What is Children’s Ministries Certification?
The 12-month program is progressive. It is a combination of webinars, readings, and projects that will provide training for every area of Children’s Ministry.
All participants will be part of the CDM community that includes investment by experienced faculty members, a professional online cohort with others ministering to children, and attendance to the Children’s Leadership Training Retreat. Once a student passes the 12-month certification training, he or she will receive an official Certificate of Training in Children’s Ministry from the PCA denomination.
What is Children’s Ministries Certification?
The 12-month program is progressive. It is a combination of webinars, readings, and projects that will provide training for every area of Children’s Ministry.
All participants will be part of the CDM community that includes investment by two experienced mentors, a professional online cohort with others ministering to children, and attendance at two Children’s Ministry training retreats. Once a student passes the 12-month certification training, he or she will receive an official Certificate of Training in Children’s Ministry from the PCA denomination.
This training is opening my eyes to the amazing possibilities available to our church family. There is a place for all to serve according to their gifts. I look forward to seeing our children grow in their knowledge of the Lord, but also in their relationships in the church.
— Susy Oldham, Children’s Ministry Director in Davie, FL
“to equip the saints for the work of ministry,
for building up the body of Christ”
— Ephesians 4:12 esv
In my experience working with pastors, leaders, and ministry volunteers, I’ve seen the great value of practical ministry training coupled with the encouragement of an experienced practitioner. That need for practical training prompted CDM to seek and receive approval from the 2016 General Assembly to develop a training and certification program, specifically for non-ordained ministry leaders.
In designing the program, we basically asked a group of people who were DOING ministry: “If you could go back to the beginning, what topics would you cover? What are things people need to know to be fruitful? What have you seen to be sound principles and best practices?” Their answers shaped the program.
CDM is the Discipleship Ministries Committee of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in America (PCA). Our mission is to help leaders in local churches fulfill the Great Commission through ministry to children, youth, and adults. We strive to strengthen the church by connecting you to the people and resources you need for ministry. This program will equip leaders with theological training and practical skills to impact the next generation.
Committee on Discipleship Ministries Coordinator | Certification Faculty
Scope and Sequence
Month |
Topics |
1 |
Foundations of Children’s Ministry: Reformed and Covenantal Theology |
2 |
Recruiting Your Team from the Top Down: Volunteer Recruitment and Training |
3 |
Leadership Development: Yourself and Others |
4 |
Child Development and Learning Styles: Engaging Children at Different Levels |
5 |
Choosing and Developing Curriculum: The Importance and How To’s of Choosing, Developing, and Teaching Curriculum |
6 |
Nursery: Caring for the Littles |
7 |
Policies and Procedures: Protecting and Serving Your Families, Volunteers, and Staff |
8 |
Worship Training: Equipping Parents and Training Children for Worship |
9 |
Coming Alongside Parents: Church and Family Connection |
10 |
Special Needs Ministry: Starting, Implementing, Reaching, and Connecting |
11 |
Special Events: Developing, Planning, Organizing, and Maintaining Events: VBS, Outreach, and Holiday Events |
12 |
Families on Mission: Training for Service and Outreach
|
Laura is being thoroughly equipped/encouraged. We appreciate this program!
— Rev. Andrew Park, Living Faith Presbyterian in Los Angeles, CA
For me personally, I’ve really grown in understanding the critical role of children’s ministry in the life of the church. Although I’ve always been a big supporter and cheerleader, our bi-weekly discussions over the course material has brought a depth and clarity to my understanding of what an integrated, cradle to grave discipleship culture at a church can potentially accomplish. I wholeheartedly commend Katie for the hard work she has invested in this certification and I look forward to seeing it’s on-going impact in our church and community.
— Rev. M. Matthew Ballard, Lead Pastor, Southpointe Community Church, Nolensville, TN
What is CertificationPlus?
CertificationPlus is a continuing education opportunity for our Children’s Ministry Certification Graduates. CDM believes that churches will be strengthened as Children’s Ministry Leaders continue learning together.
This fall, we are again offering a course in the CertificationPlus series, a collaboration with Covenant Theological Seminary. Participants will audit the Educational Foundations course (EM301) with Tasha Chapman. A CDM facilitator will lead weekly cohort discussions to enhance this learning experience.
What is CertificationPlus?
CertificationPlus is a continuing education opportunity for our Children’s Ministry Certification Graduates. CDM believes that churches will be strengthened as Children’s Ministry Leaders continue learning together.
This fall, we are again offering a course in the CertificationPlus series, a collaboration with Covenant Theological Seminary. Participants will audit the Educational Foundations course (EM301) with Tasha Chapman. A CDM facilitator will lead weekly cohort discussions to enhance this learning experience.
Certification Plus has been a joy! The online lectures, readings and especially the group discussions have helped further my understanding of how Children’s Ministry helps develop one’s maturity in Christ. The few days of residency in St. Louis were edifying and encouraging. The next Sunday morning at church as I was doing my usual routine, I realized that I was different—the Lord had changed me during those few days. My view of His covenant children was deeper, richer, and more grace-filled. Praise the Lord!
— Benae Duff, Westkirk Presbyterian Church, Urbandale, IA