At Countryside, we believe children and youth aren’t just the future of the church—they’re the church today. That’s why one of our key priorities this year is engaging in intentional, thoughtful discernment around how we imagine and support ministry with children, youth, and families. This is not just a planning project—it’s a faithful step toward growing a thriving, sustainable ministry rooted in our values and our vision of the Kin-dom of God.
To help guide this important work, Countryside is partnering with Ministry Architects, a nationally recognized organization that helps churches build strong and lasting ministries for young people. Pastor Jenny has worked with Ministry Architects’ founder, Mark DeVries, in previous ministry settings and brings a deep appreciation for their strategic, heart-centered approach.
Our partnership with Ministry Architects includes several key moments for the entire congregation to be involved:
Virtual Listening Sessions – On May 14, Scott Pointer from Ministry Architects will lead a series of small group Zoom conversations designed to gather experiences, hopes, and dreams for our children’s and youth ministries. Everyone is invited to participate.
Vision Summit – On June 27–28, we’ll host an in-person summit to collaboratively craft a mission statement, core values, and long-term benchmarks for our children’s and youth ministries.
Ministry Architects will also provide ongoing coaching to current and future ministry staff, helping to ensure that our internal leadership is nurtured and aligned with the vision we are building together.
Your voice matters in this process. Whether you’re a parent, grandparent, youth, volunteer, lay leader, youth group alum, or simply someone who cares deeply about the future of our faith community—we need you. Please consider signing up for one of the virtual listening sessions below and, if you’re able, join us at the Vision Summit in June. The more voices we hear, the better we can imagine a children’s and youth ministry that reflects who we are and who we hope to become—rooted in love, grounded in faith, and built to last.
May 14 Zoom Listening Sessions
Each session will last about an hour. Participation is limited to 5–10 people per group to allow for meaningful sharing. All conversations are confidential.
May 14 Zoom Listening Sessions
Each session will last about an hour. Participation is limited to 5–10 people per group to allow for meaningful sharing. All conversations are confidential.
3:30 pm: Open to everyone – parents of children, church volunteer leaders, interested members, etc. Register here.
4:30 pm: Middle & High School Students. Register here.
5:30 pm: Parents of Middle and High School Students. Register here.
6:30 pm: Members of the Christian Education and Spiritual Formation Board and Children’s/Youth Ministry Volunteers. Register here.
7:30 pm: Open to everyone – parents of children, church volunteer leaders, interested members, etc. Register here.