BOOM!
It’s mid-February.
In KidMin world that means a few things:
- You can’t hold onto Christmas music anymore. Sorry. That’s just not cool.
- You’re finally done working through your stash of Halloween candy. (Gross!)
- But you can now get those chalky Valentine’s hearts.
- CPC is almost here!
Quick backstory:
I’ve worked at Awana for five years. Every year, I’ve been involved with CPC. Including everything from booth presence, breakout sessions, and our engagement strategy. CPC is a big deal to Awana.
CPC serves as one of the most defining events of our ministry year. Here are a few reasons why:
1. Connection
True connection affirms who we are and shapes who we are becoming. Like any role in ministry, children’s ministry requires an outside connection. We know that. We hear it. We teach it. The trouble is that too few children’s ministry leaders actively seek connection.
And that’s what CPC represents to so many KidMin leaders. Bringing like-minded leaders together for a few days of learning, growing, stretching, and shaping. (If you’re hungry for that kind of connection, there’s still time to register. Check out the details here for more info.)
2. Surfacing
Whether your church engages with products from Awana or not, the pace of KidMin can feel pretty breakneck at times.
Moms.
Dads.
Kids.
Snacks.
Curriculum choices.
Facility issues.
Church politics.
Recruiting volunteers.
…and so it goes.
The best picture I can think of is a submarine: You went “down periscope” a few months ago. Full steam ahead. Judging by the sonor and maps, everything looks pretty good. But you could use some reinforcement that you’re doing stuff that matters. That you’re connecting with kids. That you’re not approaching ministry burnout.
CPC provides an opportunity to bring everything to the surface. Perspective around ministry trends, newer initiatives, even perspective around your own needs.
3. Stretching
Leaders are learners. And you’re probably not going to find a group of more committed learners in the KidMin world than the attendees at CPC. Lifelong learning as a posture also seems to be embedded in INCM’s leadership.
CPC just loves to learn together.
And that’s huge.
There are plenty of conferences out there where you can get answers. But learning is deeper than just answers. The posture of learning that characterizes CPC runs deep.
It’s an exciting learning that starts with discovery.
It’s a driven learning that leans into action and practice.
It’s a warm learning that always, always, always involves people.
It’s a measured, thoughtful, and tempered learning that is framed by scripture.
4. Old Friends – New Friends
Friendship around a shared vision is a powerful thing. And CPC is full of enduring friendships.
When I was younger, my Mom had this great saying about the value of friendship. Originally, it was set in song, but (thankfully) our blog isn’t capable of hosting audio yet, so consider yourself blessed 🙂
Here’s how it went:
“Make new friends / keep the old / one is silver / the other gold.”
I hope that doesn’t sound cheesy.
It probably does.
But Mom is usually right about that kinda stuff 😉
The truth is that enduring friendships are gifts for those who serve in ministry. As much as the simple connection mentioned above is always a staple at CPC, there’s another angle to connection: The image of old friends reconnecting. Coffee and conversation abounds. Ideas (and updated phone numbers) are exchanged. Ministry stories are shared, reflected on, and swapped.
For me, seeing old friends is the biggest reason I go.
But if you still consider yourself a “new friend,” I’d love to buy you a cup of the aforementioned coffee 🙂
We hope to see you there!
For more information about a great opportunity to learn more about upcoming Awana products and offerings at CPC click here.
