"As more and more families are fragmented, leaders need to help parents bring back the family’s intentional moments together,” pointed out Manuel Vitug, director of children’s ministries for the Southeastern California Conference.

This was the focus of the Children’s Ministries Convention at Pine Springs Ranch on Nov. 10-12, 2006. A capacity crowd of 252 adults and 94 children on Sabbath participated in breakout sessions and listened to speakers on the theme, “M-Powering Parents.”

In informal surveys, Vitug says his children’s leaders have discovered that the greatest need of parents today is how to better mentor and disciple their children. The convention attracted children’s ministry directors, pastors and Sabbath school teachers from 49 churches in the Southeastern California Conference and 11 from the Southern California Conference, triple the attendance of the first one held last year.

Breakout sessions covered many topics. Will James presented “Kids in Discipleship,” a program adopted by the Paradise Valley church where he is pastor, and endorsed by the North American Division. Families meet as a group initially, then break off as individual families for worship and Bible study. This hands-on experience puts worship back into the family.

Another workshop, presented by Debbie Hittle, focused on helping children create and enjoy quiet time as worship. She illustrated a biblical story, then allowed each child space for reflective thinking, art or writing.

Other sessions covered puppet ministries, positive class discipline, gracelink, learning styles, and making church service meaningful for children. Plenary speakers included Denise Kasischke, children’s pastor for the Glendale City church; Phyllis Washington, new children’s director for the North American Division; Bill Keresoma, associate superintendent of education, Southeastern California Conference; and Vitug.

During Sabbath vespers, Vitug encouraged parents to put their children first and spend one-on-one time with each. “It’s like ‘dating’ your child,” he said. “One time the parent can select the activity; next time the child selects. We must treat the appointments with our children as sacred as other appointments. Parents are surprised to find that their times together tend to break down communication barriers between them and their children.”

SECC’s next convention will be Nov. 8-11, 2007, in conjunction with the NAD Children’s Convention. The theme, “Go Fish,” will focus on how to reach children in and outside of the church.