Meet Cindy Russell Director of Education

Cindy grew up in North Little Rock and has been associated with Lakewood United Methodist Church since 1968. She graduated from Northeast High School and attended The University of Arkansas in Fayetteville for two years. She moved away in 1977 to Houston, Texas, and has also lived in New Orleans, Louisiana and Tulsa, Oklahoma. She moved back to North Little Rock in 1998 to take the position of Director of Christian Education at Lakewood. Cindy has two children, Heather and Tyler. Cindy graduated Summa Cum Laude from The University of Houston in 1997 with a degree in Sociology. Her emphasis in sociology was religious studies and she interned at the Center for Immigration at the University of Houston, where she researched immigrant religions in the Houston area. Her work experience includes just about every area of ministry in the church. She was a Church Secretary at Canal Street United Methodist Church in New Orleans. She was a Mother’s Day Out Director for 9 years for a program with over 200 children at Cypress UMC in Cypress, Texas. She also worked at the ARC of Houston as a Volunteer Coordinator and was active in the Houston Area Volunteer Administrators Association. She has been a Ministries Coordinator, Youth Director, Program Director, and Church Growth Consultant. Cindy is committed to “growing disciples” at Lakewood UMC. “I think my best gift is matching people with opportunities for service. I’m really excited when someone finds their ‘nitch’ in the church because they’ve gotten involved in ministry. I am a huge advocate for children’s ministries. I think it’s one of the most important ministries in the church.” Ministry to Children Really Matters!!! A national religious research firm called “Barna Research Ltd.” Recently conducted a workshop in our area. I have always know that ministry to children is essential, but the Barna people put out some numbers that really back up what I felt to be true. The probability of people accepting Christ into their lives drastically decreases as we get older. Here are the numbers: Ages:5–13----32% Accept Christ Ages:14–18----4% Accept Christ Ages:19–death----6% Accept Christ As you can see, ministry to children really matters!!! We have so many ways that you can be involved in the life of children at Lakewood UMC. Our kids don’t need glorified babysitters – they need people who are committed to their spiritual development. If you have questions or comments about the Christian education ministries at Lakewood, e-mail Cindy Russell