The Micah Paradigm is the result of 5 years of collaborative work to turn what had been “just fine” community service days and summer camps for our children and youth into a continuum of programming that engages children in work experience, biblical exploration and discussion on a wide range of social needs and justice issues that meet each age level where they are in their physical, cognitive and spiritual development. Using Piaget, Erikson, and Fowler’s developmental models we have created learning goals for each age level that help children grow from loving mercy through doing justice and ultimately walking humbly in solidarity with the poor. The goal of a webinar would be to offer our learning and experiences with other lay and ordained leaders of programs for children, youth and families.

Resources from this webinar: Building a Developmental Framework

Barbara McCall is the Director of Children’s and Family Ministries at St. Thomas the Apostle Episcopal Church of Overland Park, Kansas. She has worked in the field of Children’s Christian Formation for the past 7 years, prior to which she spent 14 years teaching primary grades in the public schools of suburban Kansas City. Barbara holds a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education degree from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and a Master of Arts in Teaching from Baker University.

The Rev. Kelly Demo is the Associate Rector at St. Thomas the Apostle Episcopal Church in Overland Park, Kansas. During her 24 years of ordained ministry much of Kelly’s work has focused on both the spiritual development of youth, and matters of social justice and poverty. Rev. Demo also worked for ten years with international aid organizations. She created and published a Scripture based retreat for youth called Miqra which is used in many dioceses around the country. She is currently developing a curriculum that focuses on helping older teens discover their gifts, talents, and God-given passions so they might serve the Kingdom.