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Kathy Creasy
Director of Children’s Ministries

In the beautiful mountains of North Carolina, 175 children’s
workers and conference staff gathered for the Institute of
TESTIMONIALS FROM THOSE WHO ATTENDED: Children’s Ministry (ICM), an intensive, three-day ministry
training event sponsored by the Children’s Ministry department
How will your ministry to children change because of of the Church of God of Prophecy International Offices.
KINDLE? Under the theme, “Kindle,” the event was held at the LifeWay
• “Outreach will be put into action.” Ridgecrest Conference Center near Asheville, North Carolina.
• “We will refocus on first revising our mission, defining our purpose and
ICM provided attendees a way to fully engage and develop
aim. We will focus on outreach, kingdom building, and relationship with their ministry to children and offered big-picture and practical
Jesus.” ideas for both seasoned workers and emerging leaders. The
• “I will mentor those ‘under’ me.” conference was highlighted by 32 breakout sessions on a variety
• “I hope to be more relevant in my teaching; to serve with passion and of ministry topics such as evangelism, leadership, parental and
excellence; to bring along others to do the same.”
• “We will include more hands-on activities in Sunday school.” volunteer involvement, resources, and discipleship.
• “I have new purpose. I have new intent. I have a renewed faith and Out of a Slump,” “Healthy Leaders, Healthy Churches,” “Creating
Workshop titles included “7 Steps to Bring Your Ministry
appointment. I’m growing to GROW LEADERS!”
• “I will implement a vast amount of God-led resources a bit at a time. I Ministry Themes Kids Love and Live!” and “Idea Smorgasbord.”
There were also general sessions with worship and inspiration
already see a transformation happening.”
• “As soon as I get off the plane, my work begins. I am definitely challenging from special guest speakers that included noted ministry
myself and others to make a difference.” leaders Dale Hudson, Melissa MacDonald, Tina Houser, Brian
Sutton, and International Children’s Ministry Director Kathy
Creasy. Pastor Jeff Burkhardt also spoke on spiritual formation
in morning sessions. On Friday evening, Melissa Minter
presented “Children’s Ministry LIVE!,” a full children’s ministry
What was MOST beneficial to you at KINDLE?
program that could be taken back to local churches.
“Once again, God provided the best for those He has called to
and allowed!” serve kids,” said Kathy Creasy. “KINDLE participants experienced
• “The level of expertise was fabulous! Personal growth was challenged
worship, received ministry, strengthened ministry and leadership
• “Having other men around that are called to children’s ministry.”
skills, and built lasting relationships with other children’s
passion and intent.” ministers. It was amazing to connect with these youth, couples,
• “Being poured into intensely. THANK YOU for pouring into us with such
and individual men and women who have fully embraced
• “The guest speakers were fabulous and most relevant.”
God’s call to serve kids and families.”
me to move forward.” The event also was given high marks by attendees on their
• “General sessions were amazing. Rejuvenated my spirit and encouraged
evaluations, with many inspired to take the training and put
it to use in their areas. Many of the workshops and sessions
offered during ICM are available from the Children’s Ministry
department. Please contact cgpkids@cogop.org or visit
cogop.org/children/ for more information.

—DeWayne Hamby
Cleveland, Tennessee

WWM FEBRUARY 2018 29