The Awana conference season is approaching fast and I encourage you to attend one in your area, but I wanted to tell you about a conference that I will be attending in September that I am excited to attend as well. It is a new conference being organized by the International Network of Children’s Ministry (the people who hold the Children’s Pastor Conferences). It is their first CM (children’s Ministry) Leaders conference.
What I like most about it is that they are not “pushing” their own materials, but are in place with a desire to serve those who serve in children’s ministry. As Awana leaders, it is important to understand how Awana works and the proper way to reach the children in your ministry through Awana, but often those serving in Awana also serve in other areas. This conference, combined with a local Awana conference will have a great impact on your ministry.
From the website, CM Leaders Conference is designed to meet the needs of the church by training those called to serve in Children’s Ministry with leadership skills relevant to our unique calling.
How does one develop as a leader? What does leadership look like for one called to Children’s Ministry? How do we disciple an entire generation to have a personal walk with Jesus Christ… beginning as a child and continuing into maturity?
Working a full-time job and serving as a children’s pastor, Awana Commander and more, I’m always eager to see what I can do to keep from burning out. Because if I burn out, I can’t serve others, and this conference is designed to help me (and you) be a better children’s ministry leader.
The conference is being held September 13-14, 2012 at Grove City Church of the Nazarene outside of Columbus, OH and did I mention for you Awana ‘peeps’ that Larry Fowler will be one of the speakers at the conference.
I’m looking forward to going and I hope to see you there. I will be blogging from the conference and I have been given a special code which will allow you to register for $99 (current rate is $197) if you register by August 15th. To get this special rate, go to http://incm.org/events/cm-leaders-2012-registration and enter the code commanderbill right before the payment area and then hit the apply button directly to the right of the code box. You will see the rate change to the $99.
If you register and plan to attend please let me know, I would love to meet you there.
