In an activity designed to teach children how to pray, participants first wrote prayers on a beach ball, then tossed the ball in the air. Whoever picked it up would pray over the written requests and praises.
In an activity designed to teach children how to pray, participants first wrote prayers on a beach ball, then tossed the ball in the air. Whoever picked it up would pray over the written requests and praises.

 

When Gloria Huerta and Franklyn Broomfield discovered they both were in communication with the North American Division (NAD) Children’s Ministries department for resources, they decided to join forces to create an impactful and dynamic children’s ministries training session.

Ministry leaders, Children’s Sabbath School teachers, VBS leaders—all who work with children—gathered on a November weekend to participate. The NAD does not typically lead these trainings in the fall; however, Broomfield convinced Gerry Lopez, NAD children’s ministries associate director, to lead the two-day English and Spanish language trainings.

Lopez (right) captivated participants’ attention with extensive training that incorporated group activities, collaboration, and sharing of ideas.
Lopez (right) captivated participants’ attention with extensive training that incorporated group activities, collaboration, and sharing of ideas.

Huerta, SCC Hispanic Region administrative assistant, and Broomfield, a liaison for the Greater Los Angeles Region, chose classes from four out of eight tracks based on the NAD Children’s Ministries Certification.

“I think this is the best way to equip local children’s ministries leaders as they teach and lead children to say ‘yes’ to Jesus,” said Lopez. “In these training tracks, we present different ways leaders can teach Bible lessons, Sabbath School, or any other ministry in an active manner.”

A significant age range was visible among those in attendance, with the youngest in their early 20s and the oldest being almost 90. “It was awesome to see young people on fire for children’s ministries,” said Huerta, “as well as someone who is almost 90 having that spark, joy, and commitment for children.”

Attendees greet one another through an ice-breaker activity. Approximately 160 people attended the training both days.
Attendees greet one another through an ice-breaker activity. Approximately 160 people attended the training both days.

Attendees learned methods of teaching children with different learning styles, showing children how to pray, helping kids cope with bullying, and so much more. Each of the workshops incorporated innovative activities and object lessons aimed to equip leaders to cultivate a loving environment for children to build a foundation in Christ.

“These trainings are amazing because for some, it’s the first time they are working with children,” said Sylvia Landaverde, volunteer and member of El Sereno Spanish church. “Some get little to no guidance from their church.”

Kary Camacho, who volunteered as the photographer to capture the joy and excitement of the first day, saw an added benefit for experienced children’s ministries leaders. “Even though many of us have worked with children for so long, there is still a lot we need to learn,” observed Camacho. “What was most helpful was understanding that not all kids learn the same.”

With this feedback in mind, Huerta’s goal is to plan another training session later this year using more of the remaining classes.

“The leaders left with practical and timely knowledge, tools, and resources,” said Broomfield, “to reach and claim our children.”