Louisville—Wendy Dever, director of the Kentucky Baptist Convention’s preschool and children’s ministry department, has left the staff after 10 years of service to be closer to family in Florida.

Calling her a “champion for the importance of effective children’s ministries in the church,” church development team leader Alan Witham said Dever was known for her passion for children and children’s ministry.

“She has reflected the spirit and example of Jesus who valued children and welcomed the opportunity to spend time with them,” Witham noted.

During her time with the KBC’s Mission Board staff, Dever was instrumental in assisting churches across the state in strengthening preschool and children’s ministries. A statewide preschool/children’s ministry meeting, held every January, was started under her leadership.

She also provided training for numerous church and associational workers in conducting and leading meaningful Sunday school and vacation Bible school experiences, Witham said.