TCMC2021: Full Schedule

9:00am EDT

Welcome, Worship and Keynote: Little Theologians, Big Theologies

Speakers

Dave Csinos

Associate Professor of Practical Theology, Atlantic School of Theology

David M. Csinos (www.davecsinos.com) is Associate Professor of Practical Theology at Atlantic School of Theology in Halifax, Nova Scotia, and founder of Faith Forward (faith-forward.net), an ecumenical network for innovation in ministry with children, youth, and families. He is author... Read More →

Saturday November 6, 2021 9:00am - 10:15am EDT
Online

Plenary

10:30am EDT

Better Together: Exploring Intergenerational Ministry

Whether you are just starting the intergen journey, already well along the road or have yet to step onto the road, join me to explore how the church can rethink how it patterns its worship and life so that the generations come together and flourish in faith. We'll learn with and from each other, and consider the joys, challenges, detours and unexpected outcomes of intergenerational ministry.

Speakers

Mary Hawes

National Children and Youth Adviser, Church of England

Mary Hawes has been involved in ministry with and among children since she was 14. In both volunteer and paid roles, she has led Sunday Sunday and Youth Groups, taught in primary school, worked with Scripture Union, Rochester Cathedral and the Diocese of London. She is now the Church... Read More →

Saturday November 6, 2021 10:30am - 11:30am EDT
Online

Diversity, Workshop

10:30am EDT

Developing Children In Christ's Image

Are your children/students anxious, aggressive or shut down? Holistic integration of biblical principles is what every Christian parent, teacher and leader wants for the children in their care. In this lively, interactive session, participants are introduced to classroom management and creating an emotionally safe environment. Learn practical strategies such as lowering your own stress, calming someone down, and reframing a situation. Create a culture of self-care and problem-solving that allows leaders and children to thrive. Teach your children these skills so they can manage their own relationships, feel connected and shine their light in the world. A Q&A will be included.

Speakers

Margaret Boersma

EQ is the new IQ. In more than 35 years of teaching and teacher training, locally and abroad, Margaret Boersma seeks to provide teachers and leaders with practical tools and engaging strategies for people to learn. Specializing in emotional intelligence and teaching methodology, her... Read More →

Saturday November 6, 2021 10:30am - 11:30am EDT
Online

Diversity, Workshop

10:30am EDT

Discovering Faith Through Art

Watch video (https://bit.ly/3iM6tOq)

You can give a kid a crayon to fill the time, but take it one step further and help them become part of an experience that deepens their faith. We can easily miss opportunities to see God at work as we create, but making this connection can have a lasting impact that will grow a families' faith together. Join Tina as she shares about the importance of creative ministries and how you can practically integrate art and faith for both your children and family ministries.

Speakers

Tina Rae

Christian Education Specialist, Westview Baptist Church - CBOQ

Rev. Tina Rae has been pastoring in children and family ministries for 17 years and is an ordained pastor with the Canadian Baptists of Ontario and Quebec. In her spare time, she enjoys creating art and has shown and sold artwork across southwestern Ontario. Over the years she has... Read More →

Saturday November 6, 2021 10:30am - 11:30am EDT
Online

Diversity, Workshop

10:30am EDT

Generation Alpha & Effective Ministry Today

If we are to effectively minister to the next generation then we have to realize that we need to know them - what do you you know about Generation Alpha? This workshop will give you an overview of Gen. Alpha and the implications it has for ministering to kids & family -- we'll look at the opportunities, challenges and shifts we need to make in how to we minister to kids today.

Speakers

Matt Wilkinson

Director of Next Generation Ministries, Executive Director Camp Kwasind, CBOQ

Rev. Matt Wilkinson is the Director of Next Generation Ministries for the Canadian Baptists of Ontario & Quebec and Executive Director of Camp Kwasind. He is a strategic and visionary leader with a committed passion for the local church and its’ leaders to effective engage the... Read More →

Saturday November 6, 2021 10:30am - 11:30am EDT
Online

Diversity, Workshop

10:30am EDT

Kids On Mission

Kids can participate in God's Great Commission! In fact, if we don't include kids in missions from a young age we will have lost out on a meaningful part of their discipleship. This workshop will explain an organic approach to immerse kids in mission education, prayer, giving and serving.

Speakers

Jan Mutter

Family Life Pastor, Philpott Memorial Church

Jan Mutter currently serves as a Family Pastor in Hamilton, Ontario. She sees the discipleship of children through the lens of the extended family. Her approach to this ministry is not only to teach the children but to equip the key adults in their lives. Jan is married to... Read More →

Saturday November 6, 2021 10:30am - 11:30am EDT
Online

Diversity, Workshop

10:30am EDT

Ministry to Hurting Kids: How Trauma Impacts the Kids We Love and What to Do about It

Watch video (https://youtu.be/IXWZhM9eDuk)

From abuse, neglect, and divorce to lockdowns, social isolation, and civil unrest, childhood trauma is on the rise. In this workshop, you will learn how trauma touches the children in your ministry and what most churches get wrong when it comes to teaching and disciplining hurting kids. Make sense of the most frustrating, confusing, and heartbreaking child behaviors, and discover practical, research-based strategies to begin transforming your ministry this Sunday.

Speakers

Robert G Crosby

Associate Professor of Psychology, California Baptist University

Robert Crosby, PhD is Associate Professor of Psychology at California Baptist University. A former youth pastor with over 20 years’ experience in children’s and youth ministry, he is one of the world’s leading scholars in the field of children’s ministry research. He has published... Read More →

Erin I. Smith

Associate Professor of Psychology, Director of Research for the Center for the Study of Human Behavior, California Baptist University

Dr. Erin I. Smith (B.A. Point Loma Nazarene University; M.A., Ph.D. University of California Riverside) is an Associate Professor of Psychology and the Director of Research for the Center for the Study of Human Behavior at California Baptist University. Trained as a developmental... Read More →

Saturday November 6, 2021 10:30am - 11:30am EDT
Online

Diversity, Workshop

10:30am EDT

Person-first Church: Discern, Design, and Deliver a Universal Design for Ministry

In this workshop Dr. Alfred Yuen will present models of person-first gospel ministry. He will sketch the objectives of universal design for learning and will explore the processes of discerning, designing, and delivering through a set of experiential simulations. In addition to the large group presentation, participants will work on a draft action plan in response to their ministry placements, expected deliverables, and current and foreseeable limitations in guided break-out group discussions. The emphasis of the workshop is on experiential simulations as key to person-first design for ministry.

Speakers

Alfred Yuen

Alfred Yuen believes in the divine institution of the Church as a sacred portal to God’s outpouring love through the ministry of Jesus Christ. Towards a deeper understanding of God’s loving actions in the Church, Alfred wrote a PhD on the theologian Karl Barth followed by an appointment... Read More →

Saturday November 6, 2021 10:30am - 11:30am EDT
Online

Diversity, Workshop

10:30am EDT

The Fruitful Rollout of a New Curriculum: Preparation and Implementation

Watch video (https://youtu.be/aPaMvOPgluw)

Sunday School Curriculum is not only a tool that provides resources and guidelines for delivering Bible lessons, it also helps to build a foundation of faith that children may carry with them throughout the rest of their lives. That's why it is important to select a curriculum that fits the need of our students. Whenever we have to switch to a new curriculum, it is not simply putting a new study guide into the hands of teachers, it requires a good strategy in preparing the teaching team, the parents and the students in order to have a successful launch. Come to join this workshop for gaining insights and tips on rolling out a new curriculum in Children's Ministry.

Speakers

Teresa Tong

Founder and Consulting Pastor, Blessing4CM Consulting Ministry

Dr. Teresa Tong, the Founder and Consulting Children’s Pastor of BLESSING4CMConsulting Ministry, graduated from Fuller Theological Seminary (USA) with a Doctor of Ministry degree in Family and Youth Ministry and a MDiv degree from Tyndale Seminary, majoring in Pastoral and Children’s... Read More →

Saturday November 6, 2021 10:30am - 11:30am EDT
Online

Diversity, Workshop

10:30am EDT

The Future of Safeguarding after COVID

Watch video (https://youtu.be/_KzjutuFOu4)

What does safeguarding look like as we transition from COVID? How do ministry workers provide safeguarding while they try to recruit new workers, safeguard against the spread of the virus, and care for those struggling with mental illness? In this workshop, Melodie will address tips for the future of safeguarding in a hybrid ministry model.

Speakers

Melodie Bissell

President & CEO, Plan to Protect

Melodie is the President of Plan to Protect®, a social enterprise providing the highest STANDARD of abuse prevention and protection to organizations servicing the vulnerable sector globally. The company services 7,500 volunteer-driven organizations in Canada including not for profits... Read More →

Saturday November 6, 2021 10:30am - 11:30am EDT
Online

Diversity, Workshop

11:45am EDT

4 Channels of Ministry

Watch video (https://youtu.be/c6MXpHLwSOg)

During the COVID-19 pandemic, our approach to ministry has been stretched. In this workshop, we'll explore 4 different channels in which children's ministry can be adapted to whatever circumstance.

Speakers

Alvin Lau

Youth Ministries Associate, CBOQ

Alvin serves with Canadian Baptists of Ontario and Quebec since 2000, most recently as the Youth Ministries Associate. His life objective is to help a person their take next step closer to Jesus, no matter how small that step is. Alvin with his wife and two children are part of the... Read More →

Saturday November 6, 2021 11:45am - 12:45pm EDT
Online

Discovery, Workshop

11:45am EDT

Collaborative Children's Ministry

We will briefly look at how a collaborative approach can create better avenues towards addressing particular challenges found in Children’s Ministry within a church setting.

Speakers

Derek Wong

Children Pastor, East Toronto Chinese Baptist Church

Derek Wong is the Children Pastor of East Toronto Chinese Baptist Church. He has been serving in different areas of Children and Youth ministry for over 20 years. He has a passion to express the love and light of Jesus to children and young people.

Saturday November 6, 2021 11:45am - 12:45pm EDT
Online

Discovery, Workshop

11:45am EDT

Discipline and Classroom Management in Children's Ministry

Watch video (https://youtu.be/j6v76yRkGFE)

Instead of seeing discipline as a way of controlling behaviour and handing out consequences, let's treat it as an opportunity to teach children to be like Christ and part of a community of faith.

Discover how classroom management is an integral part of your ministry to children. We will discuss ways to be proactive and how to respond to situations that may arise.

Speakers

Amy Csoke

Scripture Union

Amy is passionate about children's ministry that connects children with Jesus and His Story. She has been on staff at Scripture Union Canada for over ten years, developing resources and training children's ministry leaders in Canada and abroad. She is the volunteer children's ministry... Read More →

Saturday November 6, 2021 11:45am - 12:45pm EDT
Online

Discovery, Workshop

11:45am EDT

Jesus -Centered Teaching for Kids

This workshop focuses on how Jesus should be the centre of our teaching, and making this shift is the best way to serve our children.
For decades within the realm of children's Sunday school curriculum, the teaching has been morality-based. Each story taught to children is often turned into a personal morality lesson where the child is encouraged to be like that biblical hero. While morality is an important aspect of our teachings, it is certainly not meant to be the focus. Jesus should be the centre of our teaching, and making this shift is the best way to serve our children.

Speakers

Natalie Frisk

Curriculum Pastor, The Meeting House Church

Natalie Frisk is the curriculum pastor at The Meeting House Church where she and a team create kids’ and youth curricula for ages 0–18 used by churches worldwide. Frisk has a master’s degree in theological studies from McMaster Divinity College and is, presently, working on... Read More →

Saturday November 6, 2021 11:45am - 12:45pm EDT
Online

Discovery, Workshop

11:45am EDT

Making the Curriculum Connection

In a shifting world that is changing day by day how do we navigate what is the best curriculum to use for our church? Do we continue meeting in person with safety protocols in place or move to an online format? Can we still use the same curriculum or do we need to change that?

In this session Ken will be presenting several different curricula as well as offering a time of question and answer to help you in your “How To’s” for children’s ministry.
With 30 years of ministry experience, a husband, father of 3 children and a grandfather, Ken has a heart for children’s spiritual growth.

Speakers

Ken McDonald

Church Consultant, Parasource

Ken McDonald has been a key participant of the church team at Parasource Marketing & Distribution, formerly known as David C Cook/Augsburg Fortress Canada for over 8 years.As a Church Resource Consultant he has worked with many churches over the 8 years, helping them find a curriculum... Read More →

Saturday November 6, 2021 11:45am - 12:45pm EDT
Online

Discovery, Workshop

11:45am EDT

Managing a Safe and Inclusive Space for Learning and Discipleship in a Classroom Setting.

In this workshop Dr. Alfred Yuen will present a theological model of a safe and inclusive space for church-based learners. He will briefly discuss church educators as mindful and responsive participants of the Spirit’s work and the accordingly contextualized ideas of student-teacher rapport, behaviour management, physical layout, and outcome-driven strategies. In addition to the large group presentation, participants will work on a checklist for implementing or improving a safe and inclusive classroom in their settings in guided break-out group discussions. The emphasis of the workshop is on a threefold approach to classroom management: Know God, know yourself, and know your learners.

Speakers

Alfred Yuen

Saturday November 6, 2021 11:45am - 12:45pm EDT
Online

Discovery, Workshop

11:45am EDT

Online Children's Ministry - Keeping church online for kids past the lockdowns

In this workshop, children's ministry's leaders will learn about the importance of maintaining an online program for kids beyond the Covid-19 lockdowns. Children's ministry has evolved through the pandemic and providing an accessible method of teaching the Bible to children is necessary. This workshop strives to equip leaders to run successful online programming by introducing various methods of delivering digital content to children.

Speakers

Amy De Sousa

Youth and Family Pastor, St. Philip's on-the-Hill Anglican Church

Amy serves as the Youth and Family Pastor at St. Philip’s on-the-Hill Anglican Church. She is also the York-Simcoe area youth coordinator for the Diocese of Toronto and a member of the Bishop’s Youth Ministry Committee. She has over 20 years of experience with children and youth... Read More →

Saturday November 6, 2021 11:45am - 12:45pm EDT
Online

Discovery, Workshop

11:45am EDT

Vibrant Volunteer Culture

Watch video (https://youtu.be/YrxY9nj3csE)

We know that getting and keeping volunteers in vital to our children's ministries. In this workshop we will focus on developing a volunteer culture that not only retains the volunteers you recruit but cares for and nourishes those that serve. This workshop will include a brief look at recruitment strategies. Practical ideas and resources will be shared.

Speakers

Tanya Yuen

Children and Family Ministries Associate, Canadian Baptists of Ontario and Quebec

Rev. Tanya Yuen has been in her role as Children and Family Ministries Associate at the Canadian Baptists of Ontario and Quebec since 2012. She oversees various training and resourcing initiatives for CBOQ churches seeking to draw out the giftedness of children and families in their... Read More →

Saturday November 6, 2021 11:45am - 12:45pm EDT
Online

Discovery, Workshop

12:45pm EDT

Lunch

Saturday November 6, 2021 12:45pm - 1:45pm EDT
Online

Lunch

1:45pm EDT

Interactive Conversation about Re-opening Children’s Ministry

Watch video (https://youtu.be/UIOy4Vimvpk)

In this 45 minute session you will be invited into breakout rooms of 4-6 people to both share and learn from one another about how your re-opening is going.
In your 20 minute smaller group time, you are invited to share responses to the following:
Introduce yourself, your location and whether you have reopened children’s ministry.
Anything you have learned, challenged you’ve encountered or questions you have.
The changes in children’s ministry from pre-pandemic.
The support/resources/training needs you are looking for currently.
We will invite each person to end with a blessing or word of encouragement for each other.
In the closing 20 minutes of this session we will invite sharing of some key ideas, questions, challenges from your breakout rooms.

Speakers

Teresa Tong

Founder and Consulting Pastor, Blessing4CM Consulting Ministry

Tanya Yuen

Children and Family Ministries Associate, Canadian Baptists of Ontario and Quebec

Saturday November 6, 2021 1:45pm - 2:30pm EDT
Online

Discussion

2:45pm EDT

Childist Ideas: How Theologies of, by, and with Children Shape the Practice of Children's Ministry

What does theology have to do with children's ministry? Everything! Join Dave Csinos for a workshop that will dive deep into how theology shapes what churches and church leaders do to minister with children. You'll explore your own theological ideas of children. You'll learn about how children make theological meaning. And you'll consider how children's theological ideas offer hope for the future of the church - if we unleash their full potential!

Speakers

Dave Csinos

Associate Professor of Practical Theology, Atlantic School of Theology

Saturday November 6, 2021 2:45pm - 3:45pm EDT
Online

Direction, Workshop

2:45pm EDT

Children's Ministry in a New Dimension: How to cast and implement a new vision

Watch video (https://youtu.be/aPaMvOPgluw)

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has been felt in every corner of the world. It is life-changing to some extent for almost everyone, including Children's Ministry. Even when the pandemic is over, people are expecting that things will not be returning to the way they used to be. People are getting nervous about this "New Reality". However, crisis leads to new opportunity. It is a good time for Children's Ministry to evaluate its past approach and establish a strategy for leading the ministry towards a new dimension. In this workshop, Dr. Tong will share a biblical and practical model for casting a new vision and implementing it step by step. Come to join this workshop for leading your ministry on to this exciting journey!

Speakers

Teresa Tong

Founder and Consulting Pastor, Blessing4CM Consulting Ministry

Saturday November 6, 2021 2:45pm - 3:45pm EDT
Online

Direction, Workshop

2:45pm EDT

Companioning Kids: What you should know when it comes to taking care of your kids and yourself during times of grief and loss.

This workshop is aimed to help you understand a little more about how kiddos understand grief and loss, how to talk to them about it and what to do to help them move through the tough stuff. We will also look at how to take care of you, the caregiver, when it comes time to journey with kids through painful things.

Speakers

Lyndsay Thompson

Registered Psychotherapist

Lyndsay is a Registered Psychotherapist and teaches at Tyndale Seminary in the Counselling and Thanatology Programs. In her counselling practice she works with kids and families as well as individual adults. She works most specifically with depression, trauma, self-awareness and spiritual... Read More →

Saturday November 6, 2021 2:45pm - 3:45pm EDT
Online

Direction, Workshop

2:45pm EDT

Creating Sacred Spaces: Opening a Pre-Teen’s Heart to an Encounter with God

Carol Anne Janzen and Anita Sablone will co-lead this workshop. Carol Anne will explore the biblical and pedagogical bases for an approach to children's spiritual nurture that allows them to 'know' God in an experiential way, rather than being taught only to "know about" God. Anita will present her findings of a research project, demonstrating how pre-teens can be coached in skills that foster a 'heart' connection—to their own faith journey and, ultimately, to God.

Speakers

Carol Anne Janzen

Dr. Carol Anne Janzen has served the church since her teen years primarily in children's ministries. Professionally, she has been an historical researcher, a businesswoman, a pastor in Canadian Baptist churches, and a religious educator. From 2003-2018, she served at Acadia Divinity... Read More →

Anita Sablone

Owner, R. Psychologist, R. Counselling Therapist, Spirit Psychological

In Anita's faith-based and therapeutic work with pre-teens, she has been inspired by their abilities to heart-engage in the sacred - 'deep calling to deep' - despite society's views to the contrary. Anita's area of current research interest is how to develop attunement skills in... Read More →

Saturday November 6, 2021 2:45pm - 3:45pm EDT
Online

Direction, Workshop

2:45pm EDT

Discipling Children

How do we draw children to Jesus so that they fall head over heels in love with Him and want to live only all for Him? In "Discipling Children" you'll learn how to help children "gain Christ and be found in Him" (Philippians 3:8-9).

Cameras are required to be on for interaction in this workshop!

Watch video: https://youtu.be/_XoenmJHQ6s

Speakers

Lawson Murray

President, Scripture Union

Lawson is married to his best friend, Karen. They love spending time together with their family (10 grandchildren so far!). Lawson is deeply committed to connecting children, youth, and families with Jesus and His Word. He is a writer/author, ministry innovator, conference speaker... Read More →

Saturday November 6, 2021 2:45pm - 3:45pm EDT
Online

Direction, Workshop

2:45pm EDT

Engaging Students Using Bible Stories In A Digital World

Watch video (https://youtu.be/5jFTVQSvNMg)

In his breakout seminar, Butch will be modeling how to engage children using Bible stories in online discussions. He will model how to tell a Bible story using actions and expressions that engage children’s imaginations, while still maintaining accuracy to Scripture. Recognizing that Zoom meetings have limitations, Butch has also learned that there are many teaching skills that cross over well between in-person and online trainings. Join him as he talks about the importance of developing active listening skills as well as demonstrating how to ask children questions in a way that digs deeply into the passage itself and allows children the joy of discovering truth for themselves.

Speakers

Butch Vernon

Director of International Development, Simply The Story

Butch Vernon is a Bible storyteller with Simply The Story. After serving for over 35 years in Pastoral Ministry, Butch now serves as the Director of International Development for Simply The Story.In the last eleven years he has traveled to around 50 countries teaching people how to... Read More →

Saturday November 6, 2021 2:45pm - 3:45pm EDT
Online

Direction, Workshop

2:45pm EDT

Parents - Let's love them and equip them well!

In this workshop, we will explore establishing and building relationships with the parents we serve in our church communities. Parents are primary disciple-makers of their children, whether they realize it or not! Let's talk about building trusting relationships with parents and coming alongside them in meaningful ways so they can point their kids to Jesus.

Speakers

Mary-Jane Clarry

MJ is a children's pastor and speaker who is passionate about sharing Jesus with kids and equipping parents as primary disciple-makers. She is also excited by developing young leaders. MJ is based in Toronto, and has three awesome kids and a fantastic husband.

Saturday November 6, 2021 2:45pm - 3:45pm EDT
Online

Direction, Workshop

2:45pm EDT

Theology and Children’s Ministry

Theology is a common word within academia and the church; why is it important to consider when it comes to Children’s Ministry either as a volunteer or paid staff? This workshop will explore theology, children, ministry to children and how they connect. Theology influences our practice and teaching, and so it needs to be an intentional part of our preparation in children’s ministry.

Speakers

Jody Linkletter

Associate Director, Doctor of Ministry Program, Acadia Divinity College

Jody currently serves as the Associate Director of the Doctor of Ministry Program at Acadia Divinity College, as well as a Lecturer in the area of Next Generation Ministry. She has a desire to see the next generation grow into passionate followers of Christ and to see the church partner... Read More →

Saturday November 6, 2021 2:45pm - 3:45pm EDT
Online

Direction, Workshop

4:00pm EDT

Closing Session

Saturday November 6, 2021 4:00pm - 4:30pm EDT
Online

Plenary