NextGen Ministries Webinars: Creating Spiritual Encounters for Families
Presented by: Dee‑Ana Goodman
Hosted by: Western Ontario District, Children & Family Ministries
In this heart‑shaping NextGen Ministries webinar, Hailey Armoogan hosts Dee‑Ana Goodman—Children’s and Family Ministries Pastor at Living Waters Church in Fort Langley, BC—as she shares how churches can create simple, meaningful, and sustainable spiritual encounter experiences for families.
Drawing from more than 20 years of ministry and her own formative childhood shaped by full‑time family evangelism across Canada, Dee‑Ana explores how children’s pastors can partner with parents to build spiritual habits and moments that actually fit into the pace of real family life. Through story, practical examples, and a walk‑through of Living Waters’ “Interactive Family Prayer Night,” she demonstrates how small, tactile, and intentionally guided experiences can cultivate lifelong faith in kids.
Whether you serve in a large ministry, a small church, or anything in between, this conversation will spark ideas for helping families encounter Jesus together in ways that are hands‑on, accessible, and deeply meaningful.
Topics Covered
Formational faith moments from childhood
How Dee‑Ana’s upbringing in a traveling evangelist family shaped her faith through inclusion, listening prayer, participation in ministry, and witnessing the supernatural.
Partnering with parents in faith formation
Why parents remain the primary spiritual influence—and how children’s pastors can equip, support, and encourage them rather than overwhelm them.
Small habits that shape big faith
How spiritual rhythms need not be complicated: car‑ride conversations, simple songs, memory verse prompts, and meaningful daily connections.
Creating space for spiritual encounters
Why families need unhurried, multi‑generational moments—and how churches can design them without large budgets or extensive prep.
Inside the Interactive Family Prayer Night
A detailed walkthrough of Living Waters’ Easter‑week encounter night:
Community Station: Scripture reading, confession prayer, and a collaborative prayer cross
Family Station: Hands‑on “family prayer boards” including verses, photos, and tactile creativity
World Station: Praying for global workers with candles, maps, and simple storytelling
Inclusivity and neurodiversity considerations
How to design spiritual spaces where every child—regardless of needs—can participate meaningfully.
Aligning with church vision and yearly rhythms
How to place spiritual encounter events within existing church emphasis weeks (e.g., Week of Prayer), reducing calendar congestion.
Sustaining impact beyond the event
Stories of families feeling empowered, children stepping into bold faith moments, and simple take‑home tools that extend discipleship at home.
Resources
Sample Family Prayer Station Cards
