In 2023, the Michigan Conference underwent a significant staffing restructure. The "expert" based program staff positions were eliminated (including the former Children's Initiatives Coordinator), and the conference shifted to a new connectional ministries "generalists" staff team model. Over the past 10 months, I have been gathering feedback and insight with the guidance of an advisory team and, within the past 2 months, building a new team model. After listening to you and continuing in conversation, we created 4 teams: Curation/Resourcing, Kids Min Zooms, Regional Networking, and Communication. The Curation Team will be responsible for making sure we have up-to-date resources for the website and social media. The Kids Min Zoom team will plan and facilitate the twice-a-month zooms. The Regional Networking Team will focus on creating networks across Michigan - especially for in-person gatherings and contact points across the state. The Communication Team will oversee social media, e-newsletters, and updating the website. Additional communication modes may be utilized in the future.
We are excited to announce the team leads! They will build their respective teams to carry out our shared vision and mission.
- Curation/Resourcing - Deaconess Anne Hillman (Detroit: Central UMC)
- Kids Min Zoom - Susan Adam-Rita (Chelsea First UMC)
- Regional Networking - Rachel McCollum (Ann Arbor First UMC)
- Communication - Maddy Martinson (Marshall UMC)
Get to know our team leads here.
We also worked on a vision, mission, and core values for our work:
Vision - To be known as a faithful and trusted children's ministry network for leaders, churches, and communities.
Mission - To equip, empower, and encourage children's ministry leaders as we share the love of God in our churches and communities.
Core Values - Trust, Leadership, Collaboration, Innovation
You are invited into this ongoing work by participating in the regular offerings and opportunities, utilizing the Facebook group and Lifelong Faith website, or learning more about being on a team by completing this form. You will see communication and emails from the team leads as we continue to shift to the team model.
Moving to this approach will widen our reach, invite more voices and experiences to leadership, and allow us to impact more churches, leaders, families, and children with the love of Jesus. Thank you for your patience and grace as we navigate through these new opportunities and challenges. If you have questions about these changes, please contact Rev. Kathy Pittenger.