Mike Voll

Mike Voll is the Lead Pastor at North Pointe Community Church.  His passion is to communicate for change in everyday living through sharing his story and creative teaching of Bible Principles.  He is a speaker, teacher and writer on issues of faith, leadership and family. 

Austin Toews

Austin Toews is a Children’s Pastor at Hope City Church in Edmonton. With over a decade of experience in family ministry and a degree from Summit Pacific College, Austin is passionate about helping kids and families thrive in their faith. He is committed to equipping leaders to make a lasting Kingdom impact in their communities.

Charity Mongrain

Charity Mongrain is a creative communicator who has pastored for over 25 years with the PAOC. She has a passion for people to have the light switch turned on when they see the truth for the first time. She presently is on Staff as Children and Family Ministries Pastor at Eaglemont Christian Church in Beaumont. 

Sintia Kraushaar

Sintia Kraushaar  is the Children’s Pastor at Cold Lake Community Church where she has served for over 16 years.  Sintia’s passion is to see children and their families connect with the Lord and overcome challenges by surrendering fully to Christ. She encourages children to be authentic and have a fervent relationship with the Lord. 

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. 

Emma Guenter

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. 

Kayla Joy

Kayla Joy is an inclusion educator and consultant, passionate about helping next gen ministries create more neuroinclusive, accessible programming.  With 20 years of experience working with students and families, both in ministry and education, Kayla has dedicated her career to fostering environments where every child can thrive. Kayla currently serves as an Assistant Principal with Parkland School Division, where she specializes in inclusive education

Les and Angela Stephenson

Les & Angela Stephenson (aka "Heart of a Child") have worked with kids and youth for over 30 years in church, school, camp and public settings. Using gospel illusions, storytelling, balloon art, face painting, music, and original curriculum they love to entertain, teach, share the gospel, and bring fun and silliness to those around them.

Leann Woelk

Leann Woelk is a Children's Ministry Specialist who serves as Mission Canada's Next Gen Children's Coordinator for the PAOC. She is a speaker, writer, certified INCM Coach and provides training, support and care to those on the front lines of children's ministry as the Founder of Handle with Care Ministries.

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.

Crystal Henderson

Crystal Henderson has over 20 years experience working with students including 3 years of child development/ children at risk post secondary studies. She is a certified Stoplight Facilitator helping individuals and families improve emotional health and strengthen relationships using a brain-based framework.

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.

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.

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.

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!