23 Child Discipleship Forum

September 21 & 22. 2023.

Nashville, TN or Online.

How do we disciple kids with unshakeable faith?

  • Biblical and Proven Discipleship Philosophy at Church & Home
  • Forming Kids who Follow Christ in Today’s Culture
  • Addressing the Child Mental Health Crisis
JOIN THE CONVERSATION

The Experience

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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.

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.

Save Your Seat

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.

Save Your Seat

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

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.