Discipleship with Children
We offer two distinct journeys for church leaders who want to expand and strengthen children’s ministry within their congregations - Discipleship Pathways and Covenant Discipleship.
DLW Children’s Ministry Coaching
As a Children’s Minister, you are a vital part of the life of the church. You answered a call to serve in ministry with children and families, and how you live out that call will have a direct impact on how children grow in faith. DLW Children’s Ministry Coaching offers a framework to develop and grow in key areas, addressing blind spots while receiving expert counsel, direction, and encouragement.
Work it.
In our ten sessions over three months, we will address the essentials of ministry with children and families, finding a balance that uses your gifts and experiences for fruitful ministry.
Together, you and I will create a plan for continuing your ministry on a path that offers you joy and purpose while serving children and families. Our last session will summarize key learnings and insights, recommend next steps, and answer outstanding questions.
Focus on.
Creating An Environment of Belonging for All Children
Nurturing The Sacramental and Spiritual Lives of Children
Building Healthy Relationships with Leaders, Staff, and Parents
Managing Administrative Responsibilities
Radical Hospitality - Meeting the Needs of Children and Families
Healthy Personal, Spiritual, and Professional Growth
Discipleship Pathways
What Children Should Experience in Christian Community
Children are born with an innate sense of wonder and faith that is genuine and real. As teachers and leaders, our role is to provide a foundation of experiences on which children build a life of learning and growth toward a mature and vital faith.
With intentional learning and Christian formation, we become the people God calls us to be. As we develop our gifts we can more faithfully encourage and guide young children through their own journey of faith.
What We Offer
1-Day Staff/Leadership Retreat on Discipleship with Children
Discipleship System Inclusion of Children
Communication and Relationships
Family and Congregation Connection
6-Month Consultation with Coaching
Discipleship System inclusion of Children
Curriculum and Resource Development
Communication and Relationships
Monthly Coaching Sessions with Children’s Minister or Team
Covenant Discipleship
Growing Everyday Disciples
Covenant Discipleship is for third through sixth graders who want to be faithful followers of Jesus Christ, want to know how to show love for God and other people, want to spend time with others who are growing in faith, and are ready to commit time to serving those in need.
Covenant Discipleship is a disciple-shaping process that offers children the opportunity to use their experiences in school, in church, at home, and in the community, discovering ways to “love God and neighbor” through specific acts. Covenant Discipleship forms a rule of life for all of us, especially for our children.
What We Offer
1-Day Staff/Leadership Retreat on Covenant Discipleship with Children
History and Why of Covenant Discipleship
Implementation of Covenant Discipleship with Children
Covenant Discipleship as Pre-Confirmation
Additional - Adaptation in the Small Membership Congregation
6-Month Consultation with Coaching
Discipleship System inclusion of Children
Curriculum and Resource Development
Communication and Relationships
Monthly Coaching Sessions with Children’s Minister or Team
What People Are Saying
“I have known Melanie in a professional capacity for several years. When she served as Director of Ministry with Children at Discipleship Ministries, she was my point of contact for all church matters. I found her to be professional, yet personable, knowledgeable and extremely approachable. She has a passion for children’s ministry and is an effective and organized leader, something I learned first-hand when I attended a Children’s Ministry Table which she convened. I have recently used her book, Growing Everyday Disciples: Covenant Discipleship with Children as part of a Confirmation Program at our church, where it proved to be life-changing for everyone involved. Melanie is a gifted leader and children’s advocate, and I have been blessed to know her and work alongside her.”
— Glenys Nellist
Author, Love Letters from God and Snuggle Time Prayers
“Melanie loves and champions children. I have always been impressed with her knowledge of child development and her compassionate and empathetic response to the needs of children, particularly in the area of Christian discipleship. Nothing brings greater joy to Melanie than children discovering just how loved they are.”
— Rev. Paul Chilcote, PhD.
Author, Professor of Theology