The Wonder Summit was birthed from the same vision that inspired the Western NC UMC Cultivate Grant: a deep commitment to nurturing children as active participants in congregational worship and prayer. In addition to resourcing and guiding local churches in Western NC to engage in this holy work with children, our vision was to include the whole Southeastern Jurisdiction of the UMC in this work. 
 
The vision for The Wonder Summit is a reliably United Methodist gathering where leaders come together to imagine, practice, and consider the various ways of and theological backing for engaging children in congregational worship. Rooted in wonder, curiosity, and collaboration, The Wonder Summit creates space to cultivate ideas, stories, and practices that honor children not as observers, but as vital members of the worshiping community.

The Cultivate Grant is funded by the Lilly Endowment as part of their Nurturing Children in Worship and Prayer grant program.