Nurturing Children's Faith
Caring for children’s faith and worship journeys through church, prayer, and community.
Centering Children in our Congregations
This initiative seeks to equip churches with the knowledge, tools, and resources to prioritize children’s faith formation. Many churches struggle with engaging children in meaningful worship experiences, often lacking specialized training, leadership development, and financial support. This initiative bridges those gaps by offering accessible, culturally relevant, and faith-centered training to strengthen children’s ministries across the Central Valley.
Certificate in Children's ministry
A 4-module online program (Bilingual: Spanish) providing theological and practical training for church leaders serving children.
Module 1
Biblical Foundations of Child Development
- Theology of Children
- Children in the Gospel
- Child Development: Shaping Children's Experiences with God
- Integrating Children in the Church
Module 2
Parenting Children: Modeling a Faith-Centered Life
- Theology of Parenting
- Creating Boundaries and Expectations
- Integrating Prayer
- Fostering an Environment of Curiosity
Module 3
Ministering to Children
- Understanding Newer Generations
- Bible Storytelling: Faith Literacy
- Key Design Principles for a Thriving Children's Ministry
- Programs
Module 4
Music, Visual, and Performing Arts Tools for Children's Ministry
- Worship through Music
- Worship through Performing Arts
- Worship through Prayer
- Worship through Service
Other Components
Trainings
Workshops offered in Spanish and English covering topics in response to the church’s needs to better serve children.
Design Sprints
A 3-week innovation lab where leaders refine and launch ideas for children’s ministry programs.
Mini-Grants
Seed funding ($500–$2,000) to support new or enhanced children’s ministries.
upcoming Events
October 9: Embracing Children on the Spectrum
With 1 in 31 children diagnosed with autism, congregations are increasingly seeking ways to better support these children and their families in faith communities.
Join us for a special workshop designed to equip churches to better welcome and support children with disabilities. Featuring Joni & Friends and a panel of local leaders actively doing disability ministry, this event offers practical tools, real stories, and space for shared learning.
Presenters
Fred Hammer III
Area Director
Joni & Friends, Central California
Roenz Balangue
Ministry Relations Manager
Joni & Friends, Central California
Panelists
Brooke Potter | Christen Morrow-Ara | Deby Hergenrader | Tina Salvador | Jan Joaquin | Melinda Gunning | Erin Webb
Thursday, October 9, 2025 | 11:30 AM – 1:30 PM
Fresno Pacific University, BC Lounge
4812 E Butler Ave, Fresno, CA 93702
Free Registration | Lunch Included
