Right now, it’s Sunday. I’m sitting at the gate, waiting to board my flight to the 2025 Children’s Pastors Conference in sunny Orlando! This conference is my ultimate B12 shot—energizing my spirit, sharpening my mind, and filling my heart for the mission of leading families to Jesus.

What makes CPC so special? Oh, where do I start? I love the disciple-maker workshops packed with wisdom, the treasure trove of vendor resources (and yes, the swag is top-tier!), coaching for both rookies and veterans in ministry, and the incredible speakers from all over the globe who challenge and inspire us.

This year’s conference has an added twist: INCM (International Network of Children’s Ministry) is under new leadership. I’m eager to hear their vision for this amazing organization which historically equips and empowers leaders like me. Fun fact: my crew—a couple dozen ministry colleagues from around the country—has attended through multiple leadership transitions. And we keep coming back. Why?

Because this isn’t just any teaching conference. It’s a soul-feeding, disciple-making, life-transforming experience. It’s where we swap stories, celebrate victories, and laugh (a lot) in our shared AirBnB. We know the challenges and triumphs of each other’s churches, and we create a safe space to share our hearts for the families we serve.

Flashback to last year: our new pastors had just preached their first sermon, and my church was only six weeks old. CPC24 was my lifeline. I didn’t know what God had in store or how I could support the vision unfolding before us, but the Holy Spirit showed up in power. I walked away with everything I needed—resources for family discipleship, testing curriculum that knocked it out of the park, and unforgettable encouragement from speakers like Beth Guckenberger to persevere through the messiness I’d soon be faced with that only God could redeem.

This year, I’m surrendering all over again. I’m leaning into the Holy Spirit’s whispers, the music that stirs hearts, and the connections that build His kingdom here on earth. I’m ready to support my amazing friend and colleague in the resource center and embrace every conversation, every door, every window the Lord opens. His love for the littles—and their bigs—is boundless.

Only God knows what 2025 has in store, but I’m thankful for my church’s commitment to lifelong learning, their support for my outside-the-box ideas, and their encouragement in building the relationships that make ministry joyful and enduring.

So here’s my prayer: Thank You, Lord, for calling me to this space, this moment, and this mission. Thank You for letting me learn, dream, and serve alongside some of the most creative and passionate people on the planet. Let’s do this!

“In all your ways submit to Him and He will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3:6