Sam Luce is the Director of ChildDiscipleship.com, partnering with Awana to equip leaders and families for lifelong discipleship. He served at Redeemer Church in Utica, NY, for over twenty years. Sam holds theology degrees from Portland Bible College and Knox Theological Seminary and is pursuing doctoral studies at Western Theological Seminary. A pastor, author, and speaker, Sam is passionate about gospel-centered child discipleship. He and his wife live in Upstate New York with their four children.

Julie Lowe is an author, counselor, and speaker with over twenty-five years of experience. She holds an MA in counseling from Biblical Theological Seminary, is a licensed professional counselor, and a registered play therapist supervisor. Julie served on the faculty of CCEF for more than two decades and has taught at Missio Seminary and Westminster Theological Seminary. She regularly trains churches and organizations on issues such as abuse prevention, parenting, and trauma care. Julie has written several books on counseling and family topics. She and her husband, Greg, live in the Philadelphia area and have five children.

Brian Dembowczyk is an author, speaker, and publisher dedicated to gospel-centered family and ministry discipleship. He holds a Ph.D. and Th.M. from Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, a D.Min. from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary and an M.Div. from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. Brian has served in numerous ministry roles—ranging from youth pastor to managing editor, author of five books, and adjunct instructor. He lives in Tennessee with his wife Tara and their three children.

Hunter Williams and his wife, Sammie, are parents to four wonderful children—Margot, Clarke, Opal, and Joy. He earned a B.A. in Biblical and Theological Studies from Moody Bible Institute and is currently completing a master’s degree at Redemption Seminary. Hunter has served in student ministry, chaplaincy, and missionary work with Awana. He is passionate about teaching kids theology and equipping leaders and parents, reflected in his co-authored book How to Teach Kids Theology. Hunter loves Chattanooga and is grateful to serve his community by helping kids know the gospel.

Champ Thornton serves as the director of children and family resources at Crossway. He and his wife, Robben, have been married since 1996 and live in Newark, Delaware, where they enjoy raising their three children. Champ is the author of several books for kids and families, including The Radical Book for Kids, Why Do We Say Good Night?, and Wonders of His Love. He has also hosted the family devotional podcast In the Word, On the Go. Champ holds a PhD in Theology from Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and has served in both church and publishing roles throughout South Carolina, Ohio, and Delaware.

Lauren Jackson

Good administration is the unseen engine of great ministry. If spreadsheets and schedules drain you, this session will help reframe administration as a vital tool for gospel impact. Learn essential organizational systems that reduce stress, protect volunteers, and allow your ministry to safely flourish.

Beth Golik

Create a radical culture of hospitality by building an accessible ministry. This session explores practical steps to welcome and support children with special needs and their families. Learn how to adapt environments, train volunteers, and ensure every child has a place to belong and hear the gospel.

Daniel Scott

The pre-teen years are a critical transition period. This session focuses on engaging and equipping 4th–8th graders as they navigate the space between childhood and youth group. Discover age-appropriate discipleship strategies that address their unique questions, doubts, and developing identities.

Marty Machowski

 Is your kids' ministry truly thriving? Take a look under the hood to assess what’s working and what isn't. We will provide a diagnostic framework to evaluate your ministry's effectiveness, align it with your church’s overarching mission, and implement strategic changes for long-term health and growth.

Caleb Hall

How do you choose the right material for your kids? In this session, we’ll explore how to evaluate and select curriculum that aligns with your church’s theology and engages children effectively. Learn practical tools to vet resources, avoid common pitfalls, and ensure your kids are being taught biblical truth with clarity.

Melodie Bissell

Creating a secure environment is non-negotiable. This session outlines the essential child protection policies every ministry must have in place. Learn best practices for screening volunteers, secure check-ins, ratio guidelines, and reporting procedures to ensure your ministry is a safe place that parents can deeply trust.

Jane Cates

 thriving kids' ministry runs on dedicated volunteers. Discover practical strategies for identifying, recruiting, and retaining a passionate team. We’ll discuss how to cast vision, equip leaders for the frontlines, and create a supportive culture that keeps volunteers coming back year after year.

Hunter Williams

A healthy ministry doesn’t happen by accident; it requires a blueprint. Learn how to build a comprehensive, step-by-step discipleship strategy from the ground up. We’ll cover how to define your goals, align your programs, and create a clear path for spiritual growth from birth to graduation.

Eric Provost

Wednesday nights shouldn't just be a repeat of Sunday morning or a chaotic game time. This session explores how to design a purposeful mid-week ministry that builds community, deepens biblical knowledge, and fosters discipleship. Walk away with fresh ideas to create momentum and lasting impact.

Josh Slotegraaf

Make the most of your summer! This session dives into impactful resources and strategies for VBS, camps, and outreaches. Move beyond standard crafts and snacks to discover tools that maximize gospel engagement and build lasting connections with your community.

Carl Barnhill

Navigating screens, apps, and check-in systems can feel overwhelming. This session will equip you with the essential tech tools needed to run a smooth, safe, and engaging ministry. Discover the best software presentations and communication to instantly upgrade your ministry's effectiveness.

Kim Beaman

Move your ministry outside the church walls. We’ll explore how to design effective outreach programs that genuinely connect with your surrounding community. Discover how to plan events that are not only fun but highly intentional about sharing the gospel and building relationships with unchurched families.

Jenn Gowing

Kids' ministry shouldn't be siloed in the back hallway. This session explores how to cultivate a church-wide culture that genuinely welcomes and values children. Learn how to cast vision to your congregation and equip adults of all ages to embrace and disciple the next generation.

Lauren Jackson

Big moments in a child's spiritual journey deserve to be honored. Discover how to intentionally celebrate faith milestones, like receiving a first Bible, baptism, or transitioning to youth group. Learn how to partner with parents to make these markers of grace memorable and deeply meaningful.

Jason Houser

Music is a powerful tool for anchoring kids in the gospel. We’ll explore how to lead children in meaningful worship that goes beyond silly hand motions. Learn how to select theologically rich songs and create an environment where kids can joyfully engage with God's Word through melody.

Brittany Hopkins

Finding the right resources for special needs discipleship can be challenging. This session will highlight the best available tools, curriculums, and strategies for equipping families and teaching individuals with disabilities. Learn how to adapt materials so that everyone can meaningfully engage with God's Word.