The following post is from Christy Correll-Hughes, children’s ministry director at First Baptist Church Clemmons, NC.
If you are anything like me, as a children’s minister (or any kind of minister
really) you’re super busy with meetings, managing volunteers, curriculum, committees, budgets, and many other things that vie for attention. Throw in an occasional pastoral care emergency and that pretty much covers a typical day in the life of a minister. Sometimes I get so caught up in the details, I forget the bigger purpose- sharing God’s love with children. I have the privilege of serving and ministering to children and families at my church in Clemmons , NC. All the details are necessary, but stepping away, taking some time to pause and regroup is even more important.
Churchworks offers me the opportunity to do just that- step out of the daily details and into some purposeful time dedicated to learning and growing. At the Churchworks Conference, this year in Fort Worth, Texas, the Children’s Ministry Network will probably be the highlight for me. It’s an event at which I’ll get to fellowship with and learn from friends both old and new.
At three different sessions set aside for networking, those in attendance who are serving in the area of children’s or family ministry will be able to gather, fellowship, and share best practices in various areas of our ministries. The first meeting will be about Recharging. We will be talking about and answering the questions: “How to we take care of ourselves?” “How do we grow spiritually while also helping others to grow?”
Our second session will be focused on Resources. What kinds of things are we using in our ministry that are working- specifically in the areas of: curriculum, programs, volunteers, and technology. I can’t wait to share a few new ideas of my own that are working as well as hearing from others and taking home something interesting to try out or explore further.
The last session will be focused on the Children’s Ministry Network itself. How can we grow this vital group? Currently there is a vibrant Facebook group where children’s ministers from all over post questions, share resources, and support one another in ministry. We want to talk about how to expand this group.
A week ago, I sat in a meeting with 6 or so other children’s ministers to plan an event for children in North Carolina. Someone asked a question about a photo release policy and several shared what they were doing at their churches. As we shared ideas and talked, I mentioned the CBF Children’s Ministry Network Facebook group and everyone was immediately interested in being a part. It is so valuable, the fellowship, encouragement, and inspiration that comes from relationships with others, particularly others serving in the same ministry area.
I am so excited about facilitating the sessions for the Children’s Ministry Network and am looking forward to pausing, at least for a few days, learning, and growing alongside others serving in the fellowship.
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