Children's Ministry Leaders Benefit from Hydrate

For many Assemblies of God churches, the title that often accompanies the position of children’s ministry leader is “volunteer.” Although a passion to reach children for Christ is why people volunteer for this role, AG Children’s Ministry recognizes that many children’s ministry leaders can feel like they are on an island, with no real options for development.

“These volunteers rarely have an opportunity for training,” explains Kelly Presson, director of Leadership Development for AG Children’s Ministry. “In order for them to attend a conference, that often means taking a week of vacation from their jobs as well as having to pay their own way.”

In June 2018, AG Children’s Ministry launched Hydrate as a way for children’s ministries leaders to experience high-end training. Hydrate is an online connection to top children’s ministries leaders such as Brian Dollar, Dick Gruber, Tina Houser, David Boyd and others who share their insights on four key areas each month: Leadership Training, Eight Goals Strategies, Practical Methods, and Curriculum.

Topics covered in those four key areas include: Praying with Preschoolers, Object Lessons, Classroom Games, Being Bold in Faith, Living Like Christ, Team Building, Making the Most of Your Facility, Biblical Literacy, What Families Really Want from Your Church, and dozens more.

“We provide in-depth, digital training that our busy children’s leaders can access and grow at times that are the most convenient for them,” Presson says. “We are also very careful to teach and train in a fashion that does not discourage leaders who are in a small church or zero budget situation.”

Also, each month, members are contacted by their coaches to invite them to a small group coaching call referred to as a Hydrate Huddle.

Mark Entzminger, AG Children’s Ministry director, during an online discussion, pointed out that in addition to training, Hydrate provides community — connecting children’s ministry leaders with other leaders across the country. “One of the hardest things to do in children’s ministry is do children’s ministry when you feel like you’re all alone. So, I love it that we’re going to connect people and help them get equipped.”

“Literally, day by day, God would drop something into my lap through the Hydrate training videos, community, etc.,” states John W. Bechtel II, children’s minister at Bethel AG in Cape Girardeau, Missouri. “My wife and I are focused on getting these kids to be responsive in worship, powerful in prayer, biblically fluent. I would say for a kids pastor, it’s [Hydrate] a must have.”

One of the surprising and key benefits to Hydrate is its affordability. The introductory cost is just $10 a month through monthly auto-pay. Presson explains that this means instead of coming up with $120 at one time, it’s a much easier-to-manage monthly charge.

“Those who register before Feb. 1 for the February launch will receive the introductory price of $120,” Presson states. “After February, the price increases to $150 annually. Also, those who register before Feb. 1 will be a part of our first 1,000 subscribers who receive more than $350 worth kids church curriculum — an entire year’s worth — free.”

To learn more about Hydrate, see its web page at kidmin.ag.org/hydrate.