Building Children, Youth, and Families Now for the Future

January 15th, 2026
by Rev. Dr. Vaughn Stafford

Every time we baptize a baby and commit to being the village that surrounds that child and family, I feel the joy of that opportunity and the weight of that responsibility. It is joyful because we all know a baby changes everything for a family and that baby Jesus, wrapped in swaddling clothes and laying in a manger, changed everything for the whole world. It is weighty because our church is committing to raise this child up in the faith and to be the people that will nurture and model God's prevenient grace in such a way that this child claims that which claims them later in life. Our church has been blessed to receive more than 250 new children, youth, and adult members over the past 27 months and we believe that this movement and momentum will only grow in the years ahead. Our staff and leadership often pray, “Lord, we don’t merely ask you to bless what we are doing, but to empower us to participate in what you are blessing.”

It is for this very reason that we are excited to invite children, youth, volunteers, families, parents, members, and guests to join us for a special series of listening sessions and a presentation about our church’s Children and Youth Ministries which will be hosted by our church and Ministry Architect Consultants. These gatherings are designed to share the vision for nurturing the next generation while hearing your ideas, feedback, and hopes for our young people. Whether you are a parent, grandparent, or simply someone who cares about guiding children and teens in faith, your voice matters.

During the sessions, we will provide an overview of our programs, upcoming events, and opportunities for involvement. There will also be time for questions and open conversation, so we can learn from your experiences and insights. We need you to be part of shaping a ministry that equips our children, youth, and their families to grow in faith, character, and community. Your input will help us build transformational and meaningful ministry systems for the generations to come.

There are two main times we are asking for your participation. First, please find the time and group on Friday or Saturday (January 30th or 31st) that best fits your role and schedule to be a part of a hosted listening session. Second, please join us for the presentation that our Ministry Architect consultants will be sharing with us at 4PM on Sunday, February 1st in the Artz Fellowship Hall.

Friday, January 30

9:00 AM - General Staff
10:15 AM - Children’s Minister
11:30 AM - Youth Minister
12:45 PM - Senior Pastor & Associate Pastor
4:00 PM - Parents of Children
5:15 PM - Church Leadership
6:30 PM - General Congregation

Saturday, January 31

9:00 AM - Children’s Ministry Volunteers AND Youth Ministry Volunteers (two separate groups)
10:15 AM - Parents of Children AND Parents of Youth (two separate groups)
11:30 AM - Middle School AND High school Youth (two separate groups)

Sunday