Every week, kids ministry leaders create opportunities for children to encounter Jesus. You prepare lessons, recruit volunteers, encourage families, solve unexpected problems, and pray that what happens on Sunday will take root throughout the week.
It is meaningful work. It also takes a lot out of you.
That is why the WNM Kidmin Leaders Retreat, November 13–14, 2026, at Thrive Church in Wausau, Wisconsin, is an opportunity worth making room for. With guest speaker Allon Loven, this weekend is designed to help you connect with other leaders, grow in your ministry, and return home encouraged for the work God has called you to do.
Find People Who Understand Your World
There is something refreshing about sitting across the table from someone who understands kids ministry.
They know the excitement of hearing a child ask to follow Jesus. They also know what it feels like when a volunteer cancels, a lesson needs adjusting, or you wonder whether your efforts are making a difference.
At the retreat, you will have time to build relationships with leaders who share your passion. A conversation over coffee or a meal could lead to a helpful idea, a new friendship, or someone you can call when you need encouragement.
Whether you serve in a small church or lead a larger team, you have something to contribute—and something to gain.
Step Away So You Can See More Clearly
When you are busy keeping ministry moving, it can be difficult to pause and think about where it is going.
A retreat gives you space to listen, reflect, and consider your next steps. What is working well? Where does your team need support? How can you help kids grow as Spirit-filled disciples who know Jesus and live out their faith?
With Allon Loven joining us as our guest speaker, we look forward to learning together and considering how that learning can strengthen ministry in our local churches.
Come ready to take notes, ask questions, and make room for God to encourage you.
Bring Your Team and Grow Together
Consider inviting a volunteer, an emerging leader, or several members of your kids ministry team to attend with you.
Learning together creates shared understanding. Instead of returning home and trying to explain everything you heard, you can talk through ideas together: “Could we try that?” “How would this work in our church?” “What should we do next?”
The weekend is also a meaningful way to thank the people who faithfully serve alongside you. Investing in their growth communicates that their ministry matters and that you value them as leaders.
Share Resources and Practical Ideas
Kids ministry leaders are wonderfully creative, and the retreat provides opportunities to learn from one another.
Our resource giveaway table is one way to share that creativity. Bring useful ministry resources you are ready to pass along, and browse for something that could serve your church. A resource sitting unused on your shelf might be exactly what another leader needs.
Bring your questions, too. Sometimes a practical idea from another church can help you take a step you have been struggling to figure out.
Make the Weekend Simple
The retreat registration is $78 per person, with Friday dinner and Saturday lunch included.
A hotel room block is available at Holiday Inn Express & Suites Wausau, 420 Barbican Avenue in Weston, Wisconsin. Visit the retreat website for hotel booking information and event details.
Between the sessions, conversations, and meals, there will be opportunities to slow down and enjoy being together.
Make Time to Be Encouraged
You do not have to wait until you feel exhausted to invest in yourself and your team. Healthy ministry grows when leaders make time to learn, build relationships, and renew their sense of purpose.
If you are new to kids ministry, come meet people who can walk alongside you. If you have served for years, come share your experience and discover fresh ideas. If you are feeling tired, come ready to receive encouragement.
Your ministry matters. Your team matters. And you matter, too.
Join us November 13–14, 2026, at Thrive Church in Wausau for the WNM Kidmin Leaders Retreat with Allon Loven.
Register and find hotel information at wnmdkids.org/kidmin-retreat.