Five Questions With Stacey Losher
At ACU Summit this October, we’re placing community building and shared learning at the center of the experience, with special interest groups who will gather to engage with God, with one another, and with material designed to equip them for service.
I recently caught up with Stacey Losher, who is facilitating the children’s ministry community this fall. Stacey ministers with the Preston Road Church of Christ in Dallas, Texas.
1. What’s something you love about ministering to children and families?
Stacey Losher
I love lots of things, but two things come to mind. First, I love to tell stories, I really love to tell Bible stories, and I really, really love to explain how the Bible makes up one big story that we all get to be a part of even today! It’s fun to connect the dots of how the Bible fits together, and I love when children’s faces light up when they understand how a lesson from weeks before fits in with what we are learning today! Second, I love to partner with parents. Equipping them to navigate the Bible or a life circumstance with their children is such a special space. I think most parents are trying their best to teach and train up their children, so giving them tools to do that is a really fun for me. I always feel so honored when parents ask my opinion about resources for their family.
2. What are some challenges and opportunities facing children’s ministers today?
Honestly, we are fighting to get it all in! Children’s ministers are vision-casting dreamers, and we see the value in pouring every ounce into our children. We are always looking for more volunteers to help, more time to fill, and the best ways to do things! If you want to be inspired to dream big, call a children’s minister! We don’t ever want to settle – we want the best of the best, and usually we want it all (which often also translates into another challenge of setting boundaries for ourselves).
3. What excites you about your own ministry context?
I love to put a lot of energy into planning events and classes, and then bring them to life! The way our classes are structured, I have the opportunity to teach the elementary Bible lesson for 15-20 minutes of a large group class setting each Sunday. That allows me to tell the story and get to know the kids on a personal level, but also allows me to be available to parents and volunteers for the rest of the day. Often, children’s ministers spend so much time doing administrative work that we don’t get that time with the kids.
4. What do you hope people take home with them after participating in your Summit community in October?
Children’s ministry friends! Some of my best work in children’s ministry is the result of the network of children’s ministers that I belong to. We collaborate and pour into each other’s programs all the time. I hope that Summit can offer everyone some BIG ideas, practical tools, and, most importantly, some names and numbers of people to call when you feel stuck or need some encouragement.
5. What are you looking forward to about Summit this fall?
The networking opportunity that children’s ministers will experience at Summit. Having our own dedicated tracks and spaces to mingle will be so valuable! We have put together an all-star lineup of children’s ministry experts to speak about a variety of topics, but honestly, I’m most excited to grow in relationship with each other. Many children’s ministers are working alone, and this space is designed to give support, encouragement and spark new ideas! I hope everyone will make plans to come join us – I know we are going to be a fun bunch!
Join Stacey Losher for the children's ministry community on October 14-15. Or if you’re not a children’s minister, check out our other Summit communities for preachers and small-church ministers, plus our general interest community.
Be sure to register by Sept. 30 to secure your spot, or by Sept. 15 for a discounted rate.
