Connect Groups are another one of the unique elements at the KidMin conference. No matter who you are, where you're from, or what kind of ministry you have, there will be folks at KidMin who have something in common with you. Connect Groups give you the chance to, well, connect with them. There are 21 different Connect Groups for all shapes and sizes of ministry!
First 2 Years in Children's Ministry
Just beginning your adventure in children's ministry…and figuring out the ins and outs for working in the church? Then this is your group. Connect, build relationships, and network with others who are in the same place as you…you'll get the chance to share, explore, and encourage each other in living out your calling.
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Children's Ministry Veterans (10+ years)
Have you been there…done that…for 10+ years? Then this is the group for you! Connect, network, and share with others who have seen it all and keep coming back for more. Renew your passion, encourage each other, and leave energized to continue in your calling to children's ministry.
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Large-Church Children's Ministry
Leading a larger children's ministry can be a different animal. You have your own unique challenges and opportunities. With this group, you'll get the chance to connect with and share what works, what doesn't, and what's yet to be discovered when it comes to children's ministry in a large church.
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Small-Church Children's Ministry
Small church children's ministries have their own dynamics, challenges, and opportunities. Wouldn't it be nice to connect and build relationships with people who share your same joys and frustrations? Join with other small church leaders and connect on the ins and outs of small church children's ministry.
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Rural Children's Ministry
Connect with people who share the same joys of ministering to kids in a rural area. Join others who are working through some of the special challenges as you. Leave with encouragement, hope, and new ideas to reach your community.
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Urban Children's Ministry
Ministry in the city can be especially tough, rewarding, and wearing all at the same time. You work with kids who come from some tough communities, and you fill their hearts with Christ's love. This is your group to share and discover best practices for the evolving world of urban children's ministry.
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Early Childhood Ministry
Ahhhh...those adorable little smiles will stick with you all week long. You guys are the first ones to share about Jesus with little ones. This role is a blessing and challenge as you never know what each week will bring. Share and explore with others who work with this age group. You'll get to connect on what works and what doesn't, and explore why this age is so critical.
Preteen Ministry
Looking for a quick guide to understanding preteen ministry? Wondering the best ways to reach them during this awkward and unknown time in their lives? Connect with others who are in ministry to preteens and share, explore, discover, and brainstorm how to best reach this age level in ways that'll stick with them for life.
Family Ministry
Partnering with parents is what we want to do…how do we make that happen? Grapple with others in family ministry and explore how to partner with parents in their children's faith journey. Discover how to help parents realize they're the primary faith influencers in their children's life. Leave with connections and ideas to use when you get home.
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Multi-Site Ministry
Do you know how to be in multiple places at once? In this Connect Group, you’ll meet others who are challenged by the same feeling of needing to be everywhere at once and how that can be amplified when your ministry has multiple sites.
Burned Out in Children's Ministry
Are you at the end of your rope? Ready to throw in the white flag? This is the Connect Group for you. Hear from others who’ve been there and back. Connect and build relationships with others like you who are still there. Feel encouraged, supported, and renewed in your passion for what Christ has planned for you.
Special Needs Ministry
Kids with special needs need love, too! And that's why you're in this group, because you know and embrace that. This group knows it isn't always easy and will encourage you with many ideas, insights, and tips that will help ALL kids know that Jesus loves them. Thank you for what you do to make sure EVERY kid gets to experience Jesus!
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Thriving in Transition
There are many types of transition when it comes to children's ministry, including beginning a job, switching churches, kids growing up and changing to youth group, having kids of your own, pastors leaving and coming, and so many more. Come, network and learn from each other's experiences and be encouraged for working through transitions both now and in the future.
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Volunteers in Children's Ministry
You're AMAZING...Thank you for ALL you do to help kids know and love Jesus! You're essential to making every children's ministry aspect work and a key part of the team. We NEVER want to hear you say you're "just a volunteer," because you're so much more! Connect with other volunteers to share the good, the bad, and the ugly when it comes to being volunteers.
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Bivocational Ministry
You're pulled many directions--from your relationship with Jesus, to your relationship with your family, to your job, to your ministry and more. How do you balance it all? Ask others in the same place as you in this Connect Group. You'll get to hear what works--and what doesn't--and find encouragement.
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Married to a Children's Minister
Being married to a children's minister can definitely have its ups and downs--ranging from late nights not seeing your spouse to living with supplies spread everywhere. This is your group to connect and build relationships with others who know and get what married-to-a-minister life can be like. You'll get to share and encourage each other.
Canadian Children's Ministers
This is your chance to connect with other children's ministers from Canada…you'll get to share successes, struggles, opportunities and more that are unique to Canadian children's ministry. Plus experience networking opportunities that'll follow you home.
International Children's Ministers (New in 2013)
If you minister to children in a country outside of North America, you face cultural challenges in your context. Brainstorm with others to discover ways to apply all you’re learning at KidMin to your unique ministry setting. You’ll learn from each other as you share stories of children’s ministry all over the world — and successes of adapting ministry tools to fit your needs.
Men in Children's Ministry
You're part of the not-so-silent minority in children's ministry. And you face unique challenges and joys. Build a network of peers who get it! This group will be great for bouncing ideas of how to overcome obstacles, sharing ministry successes, and so much more!
Women in Children's Ministry
Being a woman in ministry has its own unique pros and cons. This group will help facilitate connections and give you the chance to process with other women. Sometimes you just need girl time…whether to build friendships, bounce ideas off of each other, or simply share in the ups and downs of being in ministry as a woman.