Rachel Beaver
In February, more than 100 children’s programming volunteers from across Georgia-Cumberland Conference attended the 2025 Children’s Ministries Convention at Cohutta Springs, Ga. This year’s convention was a little different than conventions in the past. While still being packed with resources and education, the main focus of the event was rejuvenation and spiritual renewal.
“Revive and Renew” was the theme for the weekend. Fernando Verduzco, Conference children’s ministries director, wanted the weekend to be a time where church leaders can feel less overwhelmed and alone in their efforts in their churches, and return home feeling refreshed and equipped with tools for success.
“The biggest takeaway was the importance of replenishing and leading from a healthy soul,” said Verduzco. “Too many of our teachers are facing isolation, anxiety, overwork, and burnout. We want teachers to come away refreshed, restored, and renewed to continue their ministry for God’s children.”
“Usually when we come, the focus is on what we do for the children,” said Michelle Edwards, children’s ministries leader at the Fayette, Ga., Church. “I was grateful that someone thought about the leaders because a lot of us are burnt out. I thought it was refreshing for someone to pour into me as a leader.”
Her daughter, Sara-Michelle Edwards, 17, is also a children’s ministries leader at Fayette Church. She attended the convention with her mother.
“I feel like the convention provided a balance of spiritual growth, professional development, and personal rejuvenation,” said Sara-Michelle Edwards. “I also felt like it was really transformative because it reinforced the importance of self-care while also having spiritual revival in effectively ministering to children.”
John Bradshaw, president of It Is Written, served as the main speaker for the weekend. Additional special features included workshops, resource booths, and special features such as music from the Colburn family and nature enthusiast Burney Thompkins.
Georgia-Cumberland | April 2025
Comments are closed.