026.
Room: Wilson Hall A–C
In a generation moving at lightning speed, capturing and keeping kids’ attention in large group settings is more critical, and more possible, than ever. In this session, we’ll explore how to harness the right kind of energy to create large group experiences that are both fun and focused, outrageous and intentional. In a world where every moment matters, let’s create a time that engages kids with the gospel loud and clear!
Room: Wilson Hall D–F
Move over Generation Alpha, the Beta Generation has arrived. This conference will unpack new research about Generation Beta and discuss the importance of understanding the parents of Beta. If you enjoy thinking ahead and learning about new trends, this session is for you!
Room: Baskin Chapel
Let’s explore together five values that can guide your ministry to the whole family, lead and equip parents, and even encourage marriages. We will unpack together how these simple principles can give a clear vision for your ministry to family, leading toward purposeful action steps.
Room: Inman Chapel
Leadership isn’t just for a select few—it’s a calling for all who follow Christ. In this breakout, you’ll discover your spiritual gifts, cultivate leadership competence, and learn to lead with humility and conviction. Whether you’re a seasoned leader, new to serving, or simply curious about your gifts, this course will help you step into leadership with confidence and purpose.
Room: 2004
God never intended for us to walk our faith journey alone. Whether you’re seeking guidance or feel called to invest in someone else, mentoring is a powerful way to grow in faith, character, and leadership. In this breakout, we’ll explore both sides of the mentoring relationship—how to find a mentor who can speak into your life and how to be a faithful, encouraging mentor to others. You’ll walk away with a clearer vision of what mentoring is (and isn’t), what to look for in a mentor, and how to begin mentoring others with confidence and intentionality.
Room: 2103
While they are not yet adults, high schoolers have already begun making decisions that will shape their future relationships, calling, and faith. This often leads to anxious thoughts, tension with parents, and poor decision making. Let’s explore how we can come alongside teens to help them navigate stress, make wise decisions, and trust in the God who holds their future.
Room: 2122
Let’s talk about how to raise up a volunteer team committed to doing the basics of youth ministry in an excellent way: love, listen, lead. Leave with a step-by-step strategy to make next week more hospitable from top to bottom. After all, hospitality is student ministry’s secret sauce!
Room: 2132
The first interactions with preschoolers and their families can shape their experiences at church. In this session, we’ll explore powerful, practical ways to create memorable interactions inside and outside of the classroom that help children and their families feel safe, seen, and connected.
Room: 2140
This breakout session will explore meaningful ways for preschool, children, and student small group leaders to build community, support, and friendship with one another. Helping teachers connect can enrich ministry and strengthen the impact on preschoolers, children, students, and their families.
Room: Hudson Hall
Breakout 5
Wednesday, October 29, 9:00 a.m.
We have the most important message to share! As kids ministry leaders, the weight is on our shoulders to ensure that our approach to teaching matches where children are in growth and development. Let’s talk about some common characteristics of children across various ages, how they learn, and how we can adapt our teaching methods to best communicate with the children we serve.
Room: Wilson Hall A–C
Hear from both kids and student ministry leaders as they share intentional ways to partner together and help kids thrive during this key transition into student ministry. Explore how each ministry brings a unique perspective to guide and disciple kids into this next phase.
Room: Wilson Hall D–F
This 2-part breakout will give attendees an overarching understanding of trauma and toxic stress, and how both manifest in vulnerable children. The session will include discussion, short videos, activities, and practical ways in which church leaders and volunteers can recognize trauma and behaviors that may stem from having faced adversity.
Room: Baskin Chapel
Parents today have a big job. Technology changes daily; kids are exposed to big ideas, concepts, and topics at younger ages; and parents often feel overwhelmed. Raising children in this fast-paced environment can be challenging and confusing. What do parents need, and how can ministry leaders better equip them to navigate current and future challenges? Come learn the 4 Cs—Culture, Connection, Conversation, and Calling—and discover how these pillars can help families build a Christ-centered home that withstands cultural shifts. Walk away with practical tools, biblical insight, and a renewed vision for helping parents lead with confidence, consistency, and calling in an ever-changing world.
Room: Inman Chapel
This session guides you in building a ministry-wide safety system—covering volunteer screening, policy writing, and protection plan development—that prevents abuse and equips your team to respond with compassion and confidence. You’ll gain practical steps to strengthen or launch your safety practices without discouraging volunteers, plus tools for handling tough situations and supporting survivors. Whether starting fresh or refining your system, learn how to create a culture where safety fuels joyful ministry. Because fun only works when kids are truly safe.
Room: 2004
What makes Chick-fil-A’s teams so consistent, committed, and customer-focused? It’s more than just great chicken—it’s a leadership culture rooted in values, service, and intentional development. In this breakout, participants will gain insight into how to create a culture where team members feel valued, heard, and empowered—leading to lower turnover, stronger collaboration, and better results. Whether you’re leading a team of two or 200, this session will give you practical tools and real-world strategies to implement immediately.
Room: 2103
Students crave connection—and, let’s be honest, they love having fun. What if we told you those two things don’t have to compete? In this breakout, we’ll explore how to use games and community builders to create spaces where students laugh, connect, and form lasting relationships. You’ll walk away with ideas for ready-to-go activities and ways to turn fun into something deeper. Whether you’re a seasoned youth leader or just starting out, come ready to play, learn, and leave inspired to make fun meaningful.
Room: 2122
This session will equip ministry leaders and volunteers with practical tools for including and engaging neurodiverse children in church settings. We’ll explore how to create environments that support a variety of learning, sensory, and social needs while fostering genuine belonging and discipleship.
Room: 2132
This breakout session will focus on creative and effective ways to share Bible stories with preschoolers, making each lesson engaging and memorable.
Room: 2140
As ministry leaders, we know that true wholeness is found when we are formed by the Story and the Way of Jesus. But the reality is, students are constantly being discipled by other stories—through culture, social media, peers, and more. These influences can shape their identity and choices in ways that pull them away from Christ. This breakout will equip you with practical strategies to help your students recognize the false stories shaping them and guide them back to the life-giving Way of Jesus.
Room: Hudson Hall
Breakout 6
Wednesday, October 29, 10:00 a.m.
Remember when ministry threats were as simple as behavioral issues? Today, leaders face deeper internal and external challenges—like cultural pressure, character struggles, competency gaps, and capacity limits. In this session, we’ll explore these growing threats and discuss practical ways to respond.
Room: Wilson Hall A–C
Children need to know the God of the Bible. In this session, we’ll explore why teaching theology to children is not only possible but essential. Discover how even the youngest minds can grasp deep truths about God when we move beyond surface-level stories and “facts” and move deeper into Scripture. You’ll gain practical tools to help kids connect biblical stories to foundational doctrines, fostering a faith that’s both resilient and rooted. This session will equip you to raise up young theologians who don’t just know Bible facts—they know God.
Room: Wilson Hall D–F
This 2-part breakout will give attendees an overarching understanding of trauma and toxic stress, and how both manifest in vulnerable children. The session will include discussion, short videos, activities, and practical ways in which church leaders and volunteers can recognize trauma and behaviors that may stem from having faced adversity. (Note: This is the continuation of part 1.)
Room: Baskin Chapel
Missions involvement is an integral part of the discipleship process. If you’ve ever served on a mission trip—whether local, national, or international—you understand that a special bond happens with those you serve with. Providing opportunities for families to serve together can be a catalyst for lifelong spiritual growth for a family.
Room: Inman Chapel
Teenagers and young adults are ready for meaningful leadership opportunities. In this breakout, we’ll explore how to spot intentional opportunities for leadership development through discipleship, service roles, and more. This session will equip you to invest deeply and strategically in the leaders of tomorrow.
Room: 2004
What a privilege and adventure we have as ministers to join God in vocational ministry. But what about the known and hidden impact of vocational ministry on our own kids and marriages? Join us for an honest discussion about the things that move us toward thriving as a family in ministry.
Room: 2103
Using Luke 9:57-62 as a framework, this breakout session will help student ministry leaders develop pathways and processes that empower students to build a strong biblical worldview, apply God’s Word to their lives, and faithfully follow Jesus.
Room: 2122
This session will address practical ways to be present in the lives of others with an emphasis on relationships—both with God and with others. We’ll cover the importance of small groups and biblical community, addressing the elements that make small groups effective. Participants will learn ways to minister to, care for, and love on all different peoples with whom they come in contact.
Room: 2132
Capturing a preschooler’s attention can feel overwhelming during a busy ministry hour, but it doesn’t have to be. This session will equip you with 10 simple, effective strategies to help you connect with preschoolers as they learn about God and His Word.
Room: 2140
Teaching with purpose doesn’t happen by accident. You are either teaching from a biblical worldview or you are not. Each week, in the big and little things, we have to teach intentionally so kids experience God for themselves.
Room: Hudson Hall
