We are excited to introduce our new Children’s Ministry Leader, Kristen Dixon! Lauren Mann asked Kristen a few questions to get to know her:
Tell us a little about yourself. Where did you grow up and how did you end up in Raleigh?
I grew up in a little country church in the redwoods of northern California. My dad pastored the church, and my mom led many of the ministries, including the children’s ministry. After a long migration across the states, first to Missouri for seminary, then to New Jersey while Thomas finished his Ph.D., Campbell University offered Thomas a tenured track position in their New Testament department. A little less than five years ago, we moved near Campbell University, and we are loving it!
What ministry experience have you had?
After college, a church in California’s bay area invited me to lead their children’s ministry. I coordinated Sunday school, children’s church, and even directed a children’s choir! The people at this church were hardworking, faithful, and generous, and I dearly loved them. Following my time in the bay area, I attended seminary in Springfield, Missouri. Studying scripture always makes my heart skip a beat! I joined the expository preaching fellows so that I could study the bible as much as possible. After three years, I graduated with a Masters of Divinity, and shortly after, I met my husband, Thomas. I followed him to Princeton, New Jersey where I began serving as children’s minister at our church. There I coordinated Sunday school, children’s church, nursery, and Wednesday night programs. At this church, close friendships formed between the children’s ministry volunteers, and a deep community of Christian fellowship unfolded. That sweet atmosphere of brother/sisterhood in Christ spilled into every corner of the church and reminds me still of why children’s ministry is so important!
What excites you most about stepping into this leadership role?
The number one privilege of this role will always be introducing children to Jesus Christ. Childlike faith is precious to me. Jesus greatly cherished it, and it is something I want to encourage to grow (not to stomp it out). “Whatever you did for the least of these… you did for me,” (Matthew 25:40). What a privilege it is to wash the feet of a child, knowing that it is blessing my Lord! He greatly cherishes children, and I hope he will use my life to do the same.
