Registration Extended for FOCUS 2014 Children’s Ministry Leadership Training Conference
Anyone involved in children’s ministry is encouraged to take advantage of an extended deadline for the 2014 FOCUS Conference.
A Blast Back to Look to the Future is the theme of the 20th annual FOCUS Children’s Ministries Leadership Training Conference will be held March 6-8, 2014. After being held in Greenville, South Carolina for many years, the conference leadership team has decided to move it back to its roots, to the Marriott Hotel in Knoxville, Tennessee to celebrate 20 years of training and equipping children’s ministry leaders.
In January 1994 at an interdenominational children’s ministry conference, nine local-church Church of God children’s covenanted to help advance Church of God ministry to children.
In September of that year, a two-day children’s leaders retreat was held near Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. Twenty-seven children’s leaders from nine states met and formed Children’s Pastors Fellowship, which later became the National Children’s Leaders Association.
In 2011, the name of the fellowship was changed from National Children’s Leaders Association to Children’s Leaders Association. The purpose for the name change was to be inclusive of many of the international leaders who are a part of this fellowship.
On May 13-15, 1995, the first national children’s ministries conference, called “For the Kids!” drew 300 people to a three-day event in Asheville, North Carolina. This annual conference, now called FOCUS Children’s Ministries Conference, has continued annually for 20 years. It has expanded to include Middle School leaders, as well as Spanish speaking delegates. Sunday school teachers, children’s club leaders, children’s music directors, and Children’s Pastors are encouraged to attend! There are over 40 workshops, four general sessions, and even several workshops which begin before the initial conference general session. Each general session includes a variety of elements, including worship, entertainment, inspiration and fellowship. Many exhibitors will provide current and relevant resources for more effective children’s ministry.
Guest speakers for the FOCUS 2014 Conference include Jim Wideman and Craig Jutila (former Children’s Pastor with Rick Warren at Saddleback Church). Gene Cordova, a comedian and ventriloquist, will be entertaining, as well as training. Music for the conference will be led by Larry Bean and James Matchek, the creators of Kids Praise Traks.
For senior/lead pastors who are searching for a Children’s Pastor, the conference provides opportunities to meet and interview potential candidates.
REGULAR REGISTRATION RATE HAS BEEN EXTENDED TO ALL WHO REGISTER BY MONDAY, JANUARY 27. To register, go to www.cogyouth.org or call 423.478.7229. FOCUS is a ministry of Church of God Youth and Discipleship.
