EMPOWER CONFERENCE

Empower is a one-day conference designed to equip children’s ministry leaders with training, resources, and personal connections. You will be empowered to thrive in your context as well as experience greater reach in your community with the good news of Jesus.

SCHEDULE

APRIL 18, 2026

8:30 AM - Registration Opens
9:30 AM - Opening Session
11:00 AM - Break
11:30 AM - Breakout Session 1
12:30 PM - Lunch
1:30 PM - Breakout Session 2
2:30 PM - Break
2:45 PM - Breakout Session 3
3:45 PM - Break
4:00 PM - Closing Session
4:30 PM - Dismissal

BREAKOUTS

Leadership Multiplication: Creating a Leadership Pipeline in Children's Ministry

Panel
Children's Ministries are ALWAYS needing more people to serve, recruitment is continuous! Come and hear strategies from people on the field who have created a pipeline for leadership development that is working for them!

Outreach Events are Funtastic!

Hosts: Les & Angela Stephenson
Angela and Les have been doing outreach events for 30 years! Come and learn the basics of Balloon Art, Face painting and how to plan a successful outreach event.

Breakout Session 2

Sustainable Systems: Building for the Long Haul

Host: Austin Toews
Gain insight into developing effective systems that support sustainable, long-term ministry growth and prevent burnout.

The Art of Story: Bringing Bible Stories to LIfe

Host: Carolyn Wentzel
Bringing the Bible to life through creating experiences that invite children to explore faith and understand the scriptures.

Gen Alpha: The New Generation

Host: Sean Anderson
Generation Alpha is set to become the largest, most globally connected generation the world has ever seen. Join us as we seek to understand who they are, what makes them tick, and how to design effective ministry strategies to equip, mentor and disciple this emerging generation.

Throne of Grace: Come Boldly, Receive Mercy, Find Grace

Host: Leann Woelk
As a mother and Children’s Ministry Leader, I often wondered, “How do I teach kids what to do when they sin?” This question led me to explore the theology of sin in a practical way children can grasp. Join me in learning how to create a Family Encounter, using everyday items and teachable moments to guide children and parents in receiving mercy and finding grace—so that from our hearts, our mouths will speak.

Breakout Session 3

Small Group Strategies for Interactive Learning

Hosts: Sintia Kraushaar & Emma Guenter
Emma and Sintia will unpack their techniques of small group discussions and rotating station activities. Deep learning and a high level of engagement are experience by the kids.

Leading a Child to Christ

Host: Charity Mongrain
Come and learn practical skills on leading a child or a group of children to asking Jesus to be their Saviour.

Partnering with Parents: Empowering Spiritual Growth at Home

Host: Crystal Henderson
Come and gain practical tools to build strong partnerships with parents to support their child's Spiritual journey. She will also unfold how brain science, the Bible and relationships all work together

Creating an Effective Preschool Experience or Preschool Ministry Can be GREAT!

Panel
Preschoolers have great capacity to discover and believe in Jesus if we create an experience that is relevant and engaging for their age level characteristics. Learn from Early Childhood Specialists how to set up an environment and to teach for understanding at this age level - and yes, it is FUN!

Breakout Session 1

Engage the Room: Mastering Dynamic Communication

Host: Austin Toews
Learn how to captivate kids with powerful body language, vocal techniques, and energy-driven communication that bring large group lessons to life.

Neurodiverse Environments: Creating Spaces Where Everyone Wins

Host: Kayla Joy
In this session, you will develop:
A better understanding of neurodiversity, accessibility, and inclusion, and how it relates to your mission.
A lens for recognizing the barriers that exist.
Practical strategies and next steps for creating a more neuroinclusive children’s ministry.

MINISTRY GUESTS

Kathy Zelman

Kathy has served in ministry for over 30 years, specializing in Children’s Ministries, Evangelism, and Pastoral Care. She’s passionate about reaching kids and families with the Gospel and finds great joy in seeing people grow in their faith. Kathy has pastored in a wide range of church contexts and is nearing completion of her MA in Leadership, Theology, and Systems, where she has focused on empowering leaders and teams. She loves adventuring with her family: her husband Perry, adult children Zachary and Aleena, son-in-law Ryan, and their little dog Mikko.

Austin Toews

Austin Toews is a Children’s Pastor at Hope City Church in Edmonton, overseeing ministry from birth through grade six. With over a decade of church and district leadership experience, he is passionate about helping kids encounter Jesus, supporting families, and equipping volunteers. Previously, Austin served with the PAOC BCYD office, coaching children’s ministry leaders across British Columbia. He lives in Edmonton with his wife, Becca, and their children, Gus and Lucy.

Ben & Heather Johnson

Ben is the Lead Pastor at First Assembly in Calgary, Alberta. He and his wife Heather have served in pastoral and apostolic ministry for over 30 years, carrying a deep burden for Canada, especially the unchurched and the next generation. Passionate about seeing a fresh move of the Holy Spirit, they believe the Canadian church’s best days are ahead. Ben counts it a privilege to serve Jesus and the city of Calgary.

Sintia Kraushaar

Sintia has served as Children’s Pastor at Cold Lake Community Church for 17 years. She is passionate about equipping youth leaders and creating engaging, youth-led environments where children encounter God through Scripture, discussion, and hands-on activities. Sintia loves studying the Bible with children and is committed to helping people of all ages grow in their relationship with Christ and serve Him faithfully.

Carolyn Wentzel

Carolyn Wentzel has the privilege of serving as the Children's Pastor at Beacon Church, formerly known as City South Church. She is deeply passionate about sharing the gospel with kids in creative and engaging ways, always striving to build meaningful connections with each child. There's no greater joy than witnessing kids grow in their faith and experience God's love firsthand.

Amy Skinner

Emma Guenter is an ordained minister with the Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada. Most recently, Emma served as an Associate Pastor at Family Worship Centre in Whitecourt, AB where she led the children’s ministry by establishing children’s discipleship initiatives and parent support strategies. Emma is passionate about seeing families and individuals grow in their faith in Jesus.

Naomi Rutagwena

Naomi Rutagwena is the Youth Manager at Kids On Track, a Christian charity serving children, youth, and families in Edmonton. A former participant, Naomi experienced the program’s impact firsthand and now leads youth programming, creating safe, welcoming spaces for young people to build relationships, grow in leadership, and explore their faith. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Child and Youth Care and is passionate about helping youth develop confidence, resilience, and a strong foundation in Christ.

Christine Ross

Christine is a compassionate, purpose-driven leader in who believes lasting impact is built through trust, authentic connection, and empowered teams. Known for her approachable leadership style, she prioritizes well-being, collaboration, and creating environments where people feel supported and able to flourish. Christine leads with clarity, courage, and care, finding her greatest fulfillment in helping others thrive. In addition to her role in education, she serves as Children’s Ministry Leader and on Council at Kingdom Advance Church in Stony Plain, Alberta.

Crystal Henderson

Crystal is a Next-Gen Life Coach with over a decade of experience supporting children, teens, and families. Using faith-based principles and practical emotional tools—including the Stoplight Approach—she helps young people navigate anxiety, grief, and major life transitions. Previously, Crystal served 13 years as Children and Family Pastor at Eaglemont Christian Church and partnered with schools and community organizations to support family wellness.

Josh Dewling

Josh Dewling is the Executive Director of Kids On Track, a Christian charity serving children, youth, and families across Edmonton. Josh is passionate about strengthening families, developing young leaders, and creating programs that provide hope, direction, and ongoing support. Josh is married to his wife, Ainslay, and together they are raising their three children: Emmy, Nora, and Tommy.

Sean Anderson

Sean Anderson has dedicated his career to teaching, equipping, and mentoring the next generation. He is currently on the faculty at Vanguard College in Edmonton as the Children’s Specialist where he has served since 2011. Prior to that he was a children’s pastor in Calgary, Manitoba, and Southern Ontario. He is married to Faith and together they are the proud parents of three amazing kids.

Len Den Braber

Len DenBraber brings over 25 years of pastoral leadership to his role as COO at Focus on the Family Canada. Previously, he served churches and ministry leaders across the country, mentoring emerging leaders and cultivating healthy teams. Known for blending practical leadership with a pastor’s heart, Len is passionate about families and believes children’s ministry leaders are real heroes. He and his wife, Leanne, have three adult children and three grandchildren,and hope for more!

WHY REGISTER?

We deeply appreciate every individual who dedicates their time and energy to serving children and families. Our goal is to empower leaders to nurture a love for God—heart, soul, and strength—and to inspire love for others within your community

Building Connections Among Ministry Leaders
Ministry leadership can be isolating, so it’s crucial to have a community of support. This event is designed to bring leaders together, fostering relationships that encourage collaboration, sharing, and growth.

Equipping Leaders Through Practical Training
Many Children’s and Family Ministry leaders are navigating their roles without formal training. Our goal is to provide hands-on, practical guidance from experienced practitioners to help leaders thrive in their calling.

Empowering Leaders to Dream, Take Risks, and Grow
By creating an environment where leaders can dream big, take bold steps, and explore new possibilities, we aim to empower leaders to lead with passion and strength, taking their ministries to the next level.

Receiving Personal Ministry and Encouragement
All year long you pour into others and we want this to be a time where you are refreshed, encouraged, and personally ministered to. We will set aside time for personalized prayer, encouragement, and a refreshing word for you in this season

FAQs

Your registration fee covers lunch, snacks, coffee/tea and all the workshops and main sessions.
Any one from your church that serves in Children and Family ministries is welcome to attend. Bring your whole team and make it a team building time for learning, strategizing, and praying together.
This training and equipping time has been repeatedly requested by Children and Family ministry leaders to be highly relational, intensely practical and deeply encouraging.Item description
Dress casually and bring a notebook, water bottle and a hunger to grow.

More Questions? Contact us.

LOCATION

FIRST ASSEMBLY CHURCH

6031 Elbow Dr SW
Calgary, AB

REGISTER TODAY

Cost: $50/person

Registration Deadline April 4, 2025