Families and Children

“For we are God’s coworkers, working together; you are God’s field, God’s building. According to the grace of God given to me, like a wise master builder I laid a foundation, and someone else is building on it. Let each builder choose with care how to build on it.” 

 1 Corinthians 3:9-10 NRSV

C.A.R.E. Mission

A ministry that radiates the holistic character of Jesus through art, recreation, and educational tools. In our design of church and community resources, we center the developing hearts and minds of children.

DHM is pleased to pilot the Children’s Art, Recreation, and Education Ministry Team (C.A.R.E.). They design online learning tools, downloadable resources, and in-person trainings for caregivers and congregational leaders of children across the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). This special team brings to Disciples Home Missions an unprecedented style of shared work. Embodying community, these leaders are committed to designing resources that affirm, contextualize, and reach all children.

The Holy Spirit led us to C.A.R.E. in strengthening congregations. If you are interested in receiving updates and resources from the C.A.R.E. Team, please send an email to nriddick@dhm.disciples.org stating your context and need. Additionally pray for our multi-cultural, prophetically led designers charged with centering children ages 5 to 11 in their work.

Yoli Barragan
Serving from Oregon, Pastor Yoli leads Peniel Ministries with her spouse where she has served as Youth Pastor and Women’s Pastor over the last 14 years. She is a muralist and pastry chef. She has partnered with schools painting masterpieces with students, and her Mexican pastries are award -winning. Pastor Yoli earned a Bachelor’s degree in Theology from Portland Bible College and an Associates Degree in Hospitality Management from Oregon Culinary Institute.

Miseon Choi

Serving from California, Rev. Dr. Miseon Choi is an ordained pastor in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). She holds a Ph.D. in Practical Theology with a focus on Spiritual Formation and Religious Education from Claremont School of Theology. Dr. Choi leads youth ministry at First Christian Burbank and Saegil Christian Church while striving to create a strong bridge between theology and action across various contexts, empowering individuals and communities.

Kanessa Miller Doss

Kanessa Miller Doss, Ph.D. serves on the Children’s, Art, Recreation, and Education (C.A.R.E.) Ministry team. As a member of this team, she designs curricula plus promotes and educates leaders, parents, and caregivers who work with elementary school-aged children about C.A.R.E. Dr. Doss is an Associate Professor of Psychology, a Licensed Professional Counselor in Georgia, a Nationally Certified School Psychologist, and a National Certified Counselor. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from Alabama A&M University. She received her Master’s degree in Biology Education and School Counseling; and her doctorate in School Psychology at Auburn University. She has nine years of experience as a public- school educator. As a former Director of Family and Children Ministries at First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Montgomery, AL, Kanessa is committed to continuing her ministry of serving families and children. She is a Children’s Worship and Wonder trainer and summer camp counselor. Kanessa lives in Auburn, AL, with her children Kaiden, Ashton, and Kaitlyn, along with their pet turtle, Ralphie, and betta fish, Aubie.

Rev. Kristin Jack

Starting out as an elementary school special education teacher, Kristin Jack looks back and realizes that she was called to ministry much earlier than she finally decided to answer that Call. She has served in volunteer, part-time or full-time ministry for thirty years, in several Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) congregations in the Fort Worth area and in Waco, Texas as well as Disciples Crossing Camp in Athens, Texas.  She has been a Commissioned Minister in the Southwest Region since 2002. Kristin is currently in a new season of ministry and transition, leading a newly forming DOC House Church that meets in her living room weekly as well as a new joint youth group with Disciples youth and a local Waco-area progressive Church of Christ. She loves teaching children and youth how to SHINE like Jesus, sing praises to God with every bit of their being and  that we should love EVERYONE and make good choices in Jesus name. Kristin has been married to Justin for nearly 25 years and they have 3 children, Savannah, Carter and Addison. She is a devout TCU horned frog residing deep in Baylor territory in Waco, Texas.

Resources

Summer Camp List 2025

Topic: Youth Ministry · Website · Apr 2025

Children’s Art, Recreation, and Education Ministry Team (C.A.R.E.)

· · Jan 2025