About
Our Story
Born from a passion to equip and inspire those who serve the next generation, the Toronto Children’s Ministry Conference brings together leaders, pastors, parents, and volunteers to imagine what God can do through children and those who walk alongside them. We believe children’s ministry isn’t just a program, it’s a calling.
Our Mission
Be Equipped. Be Inspired.
We come alongside pastors and volunteers who invest in children and families, equipping them with annual transformative gatherings, practical tools, and Gospel-rooted encouragement to disciple the next generation in the way of Jesus.
Our History
What began in 2011 as a small gathering of leaders committed to Christian education and formation for children and youth has grown into one of Ontario’s premier conferences for those serving children and families. Held annually on the first Saturday of November, TCMC has welcomed hundreds of participants, shared wisdom from leading voices, and built a diverse, vibrant community across denominations and cultures.
Our Vision
We envision a church where every child is known, loved, and formed in Christ. A church where ministry with children is not an afterthought, but the fertile ground for faith to take root and grow. We dream of leaders who nurture spiritual growth with imagination and intention, cultivating intergenerational communities where faith flourishes and every generation thrives together.
Who We Are
TCMC is led by a passionate, ecumenical team of pastors, academics, and ministry practitioners who share a common vision: to champion children’s faith formation and support those who serve them. Our team brings diverse experiences and theological perspectives, united by a shared commitment to Christ, collaboration across traditions, and a deep love for the local church.
Together, we plan, pray, and prepare each year’s gathering with care. We seek to create a space where leaders are equipped, inspired, and empowered for the work of discipling the next generation.
Legacy of Catherine Keating
Founded by the Rev. Dr. Catherine Keating, whose vision and commitment to supporting those who minister to children continue to inspire the conference today.
The Toronto Children’s Ministry Conference was born out of Catherine’s deep calling to serve those who serve children. Ordained as a Deacon in the Anglican Church in 2006, Catherine’s ministry is shaped by over forty years of experience in education from teacher to administrator and her work with the Ministry of Education. She developed a passion for supporting immigrant children and teaching literacy, which led to the creation of the Read Aloud Think Aloud strategy, shared internationally in Jamaica, Belize, and Uganda.
In addition to her groundbreaking work in literacy, Catherine adapted her strategy to include Making the Christ Connection, helping students integrate theological insights into their lives. It is this blend of educational expertise and deep spiritual grounding that led Catherine to found TCMC to be a space where leaders are equipped, encouraged, and inspired to disciple the next generation of believers. Her legacy continues to shape the heart of the conference, as we embrace her ongoing commitment to teaching, transformation, and the flourishing of children in Christ.