The SMBC 2026 Children's Ministry Conference

Mark Stephens

The conference theme was ‘Creator God, Creative Kids’. The Bible talk was given by Dr Mark Stephens, SMBC lecturer in New Testament. He explored the question ‘What were we made for’ from Genesis 1-2.

“Our creativity is intended for the glory of God and for the flourishing of others.”
“God has made a world where he deliberately leaves room for human creativity to make a contribution to his creation.” – Mark Stephens

Mark gave four key points: 1. We were made to know and enjoy God; 2. We were made to enjoy one another; 3. We were made to enjoy God’s good world; and 4. We were made to be creative contributors. He then took his key points and made practical applications to children’s ministry.

“Encourage your team in their creativity. Don’t give them all the dance steps, teach them how to choreograph.”
“The goal of kid’s ministry is to help them to see and savour Jesus, not that they behaved and did the craft.” – Mark Stephens

“This is a quality conference for children’s ministry. A great balance of theology and practical ideas.” – conference attendee

Quiz Worx then gave a high energy, creative session on ways to help children memorise Bible verses – using music, rhythm, movement, games, and puppets. They reminded us that God’s word is “living and active” and can stay in young children’s hearts till a time when God might use it to comfort or challenge them.

Colin Buchanan

A very special highlight of the conference was keynote speaker Colin Buchanan, popular children’s songwriter and entertainer, and acclaimed country music star.

Using his own story of coming to faith as a child, Colin explored the importance of children’s ministry. He touched on the value of real relationships, mentoring, memorising Bible verses, engaging songs, and doing the hard work of grappling with Bible truths.

“It doesn’t matter who you’re teaching, if you’re teaching the Word of God, there is weight in the word. And you ought to remember the gravity of teaching the word of God, whether you’re teaching it to old or young. My analogy is medicine. We don’t have real doctors for grown-ups, and then pretend doctors for children. You know, do a Cert 1 in doctoring! It’s all medicine. Children need real doctors, and children need real Bible teachers.” – Colin Buchanan

Throughout his presentation, Colin wove in many of his songs, which everyone enthusiastically sang along with.

He encouraged everyone to consider that God is in the midst of each of their stories, working it out and equipping them. He suggested that people look around for who they can imitate and who they can help. He then shared some of his ministry foundations as well as several practical tips (Read more in Colin’s article here)

“You don’t dilute the truth, you distill the truth, and it’s very different. Anyone can water truth down, and it’s quite another thing to distill it, to preserve its integrity and perhaps even intensify the truth in the process of seeking to simplify.” – Colin Buchanan

“The conference spurred me on to give my all to teaching God’s wonderful truths to kids.” – conference attendee

Seminars

After enjoying a picnic lunch, attendees chose two seminars from eight options for the afternoon program. There were seminars to suit:

• New team members starting in children’s ministry,
• Veterans looking for deeper learning on complex issues,
• Senior leaders looking for strategy and big picture thinking.

The seminars were:

1. ‘Sketch and Tell’ with Naomi de Vries, Children’s and Families pastor at The Bridge Church, Sydney. Naomi explored how to tell biblical stories well, with tips on how to use stories to help children see and delight in God.

2. ‘Engaging the Creativity and Curiosity of Children’ with Robyn Garlick, Children’s Pastor at Narwee Baptist Church. Robyn addressed fundamental questions around what we expect from children and our programs.

3. ‘Purple Cow Ideas: Creative Ways to Think Outside the Box’ with Logosdor, a worldwide media and games ministry for children. The Logosdor team gave techniques and exercises to help people come up with fresh, new ideas.

4. ‘Presenting with Creativity and Humour’ with Adam Jolliffe, Youthworks advisor and trainer. Adam dug into the serious stuff of how creativity and humour can make your Bible presentations profoundly memorable.

5. ‘Creative Ideas for Recruiting Teams’ with Linda Stephens, Children and Families Pastor at St Paul’s Anglican Church, Castle Hill. Linda gave tips and ideas on how to set vision and communicate in a way that people might listen and be provoked to action.

6. ‘Fostering a Sense of Wonder and Creativity in Children’ with Bruce Linton, CMS NSW & ACT’s children’s and youth worker. Bruce explored how leaders can creatively interact and relate to children, particularly through questions, to help them deepen their love for God, and grow their wonder and delight in Him.

7. ‘Creative Ways to Help Under 5’s Hear, Understand and Remember the Bible’ with Jo Hill, children’s ministry team at EV Church. Jo led a discussion and exercises on how to use creativity intentionally with play, music and movement for under 5s.

8. ‘Picture Books for Pastoral Care’ with Penny Reeve, award-winning children’s book author. Penny showed how picture books offer unique opportunities for pastoral moments with children and their families.

“An engaging and uplifting conference that encouraged creativity in children’s ministry while keeping the focus firmly on sharing Jesus.” – conference attendee

We continue to delight in the diversity of people who come to this conference – from different denominations, backgrounds, ages and stages. From the teams who attended on-campus, to the large teams who joined us via livestream (Hello Cornerstone Church!), to those who attended online by themselves from remote locations.

“Who would have thought that sitting at home alone all day on my laptop, watching the conference could be so encouraging.” – conference online attendee

A big thank you goes to Kristen Young and her Children’s Ministry Conference team, including our two on-campus hosts, Naomi de Vries and Linda Stephens, for a wonderful conference that we pray will continue to sustain and encourage those in children’s ministry for years to come – for His glory.

PS The team are already thinking and preparing for next year’s Children’s Ministry Conference on Saturday 1 May 2027 – save the date!