Developing Leaders, Discipling Kids

Dr. Wess Stafford speaks to the 101st International Assembly of the Church of God of Prophecy during the International Children's Ministries presentation. Dr. Stafford is president emeritus of Compassion International and an internationally recognized advocate for children in poverty.

 

He earned undergraduate degrees from Moody Bible Institute and Biola University, a master’s degree from Wheaton College, as well as a Ph.D. from Michigan State University. Even with all of these academic honors, Wess often says, “Everything I really need to know, I learned from the poor, growing up in an African village.”

 

As the son of missionaries to the Ivory Coast, Wess grew up as one of the village children cared for by a wise and loving African “extended family.” But his young heart was often broken as he watched his African friends die from the cruel ravages of poverty. Wess felt privileged to continue his parents’ commitment to the poor through the ministry of Compassion International. He joined the staff of Compassion International in 1977 and worked with the ministry, both overseas and at its headquarters. He served as President for 20 years. Wess is a veteran, having served four years in the U.S. Army as a linguist in military intelligence.

“The desperate need today is not for a greater number of intelligent people, or gifted people, but for deep people” —Richard J. Foster.

In Romans 7, Paul said, effectively, “I don’t even know what I’m doing. I do what I don’t want to do, and I don’t do what I want to do. I’m a mixed-up mess!” In “Sabbath, Solitude, and Silence,” we discuss what it takes to win “life’s most important argument” as we explore these often overlooked spiritual disciplines. Marsha shares insights into the brain's function in these disciplines and practical strategies for experiencing them in your Christian walk.

God loves us and desires to be with and speak to us. We can experience Him more deeply and grow in prayer, even in the busiest and most stressful times of our lives.

In this month’s podcast with our special guest Dr. Brian Sutton, we discuss the importance of prayer, practical ways to grow in awareness of God's presence around us, and how to incorporate prayer in our roles as leaders or parents.

One of the disciplines modeled effectively by Jesus was that of nurturing fellowship and developing community. The beautiful scene revealed in the conclusion of Acts chapter 2 demonstrates the continuation of a community known for its commitment to Christ’s teachings and their love for one another. During the past months, we have been relegated to quarantine, isolation, and “virtual” fellowship. In this month’s podcast with our special guest Dr. Cathy Payne, we examine the meaning of community and fellowship, as well as its importance in our personal journey with the Lord and our ministries. 

In the physical world, the term “structural integrity” means “the ability of a structure to withstand its intended load without failure due to fracture or fatigue.” 

Unfortunately, we have recently seen the result of the lack of structural integrity and the devastation that it can bring. As in the physical world, when we cannot withstand our ministry load due to fracture or fatigue, emotional and relational devastation can occur. Studying and memorizing God’s Word are vital ingredients in maintaining our spiritual structural integrity, along with emotional and relational health in ministry. Listen as Bishop Duke Stone shares ideas and strategies for making God's Word a priority in your life. 

International Director of Children's Ministries Dr. Shaun McKinley and Podcast Co-Host Joy Hensley, discuss ECHO, the 2021 Institute of Children's Ministries. They share personal highlights, behind the scenes info, and what's ahead for Children's Ministries in the coming year.

Depression is a common and a serious medical illness. It is real, it happens, and it is treatable. Society has put a stigma on mental illness and as the salt and light of the world we must put an end to that stigma. It is normal for children to feel sad, irritated, and have bad mood swings, but when those negative feelings linger it is possible that the child is struggling with depression. So how do we help children and families when they encounter depression?

Join us as Eliette Vrenelli shares thoughts, ideas, and strategies for helping children and families confront the challenges of depression, biblically and thoughtfully.

Dr. Morais Cassell shares thoughts, ideas, and strategies for helping children and families confront the challenges of anxiety, biblically and thoughtfully.

An interview with Dr. Wess Stafford, president emeritus of Compassion International and author of Too Small to Ignore and Just a Minute. 

Esther Moreno shares insights from her new book, "The Progressive Children’s Ministry Leader."