Children’s and Youth Leader Training

Thanks to the Tennessee–Western Kentucky Conference’s partnership with the Ministry Leadership Center (MLC), we are able to expand our training support for our Children’s and Youth Ministry leaders like you!

Below you’ll find two group coaching cohorts, tailored to different seasons of leadership, along with a 1 Day Training event focused on increasing your biblical knowledge.  More opportunities will be coming this fall.

Teaching the New Testament to Children and Youth – 1 Day Training

February 20

West End UMC | Nashville

9:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Want to grow in your confidence teaching Scripture? Dr. Phil Meckley of Kansas Wesleyan will guide participants through essential tools for biblical interpretation while offering an accessible overview of the Gospels, Acts, and Paul’s letters. You’ll leave equipped with practical ways to bring what you’ve learned to life in ministry with children and youth.

Dr. Meckley has taught graduate and undergraduate courses, but enjoys teaching children and youth ministers eager to learn the most.  Dr. Meckley has been teaching in the MLC certificate program for 10 years. 

What to expect:

Schedule:

9:30 AM – Registration Opens

10 AM – Noon – Session 1: Gospels

Lunch – Provided

1 to 4 PM – Session 2: Acts and Paul’s Letters

Cost: $20

Register at: [https://mqxazakjof6.typeform.com/to/p9OFDDSb]

Learning Cohort Opportunities

Ministry Essentials Cohort

For leaders building confidence and core ministry skills

This cohort launches at the Ministry Essentials Training Day on February 20 and continues with monthly training sessions and group coaching throughout the year. Designed for those newer to ministry—or anyone wanting to strengthen their foundation—this cohort focuses on practical, immediately usable skills.

Topics include:

Cost: $75 total for 10 Sessions, Registration for the Ministry Essentials Training Day, and the Lead Next Conference.

Additional Costs: Lodging and food during Lead Next Conference

Dirigido por: Kat Bair, Ministry Leadership Center

Kat Bair is a consultant, project manager, and coach for Ministry Incubators, as well as the writer of the Ministry Incubators blog. She spent nearly ten years as the Youth Minister at FUMC Ft. Worth.  She is an alumna of CYMT and Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary. She is passionate about creating resources that encourage and inspire ministry leaders and has contributed to writing projects through the Center for Youth Ministry Training, Ministry Incubators, Ministry Architects, Women in Youth Ministry, and more. She lives in Nashville, Tennessee.

Register at: [https://mqxazakjof6.typeform.com/to/p9OFDDSb]

Thrive Leadership Cohort

For experienced leaders seeking growth, renewal, and coaching

Led by Rev. Stephanie B. Dunn, ACC, Thrive is a coaching cohort designed for seasoned children and youth ministry leaders.

This experience is for those who are tired, carrying a great deal of responsibility, and longing for a space where the conversations are honest, contextual, and deeply understood.

To support meaningful connection and depth, the cohort will be limited to 6–10 participants.

The cohort includes:

Cost: Valued at $2,000 receive this high-level coaching experience for only $600 (includes food and lodging on 4 retreats) 

Dirigido por: Rev. Stephanie Dunn, ACC 

Stephanie is a United Methodist clergywoman with over 15 years of experience serving in local churches. She understands the importance of aligning our inner and outer lives. She is an Associate Certified Coach (ACC) of the International Coaching Federation  She is an author and speaker. She asks powerful questions that engage your hopes and barriers, while creating a supportive environment where you can explore and discover new perspectives, empowering you to act with agency in your life.

Register at: [https://mqxazakjof6.typeform.com/to/p9OFDDSb]