Report on FOCUS '06 Children's Ministry Conference

Greenville, SC. A 3-D Elvis . . . a hotel-lobby "circus" featuring clowning, puppetry and nachos . . . amazing stories from one of the nation's leading storytellers . . . and the crowning of a Farkle king were among the fun and innovative events that highlighted the 12th annual International Children's Ministries Conference, held April 27-29 at the Hyatt Regency.

The conference kicked off with Steven James, master storyteller, urging the children's leaders to tell "The Story"?the gospel of Christ?in the most creative ways possible. And with more than 20 ministry exhibits, 40 workshops, and an "Idea Explosion" during which children's leaders from across the nation gave their best ideas, creativity was everywhere.

So was spirituality. Amid the hoopla, leaders were challenged by seminars such as "Passing on Pentecostal Truths," "Dealing With Offenses," and "Pursue God's Purpose for Your Ministry." In the commissioning service, Raymond Culpepper, first assistant general overseer, urged children's workers to mark children's lives as his life was marked by one amazing Sunday school teacher, Walter Wilson, when he was a boy.

The international scope of the conference continues to broaden each year. This year, three international delegates attended the conference representing the Church of God in their respective countries. These included Jennifer Contreras from Puerto Rico, Miroslav Radovanovic from Serbia, and Paula Plummer from Jamaica.

A highlight of each year's conference is the awarding of the Shepherd's Cup for long-time effective ministry to children. This year's recipients were Shirley Spencer of Paris, Texas; Donnie Turner of Liberty Worship Center in Lexington, Ky.; and Mike Waters from the North Carolina Home for Children. Also, Tony Lane received a special Shepherd's Cup award in recognition of his 10 years of service as the international children's ministry coordinator.

Elected to the 2006-07 National Children's Leaders Association team were Daniel Bunce, chairperson; Phillip Harris, Lance Colkmire, Steve Burkoskwe and Gary Lewis.

The 2007 conference will be held April 26-28 in Greenville . For additional information visit www.extremegen.org or call the International Department of Youth and Christian Education at 423-478-7229.