Children & Youth Ministry Conference 2025

Stephen is a dad, husband, writer, and foodie. He has served in churches since 1998 and as a lead consultant with Ministry Architects since 2009. Stephen is a graduate of Samford University and McAfee School of Theology. His books include Hollow Faith: How Andy Griffith, Facebook, and the American Dream Neutered the Gospel, ExtraOrdinary Time: 365 Ordinary Moments with an Anything But Ordinary God; and Organic Student Ministry. Stephen deeply loves working with students and equipping youth ministers, helping both answer the questions: Who am I, and why am I here?

Diane Maloney (she/her) serves Falls Church Presbyterian Church as Director of Spiritual Growth and Community Engagement. Her ministry focuses on spiritual growth for children, youth, adults, and families as well as the digital footprint and engagement with the larger community. Diane holds a degree from Memphis Theological Seminary. She loves helping all people (especially children and teenagers) know they are loved more deeply than they could ever understand by God. When she’s not thinking, speaking, or talking about children and youth ministry, she’s probably playing a sport, watching the tv show, Survivor, or relaxing with her wife, Paige, their cat PAL, short for President Abraham Lincoln, and their puppy, Kettle Corn.

Gracie is an ordained Deacon and the Pastor to Children and Families at Belle Meade UMC. Her greatest passion is seeing children connect to faith and the church community. She also believes deeply in the role of parents in spiritual formation and seeks to empower them in this call. Gracie has been in vocational ministry with children and families for 14 years. Gracie holds a Bachelor of Arts in Biblical and Theological Studies from Lee University (09) and a Master of Divinity from Vanderbilt Divinity School (13). In her free time, she enjoys reading, eating Mexican food, cuddling her cats, and going on adventures with her husband, Justin, and daughters, Emery and Hadley.

Emily Nelson Dixon serves as the Director of Christian Education at Grace Covenant Presbyterian Church in Overland Park, KS. With over two decades of experience in youth and children’s ministries in the PC(USA) and ELCA churches, she is passionate about helping young people know they are deeply loved by God—just as they are. A committed ally, she strives to create open and affirming spaces where all feel welcome.

Since 2014, Emily has been teaching and coaching youth and children’s ministers, guiding them to recognize and harness their God-given strengths in their ministry settings. With a background in musical theatre and a certificate in Youth Leadership from Columbia Seminary, she brings creativity and depth to her work.

At home, Emily and her spouse, Chris, keep up with their three energetic, hilarious children in a household filled with laughter, the aroma of delicious cooking, and an ever-growing collection of quirky art projects.

Hank is the Director of Youth and College Ministries at Franklin First UMC in Franklin, TN where he recently entered his 30th year of ministry. Hank has experience serving in youth ministry at the local, conference, jurisdictional, and national levels of the United Methodist Church and as a youth ministry consultant and coach.
Hank is married to his wife Amy and has two kids in college and two headed to college this fall. When not doing youth ministry or hanging out with family, you’ll usually find Hank on a disc golf course.

Kris Lott has devoted nearly two decades to empowering young people and their families. With 18 years of experience in youth ministry, Kris has led thriving programs that help students grow in their faith and navigate the challenges of adolescence. As an alumnus and coach with the Center for Youth Ministry Training (CYMT), Kris has mentored and equipped youth ministers, offering practical tools and encouragement to strengthen their ministries.

Building on his passion for relational care, Kris transitioned to the field of Marriage and Family Therapy, where he now supports individuals, couples, and families in navigating life’s complexities. A Nashville native, Kris holds a master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Trevecca Nazarene University and is a partner at Brentwood Counseling Associates. His work is characterized by humor, empathy, and a deep commitment to fostering growth and connection.

Whether leading in ministry, coaching youth leaders, or counseling in his therapy practice, Kris brings a heartfelt dedication to nurturing emotional and spiritual resilience in the next generation. When not working Kris enjoys spending time at the lake with his family and friends.

Maggie Jarrell is an ordained deacon who serves as the Pastor of Children and Families at West End UMC. She has an M.Div. from Vanderbilt and has been in full-time ministry for 13 years.
Maggie is passionate about helping young people learn to love God and their neighbors. She hopes to encourage kids and parents to ask questions about their faith together. She believes that helping to foster intergenerational experiences and relationships benefits everyone because every age and stage has gifts to bring to the table.
She loves reading books, running on the greenways of Nashville, baking bread, and spending time with friends, family, and her cat Belle.

Dr. Meckley serves as the Professor for Biblical Studies in the CYMT certificate program and Professor of Religion and Philosophy at KWU in Salina, Kansas. He holds a Ph.D. from Vanderbilt, an M.Div. from Trinity Lutheran Seminary, and an M.A. from the University of Notre Dame. He and his wife, Emily, have also both served as pastors (Phil is ELCA and Emily is UMC). Phil is passionate about seeing the Scriptures come alive in practical ministry settings, especially with children and youth.