Alright… FOCUS ‘08 has now come to a close and it was a great success. WOW! I was blown away by everyone involved. I was talking with someone whose worked with conferences before and they said, “When you show up and everything is running smoothly, it makes you think it wasn’t a lot of hard work, but I know better.” I laughed and said that if the hard work had not been done, when people show up it is obvious to those attending that somebody didn’t plan or work hard enough. Well, the leadership team worked hard and I truly believe it paid off.
Now… my questions to you are: What was your favorite part of the conference this year? For you repeat offenders out there, what keeps you coming back to FOCUS each year? If this was your first time, what will it take to bring you back next year? (And no, I will not be your room-mate… lol… inside joke.) Finally, what two or three ideas did you take away that if you implement immediately will make your ministry better, more efficient, and/or more effective? I look forward to hearing from you!
April 27, 2008 at 7:32 pm |
Hey,
I just wanted to say what an awesome conference we had this year. I learned a lot and I will put it all to use.
What keeps me coming back is the time we get to spend with God and don’t have to worry about anything else but seeking him.
The most important thing idea I will put to use is pour myself into the lives of the next children’s pastor(s) that will come from my church.
Sorry I won’t be anyone’s roommate either (enjoyed a grand bed by myself).
April 28, 2008 at 4:07 pm |
My favorite part was meeting that new guy Donnie Bunce. I learned some great leadership principles from Jim Wideman. Yancy was incredible as well. To see her integrity and her heart for worship is proof that Jim’s Leadership principals work.
We heard one of the greatest closing we have ever had at NCLA. Brian Hunter said exactly what most of us needed to hear. The other closing I recall that was remarkable was Tony’s “The best is yet to come” – Now I feel like having a piece of pie.
I was thinking about Brian Hunter’s message on the Hallway and I wanted to compare that to NCLA.
The Hallway between the doors of our life is sometimes a lonely place. You can’t fit a lot of people in the hallway. Hallways are designed for transition not for congregating.
I thank God that at the NCLA FOCUS Conference we intentionally try to CRAM as many people in the Hallway as possible.
FOCUS is a great place to find a friend to hang out with you in the Hallway!
Phil maybe you could be someone’s “HALL-MATE”. LOL
April 28, 2008 at 4:29 pm |
Jason: I’ve often said children’s ministry workers are the most selfless people I know. You guys are always thinking about others while serving at church. Getting to worship God and hear from His Word without thinking about anything else is refreshing. And keep pouring into those next leaders man!
Jeremy: Maybe that’s better than a roommate. I won’t have to stay as long, right? lol Seriously though, I know what it’s like to be in transition and find yourself in a ‘hallway’. You’re right bro, it can be lonely. And if FOCUS, or if I can personally, provide friendship and a safe place for a fellow children’s pastor during their ‘hallway’ experience, I’d love to. We certainly need safe places during those times!
Be blessed guys! Thanks for posting!
Phil
April 29, 2008 at 10:45 pm |
FOCUS has always been a great conference to me. I’ve been to larger conferences and smaller ones for children’s ministry. In my humble and honest opinion – FOCUS is the one that I enjoy the most.
I have developed friendships there that I believe will last a lifetime. That is what keeps me coming back, it is the only time some of us can get together since we are scattered throughout the states.
I loved Jim Wideman’s classes-and what he has to offer to others. Yancy’s worship style was perfect for the conference- I believe it was the best yet. All the general sessions were great. It is good to here where it all began for Jim. Brian Hunter brought a great closing message about the hallway. It spoke volumes to me.
I want to thank the NCLA team for working so hard. Knowing all of you who serve on the board personally, and what it takesfrom you. I personally want to thank all of you for making the FOCUS conference a highlight of my year.
May 1, 2008 at 4:44 pm |
To the NCLA team and membership,
Thank you so much for your vote of confidence! It is such an honor to be elected to the NCLA Leadership Team and to have the opportunity to serve alongside great guys such as Tony (the BIG Dog), Phil H (the Ryan Seacrest of the NCLA) , Phil B (don’t you just love the guy?), Tim (don’t know him well yet, but I’m sure he’s great) , and yeah……….even you Daniel B (as if being married to Angie wasn’t enough!). Seriously, I love you guys and I look foward to working with you. I hope I can bring some good things to the table. I also want to give honor and appreciation to former members of this team for all they have done to help elevate Children’s Ministry in our denomination. Members such as Lance Colkmire, Cindy Hunnicutt, and so many others have helped to make the NCLA the best conference in the COG. This conference has enjoyed a tradition of excellence and I pray that I can help keep it going. I have some BIG shoes to fill!
Blessings to you all!
May 9, 2008 at 12:08 pm |
Thanks for the kind words, Steve. You’ll be a super asset to the team. Tim is our state YCE director here in TN, and he’s great to work with, as you’ll see.
This was only the second time in 14 FOCUS conferences that I didn’t have major responsibilities to carry out, and I must say I really enjoyed myself. As I saw the two Phils running around nonstop one evening while I was relaxing and talking, I thought, “That was me!”
I greatly appreciate how Tony is a leader who allows the elected team to lead as well. That’s the underlying secret to the success of FOCUS . . . along, of course, with God’s favor.