KidMin Professional Development

Children’s ministry leaders carry a unique and meaningful responsibility. Week after week, you show up for children and families, creating spaces where faith can take root and grow. The work asks for presence, creativity, resilience, and a deep sense of purpose — and it often leaves little room to step back and invest in your own formation. If you’ve been sensing a desire to grow more deeply in your calling, to be strengthened and stretched as a leader while continuing in the work you love, you’re in the right place.

Michelle Maris teaches kids ministers in St. Louis.

About KidMin Professional Development

We are currently offering certifications in Child Faith Formation, Trauma-Informed Ministry, and Designing and Leading Children's Worship and Prayer. No matter if you are after a bachelor's degree, master's degree, or are looking to sharpen your training skills, KidMin Professional Development trains you in these areas. These certificates not only provide you with more information and strategy, but also with the training needed to facilitate these at your local church or community.

This one-year program includes five courses following an 8-week online format, allowing you to remain actively engaged in ministry while pursuing certificates. These courses are available online through a live, virtual classroom, as well as through recordings of each lecture. This format allows for real-time interaction between you, your peers, and faculty. It introduces you to multiple practitioners as guest lecturers.

The one-year program of study includes:

  • Children's Ministry (includes Child Faith Formation certification)
  • Creative Teaching
  • Worship Arts for Next Gen Ministry (includes Designing and Leading Children's Worship and Prayer certification)
  • Disability and Inclusion (includes Disability and Inclusion certification)
  • Shepherding the Hurting Child (includes Trauma-Informed Ministry certification)

Through these five courses, you will grow in the ability to:

  • Articulate a biblical foundation for children’s and family ministry
  • Lead spiritually formative discipleship environments for children
  • Teach Scripture using creative and participatory methods
  • Provide pastoral care for children and families, including those experiencing trauma
  • Design and lead worship experiences for children
  • Create inclusive ministry environments for children of all abilities
  • Lead sustainable and effective children’s and families ministry programs

This program will be launched in the Spring Semester of 2027.

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