Something incredible happens every year at the Great Lakes Annual Conference of the Global Methodist Church—hundreds of pastors and lay leaders gather to worship, learn, and chart the course for the year ahead. But while all of that Kingdom-building work unfolds in the main sessions, there's another vital ministry happening just down the hall: our children's ministry. Every child who comes to Annual Conference deserves an experience that is safe, fun, and filled with the love of Jesus. That's where you come in. A SPECIAL INVITATION We're looking for caring, energetic, and faithful people to serve on our Annual Conference children's ministry team. Whether you love leading worship with little ones, crafting Bible stories into adventures, or simply being a steady and joyful presence in a room full of kids, there is a place for you on this team. This ministry matters more than you might think. When parents and guardians know their children are loved and cared for, they are free to be fully present in worship, business sessions, and the work God is calling our Conference to do. You are not just watching kids—you are making space for the Holy Spirit to move across our entire gathering. WHAT YOU RECEIVE As a thank-you for your service, every children's ministry team member receives complimentary meals and registration for Annual Conference. You'll have the chance to be part of the Conference experience while making a real difference in the lives of the youngest members of our community. THE SCREENING PROCESS Because the safety of every child is an absolute priority, all children's ministry team members complete a thorough screening process. Here's what to expect: Application — A brief form to help us learn about your background and experience with children's ministry. Background check — A standard screening to ensure a safe environment for every child in our care. Child protection training — Equipping you with the tools and knowledge to create the safest possible space for kids. Reference calls — A few quick conversations with people who can speak to your character and heart for ministry. We know this process takes a little time, but it reflects our deep commitment to the wellbeing of every child entrusted to us. We believe it's worth it—and we think you will too. READY TO SERVE? We would love to have you on the team. If God is stirring your heart toward this ministry, get started by filling out the Youth, Children, and Vulnerable Adult Volunteer Application linked below. Have questions? Reach out to Kathleen Engelman at kathleen.engelman@greatlakesgmc.org—she would be happy to help. Together, we can make Annual Conference a place where every generation encounters the love of Christ. God is at work in this Conference, and He is inviting you to be part of it.
The Church as a Disciple-Making Movement: 2026 Annual Conference Pre-Conference Training June 9, 2026 | 9 AM to 4 PM (CT) Green Lake, WI What if disciple-making wasn’t just a ministry in your church… but the movement that shaped everything? As part of our ongoing commitment to forming disciples, the Great Lakes Annual Conference is hosting this pre-conference training led by River Network International . This experience is designed to help your church move from good intentions to everyday discipleship practice by exploring core principles that cultivate disciples who make disciples. During this training, participants will receive: A practical disciple-making tool you can begin using right away A clear pathway to help refocus your church around its Great Commission calling Encouragement and strategies for building a culture of multiplication What You Need to Know Open to all Great Lakes Annual Conference participants Free of charge (registration required) Registration costs are fully covered by the Great Lakes Annual Conference Lunch is included for all registered participants Ready to take the next step in cultivating a disciple-making culture in your church? Be sure to select the Pre-Conference Training when you complete your Annual Conference registration . Registration for annual conference voting clergy and lay members will open on February 20, 2026, via a unique link sent by email to these individuals. General registration for non-voting registrants (guests, inactive clergy, ordinand family members, exhibitors, youth workers, etc) will open soon after (stay tuned). For additional information, contact Curtis Banker, Great Lakes Annual Conference Multiplication and Church Planting Team Co-Lead, at curtis.banker@greatlakesgmc.org.
Transforming World Missions: 2026 Annual Conference Pre-Conference Training June 9, 2026 | 12 PM to 5 PM (CT) Green Lake, WI What does it truly mean to be a Great Commission church in today’s world? Join us for an inspiring and practical afternoon as we explore how God is transforming world missions through faithful, globally connected churches. Together, we’ll reflect on what it means to live as an Acts 1:8 church while deepening our understanding of the Church’s global call. You’ll hear from dynamic leaders, including Olivia Watkins of the Global Methodist Church Kingdom Advancement Mission Mobilization Team; Dan Miller , Superintendent of the Oasis Conference; and Anbessu Tolla Feyissa , Superintendent of the Ethiopian Nazrawiyan Conference, both of whose conferences are missional partners with the Great Lakes Annual Conference. During this training, participants will explore: What “missions” really means in a Great Commission church The urgency of reaching Unreached People Groups and the 10/40 Window Our growing global partnerships What it looks like to live as an Acts 1:8 church An engaging Q&A panel with global leaders What You Need to Know Open to all Great Lakes Annual Conference participants Free of charge (registration required) Registration costs are fully covered by the Great Lakes Annual Conference Lunch and dinner are included for all registered participants Registration is completed through your Annual Conference registration Ready to think bigger about God’s global work? Whether you’re a missions leader, pastor, or passionate church member, this pre-conference will challenge and equip you to think bigger about God’s global work. Be sure to select the Transforming World Missions Pre-Conference Training when you complete your Annual Conference registration . Registration for the annual conference voting clergy and lay members will open on February 20, 2026, via a unique link sent by email to these individuals. General registration for non-voting registrants (guests, inactive clergy, ordinand family members, exhibitors, youth workers, etc) will open soon after. For additional information, contact David & Darlene Schaffer, Great Lakes Annual Conference Missions Team Co-Leads, at darlene.schaffer@greatlakesgmc.org
