Speaker Profiles

Craig Jutila

[ CHARLES REID ] Craig Jutila has been providing leadership and creativity in Children’s Ministry for the last 20 years. He has served as a Pastor at two churches, most recently with Saddleback Church in Lake Forest CA Where he served for 13 years as both Children’s Pastor and Teaching Pastor. Craig has authored and contributed to several books championing leadership and Children’s Ministry. He was voted by Group Magazine as one of the Pioneers of the Decade for his work in Children's Ministry and one of the top 20 influencers of the last 20 years. Craig has founded Empowering Kids, Empowering Students, Empowering Leaders and Empowering Families all found at www.whowillyouempower.com. Craig and his wife, Mary, founded Orphan Impact International, a non-profit organization that helps families adopt all over the world through grants and donations. Craig is currently a life coach, consultant and communicator throughout the country helping others make a difference in their life, family and ministry. Craig resides with his wife Mary, sons Alec and Cameron and daughter, Karimy, in Southern California.

Website: www.whowillyouempower.com
Email: craig@empoweringkids.net

Workshops:

October 21, 2011: Family Night "Things Are Caught Not Taught"
Registration not required and all are welcome. Bring your kids to hear this entertaining and inspiring speaker

October 22, 2011: Plenary Session 1 – "Put on a Happy Face"

October 22, 2011: Plenary Session 2 – "Put on a Happy PACE"

Amber Smith

[ AMBER SMITH ] Bright ideas for Children's Ministry have always been Amber's truest passion. While serving as a full-time Children's Pastor in two multicultural and urban churches within Toronto, Amber always had a vision that extended far beyond the local church. After graduating with a BTh from Master's College and Seminary, she launched a Canadian-based Children's Ministry Resource Company called Glo Media (www.glo-media.ca) with a passion and vision to provide churches and organizations with practical tools, innovative resources and bright ideas for ministry to children in the Christian context. Through Glo Media she now has the opportunity to work in various communities and cities, and within many different denominations and organizations, serving as a Children's Ministry Consultant and special speaker for Conferences, Training Events, Kids Camps and Retreats.

Website: www.glo-media.ca
Blog: http://childrensministryideas.ca
Twitter: twitter.com/glomediagirl

Workshops:

"Media and Children’s Ministry"
With the average media exposure for both kids and teens equaling almost 11 hours per day, the use of media within Children's Ministry can, at times, seem like a controversial topic. Discover how you can effectively and creatively use media within your Children's Ministry without jeopardizing the fundamental need for quality relationships between your leaders and kids.

"Preventative vs. Responsive Discipline"
Gain a new perspective on what discipline truly is and how to welcome moments requiring discipline into your Children's Ministry. Discover practical ways to prevent problematic behaviour from occurring and how to interpret and appropriately respond to the message a child sends you through misbehaviour.

Andrew Randall

Andrew Randall began his ministry as youth pastor at Stanley Avenue Baptist Church. It was during his 4 years at Stanley that God began to build in his heart a passion for neighbourhood outreach. Since leaving Stanley Avenue Baptist, and has gone back to school for Software Engineering and spent the last five years as the Marketing Director for a local wholesale tire company. Are you wondering how this all fits together? Well God is truly amazing as he directs our footsteps. Last September, Andrew launched as organization called 2C Beyond. God has used Andrew’s ministry experience, computer and marketing background to launch an organization committed helping churches turn their outreach events into relationship building opportunities. 2C Beyond helps churches turn visitors into neighbours and neighbours into friends. 2C Beyond purpose is to empower Christian families to partner together to build meaningful relationships with their neighbours and to be the lighthouse of hope for Jesus Christ in their neighbourhood.

Website: www.2cbeyond.org

Workshops:

"Effective Ways to Love Your Neighbour. Becoming a Lighthouse of Hope in your Neighbourhood"
The bible says to love our neighbour as ourselves. The question is... Do we know our neighbours well enough to obey this command? How can we move from merely saying hi to our neighbours to developing meaning relationships with them? In this workshops we will be discussing various ways to connect with our neighbours and discovering through discussion how each of us can be a lighthouse of hope in our neighbourhood.

Byron Morton

[ PUPPETS FOR GOODNESS SAKE ] He was eight years old when Founder and Creative Director Byron Morton received his first set of puppets and instantly fell in love with this creative art form. For many years Byron pursued his love of puppetry only on a part-time basis performing for various venues with the dream of one day becoming a full time puppeteer. So in 1990 along with his wife Marlene they formed Images Creative Puppetry. Images began with about 5 main characters and in short time grew to a professional troupe of over 350 colorful puppet personalities. For the next two years the Morton’s toured performing shows. It was during that time that people being impressed with the quality of their puppets would ask them to create some for them as well. Hence the birth of images Puppet Productions Inc. With a successful performing company on the go Byron and Marlene worked tirelessly to build Images Puppet Productions Inc. to what it is today. “Canada’s Largest Resource Center for the Puppetry Arts,” producing everything from small hand puppets to custom corporate mascots.

Byron is also a licensed Minister with the Fellowship Of Christian Assemblies. He is the Founder of Art In The Church Ministries based in Stoney Creek Ontario.

Workshops:

"Puppets in Ministry" (Part One and Two)
Puppets offer a creative way to present a message. If you are looking for a great way to get the children of your church involved in this creative ministry art form then this workshop is for you. Join the countless number of churches that have found the joy of puppet ministry.

In this hands on workshop students will learn the basic techniques of how to successfully operate their puppets. We will cover cover topics such as Types of Puppets, History of Puppets, Basic Puppet Manipulation, Lip Syncing, Stage Presence, Basic Staging ideas, Props, How to make your puppet ministry self supporting and much much more. Join Byron as he shares his over 21 years of professional experience with you.

Hal Grant

[ PUPPETS FOR GOODNESS SAKE ] Hal has been Clowning for about 12 years... some say from birth! He has been the VP for Clowns Canada, and is currently the VP for Brant Clown Alley. He has written for Clowns Canada's Newsletter in the past and is a contributor to "The Cross and the Clown" magazine. Aided in the writing of Anita Thies's book "The joyful journey of Nursing home clowning"

Hal has taught classes in Balloon art, story-telling, make-up, how to write a script and beginning clowning at Clown Conventions in Canada and the USA. As well as many Churches where he has focused on Clown Ministry. He has appeared at MissionFest (Toronto) for 2 years. Has been to Nicaragua two times and just returned from the Philippines where he was part of an evangelistic and heath mission. He hopes to continue to do this and to equip others to do the same.

Hal performs as Halaloo (Clown) and also as "Fred" a new story telling Character (non-clown) and will use balloons also to tell a story. Hal has written a one person play called "Santa discovers CHRISTmas" and has performed it at area Churches.

He is a member of Clowns Canada, Brant Clown Alley, Fellowship of Christian Magicians, International Brotherhood of Magicians and Fellowship of Christian Clowns Int. Hal lives in Smithville Ontario with his wife and 3 children. He can be seen at many events throughout the Niagara area.

Website: http://www.halaloo.com

Workshops:

"So you want to be a Clown?"
One of Hal's more popular classes. Learn the basics from make-up to costuming. And you will also make a kazoo-horn! I will demo make-up application. (The making of the Kazoo-horn involves some supplies. An additional $10 will be collected by Hal to cover the cost of materials used in this class.)

"Story Telling with Balloons - Part 2"
Don't be fooled by the name. Do to the size of the class last year we did not cover all I had hoped for. So we will cover what was missed. And we will add to this as well. This will be a hands on class! Leave with some new skills that will help reinforce the lesson that you are teaching. I will also share some attention getters!

"Simple Tricks and Humorous Lessons"
Come learn some simple tricks with low cost or no cost items. Learn some Clown techniques that can enhance your programs! This will include some hands on learning! So come prepared to play!

Hilary Hawley (KidLead)

[ PUPPETS FOR GOODNESS SAKE ] Born and raised in England, Hilary is now a proud Canuck, living in Brantford, where she is a passionate children’s ministry advocate. She was a children’s ministry director in a local church for 8 years before taking on roles in the wider church community. She is currently a trainer at Kidlead. Inc and believes wholeheartedly in training and equipping the next generation who will lead God's people forward. She is a multi-club leader for Key Bible Clubs, an organization that teaches biblical truth to children giving them a moral and spiritual foundation for life. When not talking kidmin, you'll find her enjoying time with husband, Richard, and running around with 3 live-wire kids.

Favourite Quote: "Practical action fueled by passion….potent mix!"

Website: http://www.kidlead.com
Email: hilary@kidlead.com

Workshops:

"Developing Kids as Leaders"
Most leaders do not begin formal leadership training until they are adults. Imagine what it would be like for next gen. leaders to start their adult lives with 10 years of leadership experience. Now they can, with Kidlead, an innovative approach to leadership for preteens and youth. Kidlead is not a kids' program emphasizing leadership, but rather a leadership program targeting leaders when they are most moldable.

This workshop will introduce you to the theology of leadership and philosophy of Kidlead. We will discuss how to identify leadership aptitude and the practices used to develop young leaders. This is a learn-by-doing training for those who work with children and youth, through fun and engaging experiences, resulting in skills to accelerate leadership training in the faith community.

Before attending this workshop, please check out our website at www.kidlead.com.

Johnny & Mary McKay (Children & Worship)

[ PUPPETS FOR GOODNESS SAKE ] Johnny McKay
Johnny has experience teaching guitar and bass for over 10 years. He is a graduate of the Mohawk College Jazz program. Johnny has experience one on one as well as group lessons. He has been a teacher for the 'Arts after school kids' (AASK) programme for over 4 years. Johnny is a skilled teacher who has many years experience working with children. He has been a foster parent for 6 years and has volunteered working with youth and children at church and camp for over 10 years. Johnny also has experience leading bands and can give help to band leaders. Johnny was on staff at Yeschurch for 2 years. Johnny is also a working musician in Southern Ontario. He can be seen performing weekly at various events and venues.

Mary McKay
Graduated from the Mohawk College Jazz programme with honours. While at Mohawk Mary was featured on 'Jazzology' on Toronto’s 91.1 premier jazz station. A programme showcasing a select few students around Ontario. Mary has many years experience working with children and adults in one on one and group settings. Mary directed the children's choir and the adult choir at Yeschurch. She has also taught music camp at Circle Square Ranch. She also teaches for the 'Arts after school kids' (AASK) programme. Mary has experience working with children and has been a foster parent for 6 years. She was also the children's ministry director at Yeschurch and Daycamp coordinator for Circle Square Ranch. Mary also has experience leading bands and can be seen performing weekly at various events and venues.

Website: www.jandmmusic.ca / www.marymckay.ca

Workshops:

"Developing Your kids to Lead in Worship"
Are you looking for ways to involve kids in your worship team? We are going to help you with ideas to train and mentor young musicians and worship leaders. We'll also talk about some other creative ways to involve kids in worship. Building confidence while developing the musicianship needed to start working with the worship team will be one of the key points.

Melodie Bissell

[ AMBER SMITH ] Melodie Bissell, M.Div., is the President & CEO of Winning Kids, Inc., a Canadian based organization committed to providing a Plan to Protect® to child and youth serving individuals and organizations globally. Winning Kids Inc., also brings recognition to the safe environments achieved by individuals and organizations. She co-authored and now is primary distributor of the bestselling 'Plan to Protect, A Protection Manual for Children, Youth and Those That Work With Them', co-authored 'Winning Kids: A Children's Ministry Assessment' and has published numerous articles and Melodie consults regularly with associations, schools, camps, churches and dioceses on abuse prevention, risk management and strategic planning. She is a sought after compelling speaker and trainer, serves as National Children's Facilitator for The Christian and Missionary Alliance, and sits on the Child in Church and Culture Partnership. Melodie lives in Richmond Hill, Ontario with her husband Scott, Lead Pastor at EastRidge Evangelical Missionary Church in Stouffville, ON. They have three children who are now young adults; Joshua, Victoria and Courtney.

Website: www.winningkidsinc.ca

Workshops:

"Cyber bullying: Cracking the Code"
Gain insight into the rising phenomenon of cyber bullying and how it affects both children and youth. Furthermore, discover how you can take preventative measures against cyber bullying within your church and ministry equipping your students, staff and parents to confidently recognize and appropriately respond to cyber bullying. Tips will be included on child and youth protection procedures on the internet, facebook and other social networks.

Nicki Straza

[ AMBER SMITH ] Nicolette's passion and energy are contagious as she brings over 20 years of kids ministry experience to the table. Starting as a preschool Sunday school teacher as a 10 year old, Nicolette quickly learned that there was nothing more important that raising up the next generation, even if they were only a few years behind her. Since then she has worked with travelling clown and drama teams, engaged kids and youth through summer day camps, VBS, summer ministry teams and more.

Nicolette believes that kids in ministry become adults in ministry and believes her destiny lies in helping kids young and old reach their greatest potential! Her passion to raise up and equip leaders in our complacent culture has become her focus as she continues to be inspired to write curriculum, teach in the public schools and motivate and inspire kids and youth everywhere she goes.

She is currently the children's pastor at Freedom House in Brantford, Ontario where she hosts her own kids club the L.A.F.F Academy. She is a regular contributing writer for www.kidology.org and for David C. Cook. She is a certified trainer for KidLead. She lives with her husband and two beautiful children in Brantford, City of God!

Website: http://nomediogrekids.blogspot.com
Facebook: http://facebook.com/nicki.straza
Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/nickistraza

Workshops:

"Built for the Kingdom"
Have you ever wondered why you are wired the way you are? Join us as we explore how God built you, your unique giftings as identified in scripture and how you can use them in your ministry and beyond?? Bring your pen as we dive into some real giftings tests and explore what God wants to say through HIS design in YOU!

"Keeping in Step"
Galatians 5:25 says "Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit". - So what does that mean for me? How do I keep in step with the Spirit and cultivate a vibrant faith within myself and those under my leadership? How can I create more space for the Holy Spirit to work in and through me and how can letting Him take the reins change everything about me and my ministry! Invest in yourself with this seminar!

"Creative Ways to help Kids REMEMBER (With Q&A Session)"
There are some things that we never forget from our childhood, they stick with us for years! Learn creative ways that you can help create FUN and RETENTION in your ministry including memory verse games, object lessons, and more! Bring your questions for the Q&A Session at the end!

"Writing and Adapting Curriculum (Q & A Format)"
We've all heard the "how to's" but what happens when you don't have the tools, resources, budget or know-how to create or adapt curriculum effective. What are the key elements of curriculum? How do I know if it works? What can I do on a small budget? This is a Q&A Session, so bring your honest and tough questions, and your notepad!

Rob Lukings

[ HAL GRANT ] Rob Lukings, and his wife Louise, have three adult sons and three grandchildren. In 1986 Rob sensed God's call to ministry. Leaving a successful fifteen-year career in software project management he joined the staff of Every Home For Christ International (EHC). His work there began in an administrative role, but expanded to include responsibility for implementing the ministry’s evangelistic projects across Canada.

In 1991 a growing burden for ministry to children led Rob to leave EHC and found "Jesus And Me Ministries of Canada", a ministry dedicated to evangelistic work among Canada’s children. Rob directed that work and ministered to children across eight provinces until 2007, when he accepted the post of Provincial Director for Child Evangelism Fellowship of Ontario (CEF Ontario). Rob is passionate about the need to give Canada's children an opportunity to hear, understand, and respond to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. He is a frequent speaker in churches and conferences, where he seeks to encourage vision and understanding of the importance of ministry to boys and girls.

Website: www.cefontario.org

Workshops:

Partnering With CEF to Reach Your Community
One of the most important challenges for churches is outreach to the un-churched children of their communities. Child Evangelism Fellowship exists to share the Gospel with children who have never heard, and to help connect them to a local church where they can learn and grow. We have a wide variety of programs and resources developed specifically with these goals in mind. Come and learn how CEF can train you, equip you, and assist you to effectively reach out to the children of your community.