Baptist Convention of Maryland & Delaware

Connect Lunches with Kris
2025-08-13 12:00 - 14:00, 2025-08-25 12:00 - 14:00, 2025-09-09 12:00 - 14:00, 2025-09-24 12:00 - 14:00, 2025-10-01 12:00 - 14:00, 2025-10-22 12:00 - 14:00, 2025-11-19 12:00 - 14:00 (America/New_York)
When: Noon
Dates & Locations:

January 29 – Arundel Baptist Association
Mission BBQ
2101 Somerville Road, Suite 105
Annapolis, MD 21401
February 19 – Baltimore Baptist Association
Mission BBQ
3701 Boston Street
Baltimore, MD 21224
March 12 – Blue Ridge Baptist Association
Mission BBQ
5102 Pegasus Court, Suite 101
Frederick, MD 21704
March 19 – Blue Ridge Baptist Association
Mission BBQ
17301 Valley Mall Road, Suite 106
Hagerstown, MD 21740
April 9 – Delaware Baptist Association
Mission BBQ
365 N Dupont Highway
Dover, DE 19901
May 14 – Eastern Baptist Association
Mission BBQ
2618 N Salisbury Blvd
Salisbury, MD 21801
May 28 – Mid-Maryland Baptist Association
Mission BBQ
3410 Plum Tree Drive
Ellicott City, MD 21042
August 13 – Mid-Maryland Baptist Association
Mission BBQ
584 Jermor Lane West
Westminster, MD 21157
August 25 – Montgomery Baptist Association
Mission BBQ
885 Rockville Pike
Rockville, MD 20852
September 9 – Prince George’s Baptist Association
Mission BBQ
5506 Cherrywood Lane, Suite A
Greenbelt, MD 20770
September 24 – Potomac Baptist Association
Mission BBQ
3082 Festival Way
Waldorf, MD 20601
October 1 – Potomac Baptist Association
Mission BBQ
22599 MacArthur Blvd., Suite 136 B
California, MD 20619
October 22 – Western Baptist Association
Applebee’s
12201 Winchester Rd SW,
La Vale, MD 21502
November 19 – Susquehanna Baptist Association
Mission BBQ
627 Bel Air Rd
Bel Air, MD 21014

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Preschool Ministry Gathering
2025-10-04 09:30 - 13:00 | MIddle River Baptist Church, 610 Middle River Rd., Middle River, MD, 21220, United States
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 ImpactYour 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 LearningThis 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.

Preschool Ministry Gathering

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Weekday Educator Lunches
2025-11-18
Join us for a casual and uplifting lunch gathering designed for those who serve in church preschools or daycare ministries! This is a times to connect with others in your unique role, share stories, and find encouragement in the challenges and joys of your work. Whether you’re seeking fresh ideas, looking to build a support network, or simply want to enjoy a meal with like-minded leaders, this event is for you. Let’s build each other up as we serve the little ones in our communities!
November 18th
Texas Roadhouse
1736 Merritt Blvd.
Dundalk, MD 21222

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Weekday Educator Lunches
2026-03-24 12:00 - 13:00
Join us for a casual and uplifting lunch gathering designed for those who serve in church preschools or daycare ministries!
This is a time to connect with others in your unique role, share stories, and find encouragement in the challenges and joys of your work. Whether you’re seeking fresh ideas, looking to build a support network, or simply want to enjoy a meal with like-minded leaders, this event is for you. Let’s build each other up as we serve the little ones in our communities!
Red Brick Station
8149 Honeygo Blvd.
Nottingham, MD 21236

VBS Training
2026-03-28, 2026-04-11, 2026-04-18
VBS LIGHT LAB
Step into the Light Lab, your all-access, hands-on training for Lifeway’s Illumination Station VBS 2026!This fun, fast-paced workshop is packed with everything your team needs to glow with confidence this summer. Explore the daily Bible content, learn the theme, song motions, preview rotation highlights, and pick from two interactive breakout tracks designed for both first-time volunteers and seasoned VBS leaders.
Along the way, you’ll experiment with fresh ideas for decorating, promoting, preparing, following up, sharing the gospel, and building a Christ-centered experience kids won’t forget. Whether you lead crafts, teach Bible, run rec, or direct your whole VBS, Light Lab will send you home equipped, encouraged, and lit up forministry!

Schedule
9am – 9:10am – Welcome
9:10am – 10:15am – ‘Follow the Light’ Theme OverviewA big-picture look at the daily Bible stories and music—and how they reinforce the Illumination Station theme and gospel focus.
10:15am – 10:30am – Break
10:30am – 11:15am – Breakouts
Option 1 – ‘Light it Up! – Directing a Bright VBS’This breakout is designed to equip VBS directors to light the way for their teams. We’ll dive into how to recruit volunteers, clarify roles, and follow up in ways that celebrate and encourage both your volunteers and the families who attend. You’ll leave with practical tools, biblical guidance, and the secret to keeping your team and your VBS glowing!
Option 2 – ‘Serving that Shines!’Make the most of your serving experience at VBS! Learn how to engage kids of all learning styles, handle classroom challenges with confidence, build relationships with kids, and share your story. You’ll leave feeling equipped, excited and energized for your role at VBS!

11:20am – 12pm – Roundtable DiscussionsPull up a chair and join the conversation as we tackle real-world VBS challenges together. From keeping kids safe at dismissal to saving money and preparing for kids with special needs, these roundtables are all about learning from each other. Bring your questions, your experience, and your best ideas!

Register Here!

VBS Light Lab 2026

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April 11 (9am–12pm): Georgia Avenue Baptist Church 12525 Georgia Avenue Silver Spring, MD 20906

April 18 (9am–12pm): Severna Park Baptist Church 506 Benfield Rd. Severna Park, MD 21146

May 1 (5:30pm–8pm): Mountain City Church 19 Beall St. Frostburg, MD 21532
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VBS Training
2026-05-01 17:30 - 20:00
VBS LIGHT LAB
Step into the Light Lab, your all-access, hands-on training for Lifeway’s Illumination Station VBS 2026!This fun, fast-paced workshop is packed with everything your team needs to glow with confidence this summer. Explore the daily Bible content, learn the theme, song motions, preview rotation highlights, and pick from two interactive breakout tracks designed for both first-time volunteers and seasoned VBS leaders.
Along the way, you’ll experiment with fresh ideas for decorating, promoting, preparing, following up, sharing the gospel, and building a Christ-centered experience kids won’t forget. Whether you lead crafts, teach Bible, run rec, or direct your whole VBS, Light Lab will send you home equipped, encouraged, and lit up forministry!

Register Here!

VBS Light Lab 2026

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Phone(Required)Church/Organization(Required)Role/Position(Required)Are you registering a group/multiple people?(Required)

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Price:
$10.00

Quantity
Event Registration(Required)Select which date you will attend.

April 11 (9am–12pm): Georgia Avenue Baptist Church 12525 Georgia Avenue Silver Spring, MD 20906

April 18 (9am–12pm): Severna Park Baptist Church 506 Benfield Rd. Severna Park, MD 21146

May 1 (5:30pm–8pm): Mountain City Church 19 Beall St. Frostburg, MD 21532
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Youth & Kids E3 Event
2026-05-23
Equipping + Encouraging + Engaging = E3!
E3 events bring together children’s and youth ministry leaders from across the BCM/D for three energizing hours of practical training, meaningful encouragement, and real connection. Each gathering features a mix of large-group learning and smaller kidmin/youth-specific breakouts so leaders can grow together and dive into what matters most in their ministry area. We’ll meet in one central space with an additional breakout room, keeping everything simple, relational, and impactful. And yes, snacks and drinks are on us (because ministry is better with treats!).
Come engage, get equipped, and leave encouraged to keep serving the next generation with joy and confidence.

Event Schedule
9am Breakfast Fellowship
9:15am Encouragement
9:30am Equipping – Children’s Ministry and Youth Ministry Breakout Session
11am Engaging – Large Group Roundtables
12:00pm Wrap up & Dismiss

Children's Ministry Breakout Session with Kris Buckman
Cracking the Bible Code: Fun Ways to Teach Kids Biblical Literacy
Help kids fall in love with their Bibles and build strong foundations for lifelong biblical literacy! This fun, interactive workshop will inspire and prepare you to incorporate Bible skills into your weekly lessons in engaging and impactful ways.
Kris Buckman has been serving in children’s ministry for over two decades and still thinks there’s nothing better than watching kids discover God’s Word with joy. She holds a master’s degree in Children’s and Family Ministry and loves equipping leaders to build strong, gospel-centered ministries. Kris now serves as the Youth & Kids Ministry Consultant for the BCM/D, where she brings energy, encouragement, and a whole lot of fun to churches across Maryland and Delaware.

Youth Ministry Breakout Session with Matt Gardner
Rhythm, Rest, and Renewal: Practical Conversations For Every Season of Student Ministry
Let’s talk Student Ministry! No matter the season, we have the privilege of investing in the next generation with healthy rhythms, intentional rest, and a renewed sense of purpose. In this session, we’ll unpack practical strategies and spark meaningful conversations to help you lead your students with clarity, confidence, and joy.
Matt Gardner has spent 15 years investing in teenagers and their families and currently serves as the NextGen Pastor at The Church at Severn Run and is Arundel Baptist Association’s Student & Young Adult Ministry Coordinator. He’s married to Emily and is the proud dad of four boys. He’s passionate about the local church, student ministry, and enjoying the simple joys of life—like sports, movies, and a great cup of coffee.

Register Here!

E3 Event - May 23rd
First Baptist Church of Waldorf, 10045 Bunker Hill Rd, Waldorf, MD 20603

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May 23: First Baptist Church Waldorf
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Weekday Educator Lunches
2026-07-14 12:00 - 13:00
Join us for a casual and uplifting lunch gathering designed for those who serve in church preschools or daycare ministries!
This is a time to connect with others in your unique role, share stories, and find encouragement in the challenges and joys of your work. Whether you’re seeking fresh ideas, looking to build a support network, or simply want to enjoy a meal with like-minded leaders, this event is for you. Let’s build each other up as we serve the little ones in our communities!
Jimmy’s Famous Seafood
6526 Holabird Avenue,
Baltimore, MD 21224

Youth & Kids E3 Event
2026-07-18
Equipping + Encouraging + Engaging = E3!
E3 events bring together children’s and youth ministry leaders from across the BCM/D for three energizing hours of practical training, meaningful encouragement, and real connection. Each gathering features a mix of large-group learning and smaller kidmin/youth-specific breakouts so leaders can grow together and dive into what matters most in their ministry area. We’ll meet in one central space with an additional breakout room, keeping everything simple, relational, and impactful. And yes, snacks and drinks are on us (because ministry is better with treats!).
Come engage, get equipped, and leave encouraged to keep serving the next generation with joy and confidence.

Event Schedule
9am Breakfast Fellowship
9:15am Encouragement
9:30am Equipping – Children’s Ministry and Youth Ministry Breakout Session
11am Engaging – Large Group Roundtables
12:00pm Wrap up & Dismiss

Children's Ministry Breakout Session with Kris Buckman
Cracking the Bible Code: Fun Ways to Teach Kids Biblical LiteracyHelp kids fall in love with their Bibles and build strong foundations for lifelong biblical literacy! This fun, interactive workshop will inspire and prepare you to incorporate Bible skills into your weekly lessons in engaging and impactful ways.
Kris Buckman has been serving in children’s ministry for over two decades and still thinks there’s nothing better than watching kids discover God’s Word with joy. She holds a master’s degree in Children’s and Family Ministry and loves equipping leaders to build strong, gospel-centered ministries. Kris now serves as the Youth & Kids Ministry Consultant for the BCM/D, where she brings energy, encouragement, and a whole lot of fun to churches across Maryland and Delaware.

Youth Ministry Breakout Session... COMING SOON!

Register Here!

E3 Event - July 18th
Location TBD

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July 18th - Location TBD
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Youth & Kids E3 Event
2026-09-19
Equipping + Encouraging + Engaging = E3!
E3 events bring together children’s and youth ministry leaders from across the BCM/D for three energizing hours of practical training, meaningful encouragement, and real connection. Each gathering features a mix of large-group learning and smaller kidmin/youth-specific breakouts so leaders can grow together and dive into what matters most in their ministry area. We’ll meet in one central space with an additional breakout room, keeping everything simple, relational, and impactful. And yes, snacks and drinks are on us (because ministry is better with treats!).
Come engage, get equipped, and leave encouraged to keep serving the next generation with joy and confidence.

Event Schedule
9am Breakfast Fellowship
9:15am Encouragement
9:30am Equipping – Children’s Ministry and Youth Ministry Breakout Session
11am Engaging – Large Group Roundtables
12:00pm Wrap up & Dismiss

Children's Ministry Breakout Session with Kris Buckman
Cracking the Bible Code: Fun Ways to Teach Kids Biblical LiteracyHelp kids fall in love with their Bibles and build strong foundations for lifelong biblical literacy! This fun, interactive workshop will inspire and prepare you to incorporate Bible skills into your weekly lessons in engaging and impactful ways.
Kris Buckman has been serving in children’s ministry for over two decades and still thinks there’s nothing better than watching kids discover God’s Word with joy. She holds a master’s degree in Children’s and Family Ministry and loves equipping leaders to build strong, gospel-centered ministries. Kris now serves as the Youth & Kids Ministry Consultant for the BCM/D, where she brings energy, encouragement, and a whole lot of fun to churches across Maryland and Delaware.

Youth Ministry Breakout Session... COMING SOON!

Register Here!

E3 Event - September 19th
Westminster Baptist Church,
354 Crest Lane
Westminster, MD 21157

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September 19th - Westminster Baptist Church
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Weekday Educator Lunches
2026-11-17 12:00 - 13:00
Join us for a casual and uplifting lunch gathering designed for those who serve in church preschools or daycare ministries!
This is a time to connect with others in your unique role, share stories, and find encouragement in the challenges and joys of your work. Whether you’re seeking fresh ideas, looking to build a support network, or simply want to enjoy a meal with like-minded leaders, this event is for you. Let’s build each other up as we serve the little ones in our communities!
The Grill at Quarterfield Station
7704 Quarterfield Rd.
Glen Burnie, MD 21061
