In March, Sue Jakes passed the baton of children’s ministry coordinator for the PCA’s Discipleship Ministries (CDM) to Katie Flores, who has spent the past two decades on staff at Covenant Presbyterian in Birmingham, Alabama. Recently, byFaith spoke with the 43-year-old mother of two, who has long served in ministry to youth and children.

What gets you up in the morning?

Discipling others and watching them grow in the Lord! Drawing people from the margins into the group is important to me. I enjoy advocating for children and those who invest in children.

What fills your days as the new children’s ministry coordinator?

I’m busy learning from the children’s ministry team what they think children need right now. As I have talked with people, I have heard that children need Jesus, connecting points with people in the church, solid biblical literacy, committed adults willing to invest in them, parents committed to discipleship, understanding how children experience a post-Covid world, and the knowledge that they are dearly loved.

At the same time, I want us to know our littlest sheep and be able to listen to them as well. So, I’ve asked some children from my church what they need right now. They’ve said they want time learning with friends, supportive and encouraging adults, to be taught how to think about God first, “a good pastor who uses examples,” and “good snacks.” As we spend time listening to children, we build credibility to speak into their lives about important things.

Why is ministry to children so vital to the life of the church?

I’ve loved watching a [former] student grow up to teach Sunday School. Children grow up in the church and become parents who disciple their children. Students who used to drive you crazy become staff leaders. I’m excited about encouraging this and watching it happen across the PCA.

What is one thing you would have children’s ministry leaders impart to children?

I long for children to be seen as a vital part of the covenant family. They are the littlest sheep, and we get to point them to the best Shepherd, Jesus! As we listen to the children and show them Jesus in ways that they understand, other characteristics of God come into focus for them.

To learn more about CDM’s vision for children’s ministry, consider attending CDM’s virtual GROW Conference, Aug. 19-20.