2025 National Children's and Youth Ministry Conference: Full Schedule

David Fraze (D.Min., Fuller Theological seminary) Assistant Professor and Endowed Chair of the Youth and Family Ministry Program(www.lcu.edu) David has been in student ministry and has worked with students and families for over 35 years. David is a popular speaker at Youth Events... Read More →

Shannon Rains

Associate Professor of Children's Ministry, Lubbock Christian University

Tuesday January 7, 2025 10:00am - 11:00am CST
Lincoln 7/8

Main Event

11:00am CST

Aging in Ministry & Staying Relational

Tuesday January 7, 2025 11:00am - 12:00pm CST

Quartz

I could give you an impressive list of things I’m bad at. Truly, I’m awful at some stuff.
BUT, I feel as capable as any human on planet earth at plopping down at a table of students from anywhere on planet earth [I’ve actually tried in ALOT of countries] and get them talking/engaged.
Engaging students face to face.
I asked for a computer sabbatical at the tail end of Covid. And I haven’t touched one since May 2020. I use my iPad an hour a week or less for worship slides/chapel.
Other than that I attempt to engage kids all day face to face with no screen.

Let’s talk about engaging kids where they are- and using your unique personality and style to creatively engage and build diverse communities.

Speakers

Aubrey Wood

Youth Minister, East Brainerd Church of Christ

I’ve been a full time youth minister [15 years] and then a campus minister at a school. [last five years] I’m jumping BACK into youth ministry! Aubrey is funny, strange and creative. He recently asked his upperclassman students to describe “his vibe” to people that didn’t... Read More →

Tuesday January 7, 2025 11:00am - 12:00pm CST
Quartz

Class

11:00am CST

AI, Technology & Children's Ministry

Tuesday January 7, 2025 11:00am - 12:00pm CST

Onyx

In this session we will discuss the good, the bad, and the ugly of using AI and other technologies in our ministries. How can we utilize these for the Kingdom and what are some pitfalls we should avoid?

Speakers

Vincent Nieves

Children's Minister, Belton Church of Christ

Vince joined The Belton CoC staff in February 2018. Vince grew up in Haslet, Texas, a small suburb of north Fort Worth. He attended the Heritage Church of Christ, where his passion for ministry began. His desire is to help build a foundation of faith in our youngest Christ-followers... Read More →

Tuesday January 7, 2025 11:00am - 12:00pm CST
Onyx

Class

11:00am CST

NextGen Then to Now

Tuesday January 7, 2025 11:00am - 12:00pm CST

Lantana II

When we think of NextGen Ministry, it sometimes sounds like the new flashy term for church ministry to kids and students. But we would like to offer a new way that is actually an old way of conceptualizing this term into your local body. Join us as we present a NextGen discipleship strategy that will lead to formative faith in your church.

Speakers

Nathan Strickland

Youth Minister, McKnight Crossings Church of Christ

Hi there! My name is Nathan, and I started my Youth Ministry journey in October 2022. I attended Oklahoma State University for my Bachelor's degree in Marketing, and Maryville University in St. Louis for my Master's degree in Data Analytics. Lots of ministry preparation there, am... Read More →

Jeremiah Haywood

NextGen Family Discipleship Minister, The Hills Church

Jeremiah Haywood is the NextGen Family Disciple Minister at The Hills in Dallas, TX. He has served in children’s ministry for five years and is passionate about being called into ministry—and more specifically NextGen ministry. Jeremiah studied child development and early childhood... Read More →

Tuesday January 7, 2025 11:00am - 12:00pm CST
Lantana II

Class

11:00am CST

Protecting Your Joy pt 1

Tuesday January 7, 2025 11:00am - 12:00pm CST

Lantana I

Joy is a gift from God. Joy is a choice. If we lose our joy, we lose our witness. In this 2-part class we will explore what the Bible has to say about joy, as well as how scientific research can be helpful in protecting and promoting the joy God has placed in us. We hope you leave this class with greater knowledge about joy, but even more than that, with practical ways to cultivate joy in your life and ministry.

Speakers

Josh Ross

Lead Minister, Sycamore View Church of Christ

Josh Ross is the Lead Minister at Sycamore View Church in Memphis, TN. He is married to Kayci, and they have two boys, Truitt and Noah. He is the author of a few books, most recently Coreology: Six Principles for Navigating an Election Season without Losing Your Witness. He loves... Read More →

Tuesday January 7, 2025 11:00am - 12:00pm CST
Lantana I

Class

11:00am CST

Well-Rounded: Strategies for a balanced Youth Ministry

Tuesday January 7, 2025 11:00am - 12:00pm CST

Lantana III

Creating a youth ministry that is both effective and balanced can be challenging. To rise to the challenge, we need to consistently reevaluate what we are doing. During our time together, you'll get an opportunity to examine what you're currently doing, observe deficiencies, cultivate ideas of how to move forward, and begin to develop an approach to have a more well-rounded ministry.

Speakers

Bruce Beaver

Youth Minister, Belton Church of Christ

Bruce Beaver is the Youth & Family Minister at Belton Church of Christ in Belton, Texas. He has served in youth ministry since 2001, working with three different congregations and has been at Belton since 2017. He has a Master of Science in Digital Media and enjoys utilizing his creativity... Read More →

Tuesday January 7, 2025 11:00am - 12:00pm CST
Lantana III

Class, Youth Ministry

11:00am CST

What Are They Saying About You? (for men and women)

Tuesday January 7, 2025 11:00am - 12:00pm CST

Topaz

Speakers

Becky Burroughs

Outreach/Hospitality Minister, Highland Oaks Church of Christ

Becky Burroughs has served in a variety of leadership positions for over 50 years, as a small business owner, a high school principal at Dallas Christian School, and for the past 17 years, a minister at the Highland Oaks Church of Christ in Dallas, where she has held a variety of... Read More →

Tuesday January 7, 2025 11:00am - 12:00pm CST
Topaz

Class

2:00pm CST

Beautiful Interference: Discovering how to love God will all your heart, soul, mind, and strength

Tuesday January 7, 2025 2:00pm - 3:00pm CST

Lantana III

Jesus’ words have been somewhat elusive to me over my Christian journey. When I say “elusive”, I don’t mean that I do not understand what I’m supposed to do…but what exactly does Jesus want me to do. As you read through three of the Gospels in the New Testament, you find the followers of Jesus, Matthew, Mark, and Luke include this interaction in their story-telling of the life of the Son of God. I want to focus on Mark’s rendition of Jesus teaching because Mark seems to be more inclusive on what Jesus is calling us to live out in our own lives. Mark records Jesus’ spoken words for us in Mark 12:29-31.
As his creation, we are called to give him everything that we can in our life. According to Mark’s recording of Jesus’ spoken words that should include our heart, our soul, our mind, and our strength. According to Jesus’ spoken words, it is not an option…we “must” do it if we want to be called disciples of the King of kings.
Living a loving lifestyle doesn’t stop with just loving on God. It also means I must love other human beings—no matter what—I love people exactly as much as I love myself, no exceptions

Speakers

Tim Hall

Senior & Preaching Minister, Legacy Church of Christ

After 20 years in youth ministry, God signaled it was time to move into a preaching role in Kingdom work. I've been preaching for 11 years, married for 33 years and have 2 adult sons. I'm an Air Force veteran and worked 11 years in retail before going into ministry. I love connecting... Read More →

Tuesday January 7, 2025 2:00pm - 3:00pm CST
Lantana III

Class

2:00pm CST

Internships for Interns by an Intern

Tuesday January 7, 2025 2:00pm - 3:00pm CST

Quartz

This is a class (with a panel) designed for the upcoming college-age and young adults who are interested in ministry and need a place to start. Being in college is one of the great places to learn BUT having a summer internship is where it is at! We will be discussing a few key points in how to find an internship, what it typically looks like, and what it looks like leaving and going back to school OR into an actual ministry position.

Speakers

Shelbee Fraze

Intern - Student at Lubbock Cristian University, Intern / Student at Lubbock Christian University

Shelbee Fraze, currently a Student (Junior) at Lubbock Christian University, Being a student there has been prepping her for hands on work as an Intern for churches. She has worked for Greenlawn Church of Christ in Lubbock, Texas and Grapevine Church of Christ in Grapevine, Texas... Read More →

Tuesday January 7, 2025 2:00pm - 3:00pm CST
Quartz

Class

2:00pm CST

Kids and Parents Together In The Word

Tuesday January 7, 2025 2:00pm - 3:00pm CST

Onyx

Looking for ways to get families more involved in opening their Bible together? This sessions will explore a 10 year old program we are using that specifically focuses on helping parents feel comfortable about family Bible study.

We will share the successes and failures of this, as we as some other ideas we are trying to help families engage with scripture.

Speakers

Richard Shough

Executive Minister, MacArthur Park Church of Christ

Richard spent nearly 25 years in Youth Ministry and was the director of CampOC camps for more than 30 years. He has served as the Youth & Family Minister, Church Life Minister and now the Executive Minister at the MacArthur Park Church of Christ in San Antonio for 29 years. Even though... Read More →

Tuesday January 7, 2025 2:00pm - 3:00pm CST
Onyx

Class, Children's Ministry

2:00pm CST

Landmines in Ministry (for men and women)

Tuesday January 7, 2025 2:00pm - 3:00pm CST

Topaz

Are you pretty good at communicating with kids and people your age? How do you develop the skills to communicate with their parents and church leadership in a way that builds those relationships, too?

Speakers

Becky Burroughs

Outreach/Hospitality Minister, Highland Oaks Church of Christ

Tuesday January 7, 2025 2:00pm - 3:00pm CST
Topaz

Class

2:00pm CST

Spiritual Disciplines That Might Save Your Life

Tuesday January 7, 2025 2:00pm - 3:00pm CST

Lantana I

The demands of ministry tempt us toward rushing and noise, making it hard to slow down and give attention to God, not to mention our own soul’s needs. During this class we will practice a group of spiritual disciplines that put us in a position to receive God’s grace, sense God’s presence, and they might even save our lives.

Speakers

Houston Heflin

Professor, Abilene Christian University

Houston Heflin is a professor in the Bible department at Abilene Christian University (ACU) in Abilene, Texas where he teaches both undergraduate and graduate courses on spiritual formation and church ministry. Before his 16 years of teaching at ACU he spent 12 years in church ministry... Read More →

Tuesday January 7, 2025 2:00pm - 3:00pm CST
Lantana I

Class

2:00pm CST

Textual Class 1

Tuesday January 7, 2025 2:00pm - 3:00pm CST

Lincoln 6

Speakers

Chris Seidman

Tuesday January 7, 2025 2:00pm - 3:00pm CST
Lincoln 6

Class

2:00pm CST

The Gospel According to ChatGPT: Next-Level AI for Your Ministry

Tuesday January 7, 2025 2:00pm - 3:00pm CST

Lantana II

Calling all youth ministers, children's ministers, and ministry-minded misfits! Ready to unlock the divine secrets of artificial intelligence and take your student ministry to the next level? Join us for a 50-minute crash course in wielding the awesome (and sometimes amusing) power of AI! From crafting jaw-dropping graphics that make your PowerPoint slides sing to effortlessly organizing epic youth events that make you look like a planning ninja—this class has got it all.

We'll explore the coolest AI models out there, compare free and paid versions (because who doesn’t love a good deal?), and share pro tips on using these digital disciples to save time, reduce stress, and boost creativity in your ministry. We might even throw in some live demos and a Q&A to see how your peers are already making AI their new best friend.

Bring your curiosity, leave with some holy hacks—and maybe even a few new AI tricks up your sleeve!

*Session Description generated by ChatGPT.

Speakers

Alan Middleton

Youth Minister, Eastridge Church of Christ

Hey there! I'm Alan, and I'm stoked to be your youth minister for this conference. I've been serving at Eastridge Church of Christ in Rockwall, TX for the past 6 years, and I've been in youth ministry for a total of 11 years. I attended Oklahoma Christian University where I received... Read More →

Rick Grace

Youth Minister, League Street Church of Christ

Rick Grace is a Nashville, TN native, Harding graduate, and a Northeast Texas youth minister. He and his wife, Jessica (who is an elementary reading teacher), have two kids, three dogs, one cat, and lots of books. Outside of ministry (well probably inside, too), Rick enjoys corny... Read More →

Tuesday January 7, 2025 2:00pm - 3:00pm CST
Lantana II

Class

3:30pm CST

Accessible Ministry: How to successfully welcome those with Special Needs into your Ministry

Tuesday January 7, 2025 3:30pm - 4:30pm CST

Lantana II

Come and hear some practical tips, insights, strategies, and stories about how your children’s or youth ministry can become a place where kids of all abilities belong!

Speakers

Hanna Thrasher

Special Needs Minister, Highland Church of Christ

Hanna Thrasher is a passionate advocate for inclusivity within churches. Holding a degree in special education from Harding University, Hanna combines academic expertise with real-life experience. Hanna worked as a youth minister for almost six years before assuming the role of Special... Read More →

Tuesday January 7, 2025 3:30pm - 4:30pm CST
Lantana II

Class

3:30pm CST

Event Swap

Tuesday January 7, 2025 3:30pm - 4:30pm CST

Onyx

In Kids' Ministry, we don't want to reinvent the wheel. We learn best from each other. Come hear about everyone's best (and worst) ideas and come share some of yours!

Speakers

Molly Steele

Kids' Minister, Hendersonville Church of Christ

Tuesday January 7, 2025 3:30pm - 4:30pm CST
Onyx

Class

3:30pm CST

How to Minister When Your Son is Same-Sex Attracted

Tuesday January 7, 2025 3:30pm - 4:30pm CST

Lantana III

Since 2010, we have been actively involved in helping families journey with their children who are same-sex attracted because it was the year our son came out. Our journey can give insight on what to do/not do with families in a church setting who are desiring a relationship with their child yet unsure how to navigate in the same-sex attracted world.

Speakers

Tim Hall

Senior & Preaching Minister, Legacy Church of Christ

Tuesday January 7, 2025 3:30pm - 4:30pm CST
Lantana III

Class

3:30pm CST

Keeping 'em Out of Jail / Keeping 'em Out of Hell (Lessons I Learned Transitioning From Lawyer to Student Minister)

Tuesday January 7, 2025 3:30pm - 4:30pm CST

Quartz

My journey from Lawyer to Student Minister is characterized by love, sweat and tears (and answering my favorite question of all time -- "do you feel like you wasted your time in law school now that you are JUST a student minister?") The lessons I've learned and continue to learn from my former line of work are part of my testimony! If you're happy and you know it, come join me as I share encouragement gleaned from a path to ministry that is anything but normal!

Speakers

Sammie Young

Student Minister, Fairfax Church of Christ

Sammie started attending the Fairfax Church of Christ as a student in the late 80’s. Although he just passed 10 years of serving as a full time student minister, he considers his journey in ministry to be just beginning! Sammie graduated from the University of Virginia, both from... Read More →

Tuesday January 7, 2025 3:30pm - 4:30pm CST
Quartz

Class

3:30pm CST

Ministry as a New or Second Career - Flattening the Steep Learning Curve

Tuesday January 7, 2025 3:30pm - 4:30pm CST

Topaz

Maybe you have landed your first job in ministry, or maybe you have entered ministry as a second career. In some ways your education or previous career prepared you. In other ways, it did not. Let's explore how ministry is different from other jobs and how you can set yourself up for success.

Speakers

Becky Burroughs

Outreach/Hospitality Minister, Highland Oaks Church of Christ

Tuesday January 7, 2025 3:30pm - 4:30pm CST
Topaz

Class

3:30pm CST

Spiritual Disciplines That Might Save Someone Else’s Life

Tuesday January 7, 2025 3:30pm - 4:30pm CST

Lantana I

If we take the second greatest commandment seriously, we have to ask, am I willing to train in spiritual disciplines for the sake of my neighbor? Would I pursue spiritual growth to love my neighbor better? During this class we will practice a group of spiritual disciplines that not only shape us, they also equip us to love others, and they might even save someone’s life.

Speakers

Houston Heflin

Professor, Abilene Christian University

Tuesday January 7, 2025 3:30pm - 4:30pm CST
Lantana I

Class

3:30pm CST

Textual Class 2

Tuesday January 7, 2025 3:30pm - 4:30pm CST

Lincoln 6

Speakers

Chris Seidman

Tuesday January 7, 2025 3:30pm - 4:30pm CST
Lincoln 6

Class

7:30pm CST

Worship & Keynote

Tuesday January 7, 2025 7:30pm - 9:30pm CST

Lincoln Ballroom

Speakers

Beverly Ross

Executive Director, Wise County Christian Counseling

Beverly Ross, M.A., LPC-S, is the Founder and Executive Director for Wise County Christian Counseling. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor-Supervisor. Beverly is a certified facilitator in the life-changing curriculum based on the research of Dr. Brené Brown. She uses these... Read More →

Josh Ross

Lead Minister, Sycamore View Church of Christ

Sean Algaier

Campus Minister, York University

I am a husband to Misty and father to 5, Greysen Ella Jillian Joshua Jeremiah. I have previously worked in Youth Ministry as the Youth Minister at Jenks c of C in Jenks Oklahoma and was also a vocalist in the acappella singing group Watershed Worship. I had a brief stint on a reality... Read More →

Stephen Maxwell

Worship Minister, Memorial Road church of Christ

I have been leading worship in churches for almost 40 years. Music ministry is vital in children and youth ministry and I've had the opportunity to teach and lead in many student ministry contexts. I currently lead worship for the Memorial Road church of Christ in Edmond, Oklahom... Read More →

Tuesday January 7, 2025 7:30pm - 9:30pm CST
Lincoln Ballroom

Main Event

9:30pm CST

Covenant Groups (On Your Own)

Tuesday January 7, 2025 9:30pm - 11:00pm CST

TBA

Tuesday January 7, 2025 9:30pm - 11:00pm CST
TBA

Community