The Value of Attending a Conference
As a children's director, if you are like me, you rarely make it through a full service let alone have the opportunity to attend a small group or special class. So what can you do to refresh your spirit and renew your ministry fervor? Attend a conference. The atmosphere itself is invigorating as teams of tired children's ministry workers pack in-giddy with excitement at the thought of spending quality time with like minded adults.
As a children's director, if you are like me, you rarely make it through a full service let alone have the opportunity to attend a small group or special class. So what can you do to refresh your spirit and renew your ministry fervor? Attend a conference. The atmosphere itself is invigorating as teams of tired children's ministry workers pack in-giddy with excitement at the thought of spending quality time with like minded adults.
Attending a Conference enables:
Much Needed Time Away~ Even though you love what you do and you spend hours researching and studying the bible for lessons, there is still a deficit in your spiritual stores. Let's be honest, trying to rest and refocus amid your everyday environment is nearly impossible. The never ending demands of home life coupled with ministry life leave little personal time to truly escape and bask in the presence of God. Having the opportunity to be fully in absorb mode without having to expend for even just a few days is invaluable.
New Perspective~ Seeing, hearing and experiencing new techniques and fresh ideas on how to impact children and families for Jesus Christ. Not only from the perspective of the conference presenters but also from the attendees as you fellowship with each other and share ministry techniques.
Lasting Connections~You get to know your team on a more personal basis. Joking, laughing and experiencing conference life together-making memories and building deeper friendships. You also make lasting connections with children's leaders from all over the globe. There is such a powerful feeling to be part of hundreds and even thousands of children's ministry leaders worshiping and praising God in one accord. We may all be from different churches, different denominations, different states, and even different countries; yet, we serve the same Lord and Savior. The body of Christ-it is truly overwhelming and awe-inspiring.
How to Get the Most Out of the Conference:
- Don't sweat the small annoyances~Inevitably there will be that group who infiltrates the front row and sets up camp for the entire conference. They manage to be in front of you for every workshop, food line, store register and even the elevator ride to your room at the end of the day. What do you do? Smile. Be glad that you are not the one who is uptight trying to be first. Stay focused on why you are there. Yield your time and experience to God and He will bless you.
- Spread your team around to different workshops to make the most of your time. Later, you can debrief and even have a mini conference to share what you've learned.
- Make a plan to implement what you've learned. Pray for God's direction for the ministry He has interested to you, cast the vision to your church leaders, families and children, then train and empower your staff.
Isaiah 40:29-31
Titus 1:1-3
Happy conference hunting!
