Why Empower Conference Exists: A Call to Strengthen the Hands That Shape the Next Generation

There are moments in ministry when the cry of God’s people becomes unmistakable—when the same longing rises from church basements, volunteer meetings, staff rooms, and Sunday morning hallways. Across our District, that cry came from the hearts of those serving in Children’s Ministry. It sounded like tired hearts reaching out in hope, the leaders were collectively saying, “We need connection. We need equipping. We need empowering.”

And it became impossible to ignore.

The Empower Children’s Ministry Conference was not created as another event to fill the calendar. It was created because something vital was missing; something our churches, our leaders, and our children desperately needed.

The Conversations That Sparked a Movement

For years, conversations across the District echoed the same themes. Sitting with Lead Pastors, faithful Kids Min leaders, and volunteers doing their very best, the message was consistent:

• “We feel so isolated in this work.”

• “We need training, but we don’t know where to find it.”

• “We love these kids, but we’re not equipped for this.”

• “Our leadership pipeline is broken.”

These weren’t complaints; they were confessions from leaders who loved their calling but lacked the support to thrive in it. Many of our children’s ministers are barely surviving their Sunday and midweek programming.

At the same time, something beautiful kept emerging as I visited our children’s ministries in various churches: our District is filled with extraordinary leaders! Leaders with creativity, purpose, wisdom, and a deep love for the next generation. Leaders are already doing effective ministry in their local contexts. Leaders with so much to teach and so much to share.

Learning was happening in small pockets: cohorts, hallway conversations at Ministers Gathering, emails and phone calls. But we needed something bigger. Something District-wide. Something that would unite volunteers, staff, and pastors in one shared mission.

That dream became Empower—a conference created by us and for us.

Why a Thriving Children’s Ministry Is the Church’s Growth Engine

A thriving Children’s Ministry is not optional. It is essential.

It is where the seeds of the gospel are planted during the most spiritually receptive years of a person’s life. The 4/14 window is not just a statistic; it is a spiritual reality. Children are making decisions that shape their entire lives, and the leaders who disciple them are shaping the future Church of Jesus Christ.

If the Church does not disciple children, the world will.

This is why we must:

• Build strong pipelines of leadership

• Train and support those who serve

• Invest in the present and future Church

• Empower leaders to serve with courage, strength, and renewed passion

Children’s Ministry is not childcare. It is discipleship. It is evangelism. It is Kingdom work.

The Heartbeat of Empower: Connect. Equip. Empower.

From the beginning, Empower has been built on three pillars—each one essential to the flourishing of Children’s Ministry leaders.

Connect: Because Ministry Should Never Be Lonely

Children’s Ministry leaders often serve behind the scenes, carrying enormous responsibility with little visibility. Empower creates a space where they can:

• Build meaningful relationships

• Share ideas and challenges

• Learn from peers who understand their world

• Experience the encouragement of District pastors and leaders

Isolation weakens leaders. Connection strengthens them.

Equip: Because Passion Needs Practical Tools

Many Children’s and Family Ministry leaders serve without formal training. Empower provides:

• Hands-on workshops

• Practical strategies from experienced practitioners

• Tools leaders can implement immediately

• Real solutions for real ministry challenges

Equipped leaders lead stronger ministries. Stronger ministries disciple stronger families. Stronger families strengthen the church.

Empower: Because God Has Called Them to More

Empower is not just about skills, it’s about calling, it’s about the Great Commission, it’s about helping leaders:

• Dream again, to create irresistible experiences for children

• Take bold steps

• Strengthen their ministries

• Walk confidently in the purpose God has given them

When leaders are empowered, the entire church feels the impact.

What God Did at the First Empower Conference

When we launched our first annual Empower Conference, we underestimated what God would do. Registration exceeded expectations. Leaders travelled farther than we imagined. The atmosphere was filled with unity, joy, anticipation and fresh vision.

It felt like an Ephesians 3 moment. God is doing immeasurably more than we could ask or imagine.

The testimonies say it all:

• “The cost was so reasonable our church could sponsor three leaders.”

• “My volunteer team loved attending something designed just for children’s workers.”

• “This conference encouraged me deeply. God bless the leaders and presenters.”

• “Excellent job, planners! I loved it!”

• ”I appreciated the presence of the District Office Leaders; they were so supportive.”

• “I brought fourteen elementary coaches—they were thrilled to be included.”

• “Talking with other churches was invaluable. I’m coming back next year.”

These stories are not just feedback; they are evidence of God strengthening His Church.

And leaders are already reaching out about the upcoming Empower Conference on April 18, 2026, because last year’s event renewed their vision, strengthened their calling, and reminded them that they are not alone.

A Direct Word to Pastors and Church Leaders

Pastors, elders, ministry directors—this part is for you.

Your Children’s Ministry leaders need you.

They need your support.
They need your encouragement.
They need you to send them to Empower.

Because when you send them, you are doing far more than approving a conference registration. You are:

• Investing in the future of your church

• Strengthening your discipleship pipeline

• Affirming the calling of your leaders

• Equipping those who shape the youngest hearts

• Releasing workers into the harvest field

Many leaders will never ask for permission or funding. They are humble. They are busy. They are used to making do with what they have. But they need you to see them. They need you to champion them. They need you to say, “We believe in you, and we want you to grow.”

Your support may be the difference between a leader who survives and a leader who thrives.

Action Steps for Pastors and Leaders

These steps are simple, but they carry enormous impact:

1. Identify the leaders and volunteers who need to be at Empower.
   Think beyond staff—include volunteers, coordinators, and emerging leaders.

2. Sponsor their registration.
   Even a small investment can transform their ministry.

3. Commission them before they go.
   A prayer of blessing communicates value and trust.

4. Send them with expectation.
   Expect God to speak. Expect them to grow. Expect your Church to be strengthened. Expect more effective community outreaches.

5. Follow up after the conference.
   Ask what they learned. Ask what they want to implement. Celebrate their renewed vision. Support them with their next steps.

This Is Your Moment to Invest in the Next Generation

Empower is more than a conference. It is a movement—a movement to strengthen the hands of those who disciple the youngest hearts in our churches. It is an investment in the future of the gospel in our region. It is a declaration that Children’s Ministry matters deeply.

Pastors, leaders—this is your opportunity.

Send your workers.
Send your volunteers.
Send your teams.
Let them be refreshed, equipped, and empowered.
Let them return ready to expand God’s Kingdom with greater effectiveness and greater joy.

The harvest is plentiful. The workers are ready.

Let’s send them.

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