Children's Ministry Greenhouse Nourishes and Grows the Leaders of CTC Children

by Rev. Dawne Phillips* and Vance Morton**
 
Children's ministry leaders from both the Central Texas and North Texas Conferences gathered at FUMC Arlington April 17 – 18 to hear and learn from with Rev. Dr. Leanne Hadley. The two-day event featured a wide variety of workshops and teaching times designed to nurture the participant’s understanding of disciple making with children.
 
Dr. Hadley, who has served as minister to children and their families at First United Methodist Church, Colorado Springs, and as president and founder of First Steps Spirituality, a non-profit center that provides hurting children with spiritual support, served as the keynote speaker for the event.
 
"I wish every person working in children's ministry could hear Rev. Dr. Hadley,” remarked Rev. Alison Zollinger, Couts UMC in Weatherford. “Leanne's heart for hurting children and the recognition that God's healing comes in times of sacred listening is so desperately needed in this world today. Her passion for children's spirituality and the call of Jesus to welcome and learn from them is vitally important to the Kingdom-building task with which our church is called.”
 
Alison’s sentiments were shared by many who attended, and the CTC Mission Support team heard the message loud and clear. The team is already looking for more opportunities to connect with Rev. Hadley, so watch for more information about those opportunities in the Central Texas Conference coming soon.
 
The event was a fantastic time of learning and fellowship and worship. Thanks to all our CTC Children's leaders who led trainings and workshops as a part of the event and to all those who made time in their busy schedules to attend.
 
 
*Dawne is the director of Missions for the CTC.  dawnephillips@ctcumc.org
**Vance is the director of Communications & IT for the CTC.  vance@ctcumc.org