Insights
Hear from leading voices on children, the local church and a biblical approach to navigate culture.
Strategy & Resources
Refine and refuel your ministry for kids in today's world.
Community & Belonging
Connect with like-minded leaders over critical conversations.
Testimonials
“We had great conversations and are working on next steps to ensure that each child in our ministries will be discipled.”
“We loved everything — our biggest conversations were around how to best relay all we learned to the parents of the children we serve, and the volunteers who work with our children each week.”
“I appreciated the excellent speakers. Great theological content and practical scripture application and tools.”
“The forum discussions were vitally important to our table. It gave us quality moments to personally attach the information we received to our ministries, hearing how others would also do the same. The gender identity discussions were necessary. Thank you for providing speakers who are strategically able to take the issue, and based on God's Word, direct us on how to best help our kids/families..”
“We loved the talks so much and feel very equipped to engage in these conversations back at home!”
“This was my first time at the conference and it was a very powerful, convicting, and eye opening experience. I loved to be able to learn and hear from so many gifted and wise individuals!”
2023 Child Discipleship Forum Speakers
Jon Tyson
Church of the City NYC
Lead Pastor
Rich Villodas
New Life Fellowship
Lead Pastor
Ed Stetzer
Pastor & Researcher
Robby Gallaty
Long Hollow Church
Lead Pastor
Chinwé Williams
Child & Youth Trauma Therapist
Darren Whitehead
Church of the City Franklin
Lead Pastor
Rebekah Lyons
Q Ideas
Speaker & Author
Santosh Swamidass
Pastor
Founder Launching Ground & Launch Network
Elizabeth Smith
Moody Bible Institute
Children & Family Ministry
Phil & Diane Comer
Intentional Parents International
Shai Linne
Author & Recording Artist
Jared Kennedy
The Gospel Coalition
Children's Ministry Editor & Author
Modern Day Cure
Worship
Sam Luce
Redeemer Church Utica
Children & Family Pastor
Ellie Holcomb
Singer/Songwriter
Melanie Hester
Emcee
Catherine
Hwang-Jin
Emcee
Matt Markins
Awana President & CEO
Author & Speaker
It’s up to us to disciple kids whose identity in Christ can’t be shaken.
Influencers. Conflict. Noise. There’s so much fighting for our kids’ hearts, and the battle to anchor those hearts to Jesus in a culture that puts everything else first is sometimes exhausting and lonely. But our children are worth it. God’s Kingdom is worth it. And whether we’re ministers, parents or volunteers, our kids are looking to us to help them walk in His ways.
This is not the first generation to be challenged in their faith; throughout the Bible and Church history men and women have courageously followed God even amid persecution. What was different about them? And more pressing, How can we raise children with a spirit like that?
Join us at CDF 23 to hear from Bible-minded leaders in child advocacy, and learn to cultivate a different spirit in our kids — one of conviction, courage, compassion and commitment.
LIVE! In Nashville or Online
Don’t miss your chance to join in this year's most intentional conversations about child discipleship — the challenges, the joy and the hope that inspires us to seek better ways to serve the children God places in our lives. You’ll be equipped and encouraged by thought-provoking content as you process, pray and worship with others whose hearts are set on shaping kids with lifelong faith in Jesus Christ.
Ways to Join
Whether you participate in the Child Discipleship Forum in person or online, you will have live access to all resources, every presentation and opportunities for dialogue and collaboration.
In Person
Individual
$349
On-site Pricing
Online
Individual
$249
Online Pricing
Teams of Two+
$499
Online Pricing
Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to such as these.
Matthew 19:14
Event Details
Nashville, TN
September 21 & 22, 2023
Thompson Station Church
2604 Thompson’s Station Rd E,
Thompson’s Station, TN 37179
Schedule
Thursday Sept 21:
7:30 AM In-person Doors Open (Registration, Coffee & Networking)
8:00 AM Online Pre-Show
8:30 AM Session 1
10:30 AM Break
10:50 AM Session 2
12:30 PM Lunch (In-person: lunch provided)
1:40 PM Session 3
3:20 PM Break
3:45 PM Session 4
5:30 PM End of Day 1
Friday, September 22
7:30 AM In-person Doors Open
8:00 AM Online Pre-Show
8:30 AM Session 5
10:00 AM Break
10:25 AM Session 6
12:00 PM Lunch (In-person: lunch provided)
1:15 PM Session 7 2:20 PM
Session 8 3:30 PM
End of Day 2
All times are listed in Central Time and are subject to change
Online: a 2-hour delayed broadcast will also be available
Hotel Accommodations
We have blocks of rooms available at several surrounding hotels.
Mention code “CDF” when booking.
Homewood Suites Franklin — Sept. 1
Hampton Inn Berry Farms — Aug. 29
Hilton Garden Cool Springs — Aug. 21
Residence Inn Berry Farms Franklin — Aug. 20
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Plan your trip
We have blocks of rooms available at the hotels below. Mention code "CDF" when booking.
Plan your trip
We have blocks of rooms available at the hotels below. Mention code “CDF” when booking.
About Awana
The Child Discipleship Forum has been organized by Awana. From its roots in mid-week children's ministry, Awana has become a leader in global child and youth discipleship, providing curriculum and leader equipping in 134 countries. Awana partners with ministries like Compassion International, World Vision, and numerous denominations in over 68,000 churches, engaging more than 5.1 million children and students weekly.
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