CDF Children’s Churches

Creating Sacred Spaces Where Youth Grow with Dignity, Hope, and Joy

Building on more than four decades of partnership with faith communities, CDF is developing a national network of congregations committed to advancing child well-being through faith, community organizing, leadership development, and child advocacy. The initiative builds on lessons from CDF’s Practicing Resurrection pilot and is supported by the Lilly Endowment’s Thriving Congregations initiative.

Through this three-year initiative, CDF will cultivate community and build collective power among 50-75 congregations across the country committed to the well-being of children and youth.

Together, participating congregations will explore how societal conditions shape the lives of children and families in their communities and discern how their faith, theology, and leadership can respond through advocacy, organizing, and action.

From Practicing Resurrection to CDF Children’s Churches

Pastors from Practicing Resurrection shared how a child-centered theology transformed their traditional congregations into active hubs for youth and community development. The panel, moderated by Reverend Dr. Natasha Jameson Gatson, was a featured plenary session at the 2026 Hall-Proctor Institute for Child Advocacy Ministry.

Discover if This Network is Right for Your Congregation—Join Our Next Info Session

Join us on Zoom for an informational session about the CDF Children’s Churches Program. This session is for congregational leaders interested in:

• Advocating for child well-being
• Aligning faith, justice, and action
• Joining a network of child advocates

Learn more and discern if this program is right for your congregation.

Ready to Apply?

Applications coming soon! The application for the CDF Children’s Churches Program will open soon. Check back shortly to submit your congregation’s application and join this national network of child advocates.