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Preschool Ministry Gathering
Preschool Ministry Gathering
Join us for a half-day gathering designed for church leaders, preschool teachers and child development center directors and staff who are passionate about shaping the next generation. Together, we’ll enjoy fellowship, a light breakfast, and practical workshops that highlight the gospel impact of weekday ministries and the beauty of child-centered learning grounded in God’s design. You’ll hear inspiring stories, gain fresh strategies, and discover new ways for churches and CDCs to partner for both spiritual formation and educational excellence. Walk away encouraged, equipped, and ready to take your next step in ministry with children and families.
Meet our Speakers
Lora Gravatt is a visionary leader passionate for equipping Whole Life Disciples who follow Jesus into all spheres of their lives. A large part of her work has focused on developing discipleship initiatives such as transitioning the inherited church from a Sunday School model to home group model, a church-home partnership strategy for the next gen, and championing the reimagination of the Child Development Center ministry as an intentional tool to evangelize children and families. Lora holds a Master of Divinity degree with emphasis in Christian education, Bachelors in Business & Marketing, and has served in vocational ministry for over 25 years at Columbia Church.
Dr. Doyna Illmer brings over 20 years of experience in early childhood education, currently serving as Senior Director of Columbia Child Development Center, a faith-based center in Falls Church, VA, that serves over 200 children ages 18 months to 5 years. She holds a Ph.D. in Educational Psychology with specialization in Early Childhood Education from The Catholic University of America and has extensive experience working with diverse families and communities both internationally and in the United States. Her passion for quality early childhood education stems from her deep understanding of how investment in young children can transform life trajectories, particularly for underserved populations.
Workshops
A More Beautiful Partnership: Reimagining the Church & CDC Together for Gospel Impact
Your church’s CDC is more than childcare, it’s a sacred opportunity to disciple the next generation and reach families in your community. In this interactive workshop, you’ll hear real stories from Columbia Church, explore why weekday ministries are one of the most strategic doors for evangelism and discipleship, and discover how pastors, teachers, and directors can partner together for greater gospel impact. You’ll leave inspired and equipped with your next practical step to strengthen the partnership between your church and CDC. This workshop is particularly helpful if all the stakeholders and strategic decision makers (Sr. Pastor, Ex. Pastor/Discipleship Pastor, Center Director, Elder/Deacon, Children’s Minister, etc) can attend together.
Sacred Wonder: Guiding Young Hearts Through God’s Design and Child-Centered Learning
This leadership workshop equips Christian preschool directors with the knowledge and tools to integrate the Reggio Emilia philosophy with biblical foundations in their programs. Directors will explore how child-centered, inquiry-based learning can flourish within a Christ-centered environment while maintaining educational excellence and spiritual formation goals. Participants will leave with practical implementation strategies, staff development resources, and a clear roadmap for creating programs that honor both God’s design for childhood and evidence-based educational practices.
