This past weekend over 30 children’s ministry leaders and teachers from the different Covenant churches came together for a time of learning and sharing. This is the second year we have organized this retreat and each year we have walked away saying, “Wow.”

Training for teachers and leaders is an expressed need in many churches. Children are participating in church and are ministering to their families. Still, the context in which many of these children live is challenging to say the least. And that is where these men and women come in to love and care for the children in their community and to be a living example of what it means to walk with Jesus. At this retreat there were young adults who were just starting to serve with the children and there were men and women who have spent their lifetime mentoring children. In the two days we were together participants had the opportunity to share experiences, resources, encouragement, laughter, prayer and worship. We played and created and acted. The creativity in this group is astounding, which was evident as they worked in groups on a quilt and as they created skits together. The theme of the retreat was “Growing Together” and we were challenged to find ways to connect with families and to support families in their role of faith formation. We walked away challenged, equipped and refreshed.