As Kid’s Pastors we have many options to choose from when it comes to conferences. It’s great to have options, but many of us can only choose one or two conferences to attend each year. That’s a tough choice to make! I had the privilege of attending CMConnect Conference last year as a part of their social media team, and it was a refreshing experience. I am honored to be joining the team again this year, as well as leading a few workshops. CMConnect Conference is unlike any other conference I have attended and is designed to connect, serve and advance those called to Children’s Ministry. CMConnect 2017 is being held in Louisville, KY on February 20-23.

Here are my top 3 reasons you should attend CMConnect Conference this year:

1. Variety of Speakers

There are more speakers and workshops than ever before! There will be main sessions with Michael Chanley, Heidi Hensley, Squirt the Clown, Roger Fields (from Kid’s Blitz), and many more. You’ll have the opportunity to customize your experience by choosing 12 workshops you’d like to attend from a directory of over 110 sessions. I love that the speakers aren’t all the big name speakers you hear at some of the other conferences. You get a variety of big name speakers and Children’s Pastors from local churches leading workshops, and they’re even allowing me to share my heart on a few topics this year.

My Workshops

  • Creative Environments on a Budget – Creative ministry environments are a huge factor in drawing families into your ministry. Let me show you how to create environments that will have your kids excited to experience your ministry. I will share my favorite tools and tips for doing it all on a budget.
  • Creative Environments: Do’s and Don’ts – Creative ministry environments are important, but there are pitfalls to avoid and shortcuts to explore. Skip the mistakes, and start creating environments that won’t fall apart overnight.
  • 5 Ways to Engage Kids in Worship – Do your kids stare blankly into the distance you say, “Who’s ready to worship?” Do you feel like you are the only person in the room actually singing the songs? Let’s look at 5 different ways to engage your kids in worship and get them excited about singing!
  • Worship Nights for Kids – Why should you have worship nights for kids? Kids need to know the “who, what, where, why, and how” of worship. They need time to ask questions and learn what worship looks like. Join me as we discuss how to create worship experiences for kids of all ages.

2. Affordable

Michael Chanley and his team go out of the way to make the conference affordable for anyone, and his heart is for resourcing the under-resourced churches. This conference is by far the best bang for your buck. If you register before February 1st, the cost is only $99. You aren’t going to find a three and a half day conference with this level of training anywhere else at that price! Also, if you are in a position where you can’t afford to pay, you can apply for a scholarship. It doesn’t get much better than that.

3. Networking Opportunities

There are always networking opportunities when you attend any conference, but many conferences are so large, it can be easy to get lost in the crowd. CMConnect is intentional about offering small group networking opportunities. Every night, after the main session, there is an afterparty at a local restaurant where you can meet and talk with other kidmin leaders in a comfortable setting. I went every night last year and had some great conversations. I would also encourage you to use social media to find out who is going to the conference and set up times to get lunch, coffee, (or if you’re like me), ice cream. Sometimes the conversations we have at lunch or coffee can be more valuable than a workshop or main session.

If all of this sounds AMAZING to you, then I have some really great news. I am giving away 3 FREE TICKETS to the CMConnect Conference this week. Comment on this post with one or more kidmin topics you would like to learn more about. I will announce the winners on Monday, January 23rd.

One more thing, when you register for the CMConnect Conference you will be entered into a drawing to win an all expenses paid trip to Belize for the CMRetreat.

CMConnect Conference Ticket Winners

  • Ron Little

  • Gloria Earl

  • Shannon Grace Threlkeld

Congratulations to the winners! Please email me at iam@kidmincorinne.com with your full name and email address.