Ep. 12 | Innovating Kids Ministry: Serving young families when everything has to be different w/ Anna Koehn, Tom Drinkwater, & Leora Sawatsky
We know how important children’s ministry is. After all, how we lead our children and families now has a direct impact on the church of the future. Every single leader should be thinking about how we are passing on faith to every single generation.
But how do we do that in a time where our children’s ministries have lost so many touch points with the people they serve?
In this episode, Elizabeth Faulkner from our Leadership Development team talks with three Children’s Ministry Directors: Anna Koehn from Ridge Church, Tom Drinkwater from Central Baptist Church Victoria, and Leora Sawatsky from Campbell River Baptist Church.
They discuss the challenges they’re facing as they continue to try to reach children and young families during the Covid-19 pandemic and the surprising opportunities that have come along with all the change. You’ll also hear about the different things they have each tried and get some inspiration and resources for your own ministry.
Resources mentioned in this episode:
The Gospel Project curriculum
ANNA KOEHN
Anna has been a part of Children's Ministry at Ridge Church since walking through the doors in 2013. Prior to coming on board as staff in May 2019, Anna worked in Children's Ministry and in the not for profit sector. Having the front seat to watch kids discover and follow Jesus resulting in small disciples who share their faith with those around them, is what wakes Anna up in the morning. Equipping young families to set Biblical foundations for their kids amidst a crazy stage in life is also something Anna is passionate about.
Anna lives in Maple Ridge with her husband Nathan and together they have the fun of bringing up their four kids - Katelyn, Caleb, Cece & Hannah, all ranging in preschool to elementary school ages. When not chasing kids or working, Anna loves playing video games - sometimes with a kid, and other times not.
TOM DRINKWATER
Tom Drinkwater has been part of the Central Baptist staff team since August 2014. He was raised in Victoria and attended Saanich Baptist Church with his family. He graduated from Taylor University and Bible College in 2006, and recently completed his Master’s degree through the Immerse Program at Northwest Seminary.
Tom is a very charismatic and outgoing person who attributes his joy to the love he has for his Savior and the good news of the Gospel message. He brings his kid-friendly nature, enthusiasm, and drive into his role as Children’s Director, where he hopes to see young hearts forever changed and empowered by the love of Jesus. In his spare time he has a passion for international missions, art, strategy games, socializing, greasy food and theme parks, especially the BIGGEST and TALLEST scary roller-coasters!
LEORA SAWATSKY
Leora has been the Director of Children's Ministry at CRBC since January 2012. She and her husband Dylan moved to Campbell River in 2008 from Three Hills, AB where they met while attending Prairie Bible College. Leora grew up at a Christian Youth Camp in Quebec (Frontier Lodge) where her parents were the general directors. Through camp, short term mission trips and Bible school it became clear that Leora’s passion was to serve and love families and children. She continues to be passionate about serving and loving children and families through providing environments, events and programs for learning more about who God is and what He is like.