Spanish Children's Ministries Training Held in Louisiana

Children's ministry leaders from four Spanish-speaking churches throughout the greater New Orleans area gathered at New Orleans Kenner Spanish Seventh-day Adventist Church June 13–15 for Children's Ministries certification training conducted by Sonia Canó, director of Children's Ministries and Church Ministries for the Southwestern Union.

Bible verses became songs. Paper bags became lions for Daniel's den. Hand-traced outlines became reminders that people learn best when they participate.

Participant interaction was built into every seminar. After Canó introduced key concepts, attendees applied what they are learning through questions, activities, games and discussion.

“It was hands-on, of course,” she says. “With questions, activities and games, we are learning and applying what the seminar has to say.”

Throughout the weekend, participants explored ways to help children connect with God through Sabbath School, Bible activities, Scripture memorization and worship. They also learned practical teaching methods, including active learning, nature-based instruction, crafts and disciplining with grace and love.

Canó says one of the highlights of the weekend was watching participants learn from one another. “You can have an 82-year-old Sabbath School teacher sharing her experience with a 20-year-old,” she says. “I just love that.”

She recalled one discussion in which the veteran teacher described how she responds when children ask difficult Bible questions. Rather than feeling pressured to provide an immediate answer, the teacher encouraged leaders to pray about the question and allow time for the Holy Spirit to guide their response.

Canó does certification trainings like these throughout the union, each with its own focus depending on what local leaders indicate they'd like to learn. The next Children's Ministries certification training is scheduled for the Oklahoma City area the last weekend of September.

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