Church Ministry Essentials
Building an Everyone Can Do Something Culture in Your Foster Care, Adoption and Support Ministry
Church Ministry Essentials is an immersive learning experience that will introduce you to the principles, practices and people you need to take your next bests steps forward in foster care, adoption and family support ministry.
SUBSCRIPTION DATES
Get access to 10 modules (1/month) from March-December 2021. Subscribing late? No problem. We’ll catch you up.
HOW IT WORKS
Each month get access to a new module of church ministry related content that includes trainings, resources, coaching and more.
TIME COMMITMENT
The material is self-paced but you can anticipate 3-4 hours/month of time if you are fully immersed in the whole process.
THIS COURSE IS FOR
All church ministry leaders including pastors, staff, volunteers and advocates are welcome to participate!
AN IMMERSIVE LEARNING EXPERIENCE
What to Expect Each Month
Your subscription unlocks the door to resources and relationships that will help you and your ministry grow.

Proven Ministry Principles drawn from
“Everyone Can Do Something"
This easy-to-read and extremely practical guidebook provides principles and practices for you to contextualize and implement in your church’s ministry no matter where you are on the journey.

Deep-dive resources and action guides
for each module
Supplemental resources and strategic guide sheets will help you and your team identify the next steps you can take utilizing what you learned in each section of the module.

Dynamic Video teaching content from
leading practitioners
Each module is anchored by video-based teaching segments led by some of the country’s best ministry practitioners on various aspects of launching and leading effective Orphan and Vulnerable Children (OVC)-based initiatives.

Group coaching & cohort discussion groups every month
Each month you can participate in a specialized coaching session as well as on-going cohort discussion groups with other leaders and practitioners from around the country.
You don’t have to wonder if you're focused on the right things.
You can know with confidence.
Each monthly module will help give you the clarity and confidence you need to set the trajectory of your ministry for years to come. You’ll walk away with fresh ideas, new insights and a renewed sense of hope on this journey of mobilizing your church to care for kids and families.

MODULE 1
Leading Teams and Volunteers
The sustainability of your ministry is only as strong as the team that’s leading it. In this module you will explore various dynamics of building and leading a ministry team as well as the unique complexities and opportunities that come with managing volunteers.

MODULE 2
The Gospel is our “Why”
The words we say are important; so is how we say them, when we say them and to whom we say them. In this module you will explore how to communicate the gospel with clarity and conviction as you disciple those in your church to move towards hard places and broken people.

MODULE 3
Everyone Can Do Something
We’re not all called to do the same thing, but we are all capable of doing something. In this module you will explore how the theology of the Body of Christ is central to the “everyone can do something” message and strategy that helps people find their “something” and act on it.

MODULE 4
Communities of Support
No one can walk this journey alone. In this module you will explore various aspects of community – from creating safe spaces centered around shared experiences for foster and adoptive parents to building practical and tangible systems of support around them.

MODULE 5
Strategic Planning
The extent to which your vision will materialize is largely dependent upon how well you plan. In this module you will explore principles of strategic planning and goal setting that can be contextualized into your unique ministry setting.

MODULE 6
The Holistic Continuum of Care
Churches can often default into a “silo” of ministries. In this module you will explore how many justice, mercy and hospitality-oriented ministries are on some level interconnected — all part of the same continuum – and how to most effectively address them at different intersecting points.

MODULE 7
“More Than Enough” Movement Building
When it comes to big problems, real and lasting solutions require all of us working together. In this module you will explore how collaboration with others can result in maximizing resources, optimizing your efforts and impacting the lives of children and families better together than you can apart.

MODULE 8
Trauma-informed Children’s Ministry
There’s kids in your church that have experienced trauma. In this module you will explore the impacts of trauma, practical tools for staff and volunteers working with children in your ministry who have experienced trauma and a plan of action to create safe, welcoming and fun environments for all.

MODULE 9
Engaging Globally, Applying Locally
There’s a direct correlation between your church’s global missions and local ministry efforts. In this module you will explore best practices of global engagement – from short term missions to forming strategic partnerships – and explore what the local application is to your global engagements.

MODULE 10
Strategic Soul Care
The work of justice and mercy will inevitably be short-lived if sustained by passion alone. Ultimately, vibrant ministry springs from healthy souls. In this module you will explore principles and strategies for cultivating a vibrant inner life rooted deep in Christ for yourself, your team and the families you serve.
Learn, grow, and connect through a step-by-step process.
Each month you will have the opportunity to dive into video lessons, supplemental reading assignments, next-step exercises, small group coaching and cohort discussion groups. Here’s what to expect with each module each month:
Week 1 & 2
Access opens to all module content for the month
On the first of each month all the content you need will be unlocked and ready for you to dive into. This part of the month is self-paced – go through the material as quickly or slowly as you would like. You’ll continue to have access to this content through December 31st (unless you purchase a LifeTime Access subscription).
Week 3
Small Group Coaching
During this part of the month you will have the opportunity to participate in small group coaching session facilitated by Jason Johnson. You will RSVP for a specific time slot and come ready with questions to ask and ideas to discuss!
Week 4
Cohort Discussion Groups
Following the small group coaching sessions, each participant will have the opportunity to “keep the conversation going” in a peer discussion group. These will be self-initiated by course participants. For those who want to participate, contact information will be exchanged so that connections and relationships can continue to be forged and grow among like-minded counterparts doing similar work around the country.
Learn from the Best

AMBER KNOWLES
Executive Director
Fostering Family (Houston)

CARLY SOUZA
Director
Fostering Hope – Hope Church (Las Vegas)

DR. SHAREN FORD
Director of Foster Care and Adoption
Focus on the Family

GABE FORSYTH
Missions Pastor
Mosaic Church (Orlando)

JAILYN SMILEY
Director of Family Recruitment
CK Family Services (Dallas)

JASON JOHNSON
Director of Church Ministry Initiatives
CAFO

JASON WEBER
Director of Foster Care Initiatives
CAFO

JEDD MEDEFIND
President
CAFO

JOHNNA STEIN
Director of Training
Promise686

LAURA MOBLEY
Director of Foster Care and Adoption
Traders Point Church (Indianapolis)

NICOLE WILKE
Director of the Applied Research Center
CAFO

PHILIP PATTISON
Executive Director
Foster the Bay (California)

TONI STEERE
Director of Legacy685
Houston’s First Baptist Church

MAREN VALLERAND
Ministry Lead
Reach Church
READY TO GROW YOUR MINISTRY?
SUBSCRIBE TODAY!
MONTHLY
$9.99/Monthly
(Per Individual)
Monthly Charge -
Subscription expires
December 31, 2021
ANNUAL PREPAYMENT
$89/Year
(Per Individual)
Pay in full at a discounted
rate - subscription expires
December 31, 2021
SPECIAL LIFETIME ACCESS
$249
(Per Individual)
Full prepayment only
Gain access to current and all future modules of
Church Ministry Essentials - for life.
This course is FREE for Champion Church Members.
Free access for current Champion level church members plus their team. Subscription expires December 31, 2021
Not yet a CAFO Member?
Non-CAFO members may still take the course for $119.
But, we would also encourage you to explore all the benefits to membership in CAFO.
Still have questions? Here are some answers.
If your questions are not covered below, please contact us here.
Who is this course material for?
- Church leaders
- Here’s where we’ll specify that the content is best suited for churches within the U.S., but is still available for anyone to access.
How exactly does the subscription work?
You click on the “subscribe now” button and it will take you to our registration page. Once you register, your card will be charged one a month at the beginning of the month. At the beginning of the month you will be sent an email that allows you access to that module for that month, you will continue to receive an email every month allowing you access to the new content.
What can I expect each month?
- Get access to that month’s module on the 1st of the month.
- Spend weeks 1-2 diving into the content.
- Have the opportunity to RSVP for a coaching session later that month.
- Come to the coaching session in week 3 with questions and ideas to explore.
- Have the opportunity to connect in peer discussion groups starting week 4 of each month.
The amount of time you will spend each month is completely up to you and how much you want to dive into the content, coaching and peer cohorts. Some months you might choose to just read the content on your own and move on, and others you might go all-in, reviewing all the content, completing the exercises, participating in a coaching call and jumping into a discussion group!
What is the time commitment?
The time commitment for the class is around 3-4 hours per month if you are fully immersed in the process. This includes time spent on module content and time spent on group coaching calls and cohort discussion groups. The class is designed to be self-paced immersing you in the learning process, while still fitting into almost anyone’s busy schedule.
How do the coaching group sign-ups work?
At the beginning of the month when the module content is released, you will receive access to a calendar link that allows you to register. for a coaching call at a specific time.
Are classes live? Do I log in at a specific time?
No, all the video lessons from module content are pre-recorded, allowing you to watch them whenever is best for you. However, the monthly coaching calls and cohort discussion groups will be live with a specific time to log on.
How do the coaching group sign-ups work?
Toggle content goes here, click edit button to change this text.
When are the monthly coaching groups?
- There will be two times offered on the third Wednesday of the month: 11:00am CST or 3:00pm CST
- You will have the chance to register for one of those times. You do not have to attend the coaching group each month, this is available for you if you choose to dive deeper into that specific module.
Will I get direct feedback from Jason Johnson?
- We can’t guarantee that Jason Johnson will comment on your work directly as you will be going through the content at your own pace.
- The coaching calls with Jason will be a time for your group to process some of the content from the module, however Jason will not always be able to provide direct feedback during these calls.
- The Cohort discussion groups will be a space for feedback. The peer groups can answer each other’s questions, give feedback, and collaborate during these calls. There’s a lot to learn from this ever-growing library of other church ministries and leaders.
Will I be able to earn a Certificate of Completion?
- If you would like to earn a certificate, please email a 2 paragraph summary at the end of each month/module to katrina@cafo.org.
- Please address in the first paragraph any major takeaways you had from this module, and in the second paragraph write about the way you will implement what you learned.
How long will I have access to the material?
At the beginning of each month, the module content will be released to you. You will have access to past modules as you move through the course. Your access to all course content will expire on December 31, 2021, (unless you have pre-purchased lifetime access).
What if I want to subscribe months after it’s already begun?
If you want to jump in when the course has already begun, you can pay the Annual fee of $89 (per individual) due to previous course modules already being released.
Do you have a refund policy?
We do not give refunds for any modules already released. However, you can cancel your subscription to future modules any time. Simply email katrina@cafo.org.
About Us
The Christian Alliance for Orphans unites more than 150 respected Christian organizations and a national network of churches. Working together, our joint initiatives inspire and equip Christians to “defend the fatherless” (Isaiah 1:17).
Ultimately, we seek to stimulate and help grow Christian communities committed to adoption, foster care and global orphan care in the local church. Our united efforts include the annual Summit conference, the Orphan Sunday campaign, the Global Movements Initiative, the National Foster Care Initiative, and an array of other shared undertakings.
As the Alliance helps Christians understand God’s call to care for the orphan and equips them for effective response, the impact reaches far beyond a single program or met need. Rather, an ever-expanding army of passionate advocates invest time, talent and treasure in a personal and sustained commitment to caring for orphans in the name of Christ.
Membership
Alliance membership includes three primary categories: organization, church and individual. Regional or National Alliances of churches may join as affiliates of the Alliance. Together, all Alliance members advance a vision larger than any one of us. Without the Alliance, most members would work in isolation or even competition. Instead, the unifying leadership of the Alliance creates shared impact no one organization, church or individual could achieve alone.
MEMBER ORGANIZATIONS are required to embody the highest commitment to financial integrity, good governance and the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Members represent the full continuum of response to orphans worldwide—including many of the most admired names in adoption, domestic foster care, global orphan care and advocacy.
MEMBER CHURCHES must hold convictions consistent with the Alliance statement of faith, and share a desire to see God’s people equipped to defend the fatherless. Many of the nation’s strongest church orphan ministries are Alliance members, both receiving and giving mutual support as part of the Alliance community.
INDIVIDUAL MEMBERS stand committed to the Alliance statement of faith and its mission. Through their own spheres of influence, as well as through their annual dues, they aid the ongoing work of the Alliance community.
Leveraged Impact
The Alliance does not require a large overhead budget or infrastructure. Rather, its impact flows from the coordinated efforts of the extensive expertise, infrastructure and networks shared by CAFO member organizations and volunteers. Contributions to Alliance projects each year are more than tripled by the value of members’ volunteer and in-kind commitments, from office space to graphic design.
About Us
The Christian Alliance for Orphans unites more than 150 respected Christian organizations and a national network of churches. Working together, our joint initiatives inspire and equip Christians to “defend the fatherless” (Isaiah 1:17).
Ultimately, we seek to stimulate and help grow Christian communities committed to adoption, foster care and global orphan care in the local church. Our united efforts include the annual Summit conference, the Orphan Sunday campaign, the Global Movements Initiative, the National Foster Care Initiative, and an array of other shared undertakings.
As the Alliance helps Christians understand God’s call to care for the orphan and equips them for effective response, the impact reaches far beyond a single program or met need. Rather, an ever-expanding army of passionate advocates invest time, talent and treasure in a personal and sustained commitment to caring for orphans in the name of Christ.
Membership
Alliance membership includes three primary categories: organization, church and individual. Regional or National Alliances of churches may join as affiliates of the Alliance. Together, all Alliance members advance a vision larger than any one of us. Without the Alliance, most members would work in isolation or even competition. Instead, the unifying leadership of the Alliance creates shared impact no one organization, church or individual could achieve alone.
MEMBER ORGANIZATIONS are required to embody the highest commitment to financial integrity, good governance and the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Members represent the full continuum of response to orphans worldwide—including many of the most admired names in adoption, domestic foster care, global orphan care and advocacy.
MEMBER CHURCHES must hold convictions consistent with the Alliance statement of faith, and share a desire to see God’s people equipped to defend the fatherless. Many of the nation’s strongest church orphan ministries are Alliance members, both receiving and giving mutual support as part of the Alliance community.
INDIVIDUAL MEMBERS stand committed to the Alliance statement of faith and its mission. Through their own spheres of influence, as well as through their annual dues, they aid the ongoing work of the Alliance community.
Leveraged Impact
The Alliance does not require a large overhead budget or infrastructure. Rather, its impact flows from the coordinated efforts of the extensive expertise, infrastructure and networks shared by CAFO member organizations and volunteers. Contributions to Alliance projects each year are more than tripled by the value of members’ volunteer and in-kind commitments, from office space to graphic design.
About Us
The Christian Alliance for Orphans unites more than 150 respected Christian organizations and a national network of churches. Working together, our joint initiatives inspire and equip Christians to “defend the fatherless” (Isaiah 1:17).
Ultimately, we seek to stimulate and help grow Christian communities committed to adoption, foster care and global orphan care in the local church. Our united efforts include the annual Summit conference, the Orphan Sunday campaign, the Global Movements Initiative, the National Foster Care Initiative, and an array of other shared undertakings.
As the Alliance helps Christians understand God’s call to care for the orphan and equips them for effective response, the impact reaches far beyond a single program or met need. Rather, an ever-expanding army of passionate advocates invest time, talent and treasure in a personal and sustained commitment to caring for orphans in the name of Christ.
Membership
Alliance membership includes three primary categories: organization, church and individual. Regional or National Alliances of churches may join as affiliates of the Alliance. Together, all Alliance members advance a vision larger than any one of us. Without the Alliance, most members would work in isolation or even competition. Instead, the unifying leadership of the Alliance creates shared impact no one organization, church or individual could achieve alone.
MEMBER ORGANIZATIONS are required to embody the highest commitment to financial integrity, good governance and the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Members represent the full continuum of response to orphans worldwide—including many of the most admired names in adoption, domestic foster care, global orphan care and advocacy.
MEMBER CHURCHES must hold convictions consistent with the Alliance statement of faith, and share a desire to see God’s people equipped to defend the fatherless. Many of the nation’s strongest church orphan ministries are Alliance members, both receiving and giving mutual support as part of the Alliance community.
INDIVIDUAL MEMBERS stand committed to the Alliance statement of faith and its mission. Through their own spheres of influence, as well as through their annual dues, they aid the ongoing work of the Alliance community.
Leveraged Impact
The Alliance does not require a large overhead budget or infrastructure. Rather, its impact flows from the coordinated efforts of the extensive expertise, infrastructure and networks shared by CAFO member organizations and volunteers. Contributions to Alliance projects each year are more than tripled by the value of members’ volunteer and in-kind commitments, from office space to graphic design.
About Us
The Christian Alliance for Orphans unites more than 150 respected Christian organizations and a national network of churches. Working together, our joint initiatives inspire and equip Christians to “defend the fatherless” (Isaiah 1:17).
Ultimately, we seek to stimulate and help grow Christian communities committed to adoption, foster care and global orphan care in the local church. Our united efforts include the annual Summit conference, the Orphan Sunday campaign, the Global Movements Initiative, the National Foster Care Initiative, and an array of other shared undertakings.
As the Alliance helps Christians understand God’s call to care for the orphan and equips them for effective response, the impact reaches far beyond a single program or met need. Rather, an ever-expanding army of passionate advocates invest time, talent and treasure in a personal and sustained commitment to caring for orphans in the name of Christ.
Membership
Alliance membership includes three primary categories: organization, church and individual. Regional or National Alliances of churches may join as affiliates of the Alliance. Together, all Alliance members advance a vision larger than any one of us. Without the Alliance, most members would work in isolation or even competition. Instead, the unifying leadership of the Alliance creates shared impact no one organization, church or individual could achieve alone.
MEMBER ORGANIZATIONS are required to embody the highest commitment to financial integrity, good governance and the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Members represent the full continuum of response to orphans worldwide—including many of the most admired names in adoption, domestic foster care, global orphan care and advocacy.
MEMBER CHURCHES must hold convictions consistent with the Alliance statement of faith, and share a desire to see God’s people equipped to defend the fatherless. Many of the nation’s strongest church orphan ministries are Alliance members, both receiving and giving mutual support as part of the Alliance community.
INDIVIDUAL MEMBERS stand committed to the Alliance statement of faith and its mission. Through their own spheres of influence, as well as through their annual dues, they aid the ongoing work of the Alliance community.
Leveraged Impact
The Alliance does not require a large overhead budget or infrastructure. Rather, its impact flows from the coordinated efforts of the extensive expertise, infrastructure and networks shared by CAFO member organizations and volunteers. Contributions to Alliance projects each year are more than tripled by the value of members’ volunteer and in-kind commitments, from office space to graphic design.