Coast Kids Leader Conference
Calling all Children’s Ministry Staff & Volunteers
Coast Kids Vista is pleased to host the 5th annual Coast Kids Leader Conference, a training event for children’s ministry leaders (staff and volunteers) from all North Coast Church campuses and local churches. The morning includes breakfast, worship, keynote speaker Chris Brown, two breakout sessions (choose from six), and wrap-up. We hope you leave feeling encouraged, inspired, and better equipped in your role as a children’s ministry leader.
WHEN: Saturday, March 1, 2025
TIME: *8:30 am to 12:30 pm
- *Optional Breakfast in the Plaza from 8:30-9:00am
- *Conference starts with worship at 9:00am
WHERE: North Coast Church, Vista Campus, The Edge Venue
2405 N. Santa Fe Ave Vista CA 92084
COST: $10 per person
The Schedule
8:30 – 9am: Check-in and Optional Breakfast in the Plaza
9am: Worship and Keynote Speaker, Pastor Chris Brown
10:15am: Breakout Session 1
11:15am: Breakout Session 2
12:15pm: Wrap-up
QUESTIONS? Please contact Gina at gsur@northcoastchurch.com
BREAKOUT SESSIONS
When registering, you will be able to choose a breakout for each session. The first session begins at 10:15am and the second session begins at 11:15am. All six breakouts will be offered at each session.
Contextual Wonder: Making the Bible Come Alive for Kids by Shara Garcia
The Bible is the most bought book in the world, but it’s also the least read — especially by kids. With distractions like TikTok, YouTube, and video games, God’s Word can seem like just another boring textbook. But what if we could make it come alive?
The Bible is the most bought book in the world, but it’s also the least read — especially by kids. With distractions like TikTok, YouTube, and video games, God’s Word can seem like just another boring textbook. But what if we could make it come alive? In this training, we’ll explore how to spark real excitement for God’s Word— not by making it “cool” but by teaching kids its true context — historical, cultural, and literary. Learn how to equip kids to engage with Scripture, build biblical literacy, and develop a deep love for God’s Word. By the end, you may even find yourself wanting to dive deeper into the Word! Together, let’s raise a generation that sees the Bible as a feast to enjoy, not a puzzle to solve.
About Shara:
Shara attended Concordia University to receive a BA in Christian Ministries with a minor in Global Cultural Studies. She has served in children’s and youth ministries for 10 years, with a passion for leading teams, training leaders and connecting with students. She and her husband, David, Associate Pastor for the Spanish Ministry at North Coast, enjoy working in ministry together, especially when it comes to global missions. They have three children, ages 7, 5, and almost 1. Shara enjoys reading Christian historical fiction, scrapbooking, or taking care of her 14 chickens.
Soul Care for Your Servant’s Heart by Dan Lewis
Does your servant’s heart need a little life pumped back into it? Do you love serving in Children’s Ministry but sometimes find yourself weary and in need of a breath of fresh air? A little soul care is just what the doctor ordered!
Does your servant’s heart need a little life pumped back into it? Do you love serving in Children’s Ministry but sometimes find yourself weary and in need of a breath of fresh air? A little soul care is just what the doctor ordered! In this empowering session, you will learn and practice some simple tools to energize your servant’s heart and breathe life into your weary soul whenever you need it. Get ready to feel refreshed and prepared to take on the challenges of ministry with a little soul care for your servant’s heart!
About Dan:
Dan Lewis has been serving in a variety of ministry capacities since committing his life to Jesus over 30 years ago. Almost half of that time was spent in Youth Ministry where he helped grow the youth group at his previous church from 3 students to over 60 before joining the Coast Kids Vista Staff in Fall 2023. As the Associate Teaching Director, Dan helps develop curriculum for CK Vista and brings his energy, enthusiasm and quite a bit of goofiness to the 4/5 Classroom every weekend!
Using AI in Your Everyday Life & Ministry by Steve Nichols
Life can get busy—between work, family, and ministry, there’s always a lot on your plate. This workshop is designed to introduce you to the incredible world of AI and show you how it can make your daily life easier, more productive, and more fun! Whether you want help planning meals, organizing your schedule, studying the Bible, or brainstorming ideas for kids’ ministry, AI tools like ChatGPT are here to give you a hand.
Life can get busy—between work, family, and ministry, there’s always a lot on your plate. This workshop is designed to introduce you to the incredible world of AI and show you how it can make your daily life easier, more productive, and more fun! Whether you want help planning meals, organizing your schedule, studying the Bible, or brainstorming ideas for kids’ ministry, AI tools like ChatGPT are here to give you a hand. During this hands-on session, you’ll learn how to:
- Plan smarter: Create personalized schedules, workout routines, and meal plans.
- Get creative: Brainstorm new ideas for work, home, or ministry projects.
- Study deeper: Find fresh insights and helpful tools for Bible study and devotionals.
- Save time: Draft emails, write messages, and research topics faster than ever.
This workshop is perfect for anyone looking to simplify their life, improve their productivity, and enhance their ministry with practical, real-world AI applications. No tech experience is needed—just bring your curiosity and a willingness to explore! By the end, you’ll leave with new skills, practical AI tools, and creative ways to make technology work for you—whether it’s for organizing your day, finding inspiration, or serving others in ministry.
P.S. It will be helpful to bring an Internet capable device like an iPad, iPhone, or laptop to this breakout to have hands-on training with ChatGPT.
About Steve:
With more than 25 years of experience inspiring and teaching young minds, Steve is dedicated to helping church staff and volunteers create meaningful connections between today’s students and God’s story. As a Ministry Partner at North Coast Church, he brings heart, energy, and practical insight to the Coast Kids Vista programs, making each interaction impactful and fun.
Married for 23 years to his best friend, Lindsay, Steve finds his greatest joy in faith, family, and community. Together, they live in Bonsall, raising their three amazing teenage kids—Susie, Laila, and Josh. Whether teaching, serving, or spending time with his family, Steve’s passion is equipping others to serve and grow in Christ.
Healthy Conversations with Messy People by Kylee Visser
We are hardwired by God to desire connection with each other. The problem is… we’re all MESSY, imperfect people, and bumps in the road are inevitable when you’re doing life together. How do we navigate tricky conversations with the people around us? What are practical, loving ways we can use conflict to draw even closer to them? Let’s dive in together and walk away with some practical action steps!
We are hardwired by God to desire connection with each other. The problem is… we’re all MESSY, imperfect people, and bumps in the road are inevitable when you’re doing life together. How do we navigate tricky conversations with the people around us? What are practical, loving ways we can use conflict to draw even closer to them? Let’s dive in together and walk away with some practical action steps!
About Kylee:
Kylee is the Communications & Operations Director at North Coast Church San Marcos/Escondido and was part of the team that launched the campus 11 years ago. She and her husband, Austin, have been part of North Coast since 2005 and are now raising their three children — Henry (10), Jack (8), and Ivy (4) — in this incredible church family!
The Gift of Boundaries by Becky Apana, Psy.D.
Learn to love others well without losing the best of who you are by using the gift of boundaries. Boundaries influence all areas of our lives—physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. Do you sometimes wonder when to say “Yes” and how to say “No?” Do you feel like you need to take back some control of your life? Do you ever wonder if it’s okay to set limits with others and still be a good Christian? Join Becky as she unpacks when to say “yes” and how to say “no” to move toward a healthier relationship with ourselves, God and others.
Learn to love others well without losing the best of who you are by using the gift of boundaries. Boundaries influence all areas of our lives—physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. Do you sometimes wonder when to say “Yes” and how to say “No?” Do you feel like you need to take back some control of your life? Do you ever wonder if it’s okay to set limits with others and still be a good Christian? Join Becky as she unpacks when to say “yes” and how to say “no” to move toward a healthier relationship with ourselves, God and others.
About Becky:
Becky is a Licensed Psychologist who has served as the Director of the Counseling Center at North Coast Church for over two decades and has over 30 years of experience in the field of psychology–bringing together her faith, biblical principles, and sound clinical practice. She has enjoyed teaching at the college level, providing supervision for therapists working toward licensure, providing direct care for clients, and facilitating classes at NCC integrating psychology and faith. Out of the office, Becky enjoys being outdoors, especially near a beach, and loves spending time with family and friends.
Clarity over Confusion: A Deep Dive Into Gender Identity by Chris Murphy, MFT
In a culture that increasingly departs from God’s original design and intention for our identity, navigating conversations about gender identity can feel overwhelming and challenging. This is especially true for us as disciples of Jesus, entrusted with the gospel message.
In a culture that increasingly departs from God’s original design and intention for our identity, navigating conversations about gender identity can feel overwhelming and challenging. This is especially true for us as disciples of Jesus, entrusted with the gospel message.
By choosing to trust in God’s best for us as revealed in the Bible, we will discuss the internal conflict that can arise between our opinions, perspectives, and feelings during seasons of ministry service. Where confusion prevails, join Christine Castro Murphy, in seeking clarity for our hearts and minds as we realign our perspectives with God’s original design.
About Chris:
Chris Murphy is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who received her Master’s Degree in Counseling Psychology from California Baptist University in 2016. As a counselor practicing at the intersection of faith and mental health, Chris seeks to integrate healing beyond just the emotional and psychological needs of her clients. Outside of work, Chris enjoys cozy days at home with her husband and daughter working on DIY projects, cooking, and reading. As an avid vintage homewares’ collector, she loves going on thrifting adventures with her best friend B!