Why Certification?
Testimony from a Former Children’s Director
I grew up a Covenant child. From the time I was too old to be in the Children’s Ministry, I was serving in it. I love children. It isn’t surprising that I graduated with a degree in Early Childhood Education or that the Lord steered my heart to work in Children’s Ministry in my 20’s.
Children are my passion, and I love the church, but when I began working in Children’s Ministry it was immediately challenging for me. I realized that it’s much more than holding babies or reading a Bible story to children on Sunday morning. It’s providing a program that excites children and inspires parents with confidence. Most importantly, it’s about discipling our children in the Lord.
In my experience, I learned my struggle was not unique. Talking with others serving in Children’s Ministry, I quickly learned that most run into similar struggles. Even with a heart for children, there is often a lack of training in starting, developing, and growing a Children’s Ministry within the church.
We have the great privilege and opportunity within Children’s Ministry to invest in the next generation and train them up in the way of the Lord! But we need training too! We need people who have gone before us and are in the trenches with us helping us know how to think through a vision, train our volunteers, and have a healthy nursery ministry.
Children’s Ministry can often feel so isolating, but participating in this program will help you know you are not alone. You will have community, you will have development, you will get to do projects that deepen and grow your ministry and your church. You will be blessed through this program, and at the end, you will receive a Certificate of Children’s Ministry and the confidence of being equipped.
I am excited about Children’s Ministry Certification and look forward to working with those who will be participating in this training program!
Bethany Belue
Former Children’s Director | CDM Certification Administrator
Because God has blessed us with each and every child and what little children learn about God is life-changing…
Those who lead our children should be taught Reformed and Covenantal theology and equipped to make sound theology compelling to the youngest learner.
Because children of believers are members of God’s covenant community… those who lead our children should be mentored by experienced children’s ministry leaders.
Because children bring parents and friends and neighbors to Christ… those who lead our children should be connected to all the best resources for teaching God’s Word to children.
Because God’s eternal plan and promise is to redeem children just as he has redeemed us… those who lead our children should be trained to instruct others in bringing the gospel to children and children to the gospel.
The PCA’s Committee on Discipleship Ministry provides people and resources to aid you in the task of strengthening your church’s children’s ministry. This CDM twelve-month certification for your children’s leadership is designed to fit your leader’s life and schedule, your church’s size and needs, and your church’s philosophy of ministry. We hope you will take advantage of this perfect opportunity to grow your church and its commitment to the children God has given you.
Sue Jakes
CDM Children’ Ministry Coordinator | Certification Faculty