Jan Marler began Oct. 1 working with the Baptist State
Convention of North Carolina (BSC) on a contract basis in the area of childhood
ministry. Marler, a former children’s specialist with LifeWay Christian
Resources, has more than 25 years of experience in childhood ministry at the
local church and denominational level, including the publication of several
resources for children’s leaders.
Marler will serve in this position until the BSC hires an
individual to fill the position permanently.
Jan Marler, former LifeWay children’s specialist, will serve North Carolina’s children’s ministers until the BSC finds an individual to fill the position permanently. |
“I am looking forward to developing relationships with
children’s ministers, and to seeing them succeed and grow spiritually,” Marler
said. Marler is also looking forward to helping children’s ministers as they
reach out to children’s families.
Marler will continue to live in Nashville, Tenn., but will
be available for phone calls and email consultations on issues related to
preschool and children’s ministry. Next year she will also lead regional
workshops for childhood ministry leaders. Areas of emphasis in the workshops
will include safety and security and practical skills for children’s ministers.
“Jan Marler is a most capable and personable expert with
whom you will enjoy connecting,” said Brian Upshaw, BSC church ministry team
leader. “We still intend to hire a full-time childhood ministry consultant, but
in the interim, Jan will provide us with an expert in this area who is able to
field the various day-to-day questions that arise regarding children’s
ministry.
“Numerous studies have expressed the crisis of college
students and young adults who are leaving the church. There is a growing
understanding that much of that dropout can be avoided if a firm spiritual
foundation is laid in childhood,” Upshaw said.
Marler can be contacted at (919) 810-1466 or
[email protected]. Churches can also connect with her by contacting the BSC
at (800) 395-5102, ext. 5646, or [email protected].