I had a fabulous time yesterday as the guest of TJ Sipes, his wife and ministry team as they hosted the 2014 Awana Annual Conference for 150+ group leaders and commanders from across the state of Mississippi. The event was graciously hosted by First Baptist Church in Oxford, featured thirty workshop leaders, and was attended by a number of senior pastors in addition to all the leaders faithfully serving kids on a weekly basis.

TJ and his wife serve as Awana missionaries…he’s put 250,000 miles on his van traveling the state to support the leaders serving kids and families in churches small and large. It was a pleasure to see firsthand the impact their ministry has had among those they serve. They would very much appreciate your prayers and support.

It was a big day. While Awana has resources to support kids and families in spiritual  development from birth to adulthood, the vast majority of leaders who attended the event in Mississippi work with school-age kids. The theme of the conference was “all”…how attendees could share the Gospel with all kids and families. We talked about how kids who experienced trauma, kids with mental health issues and kids who struggle with social communication who would never consider being a part of a “special needs ministry” could be included at Awana. I had a number of conversations with leaders afterward who shared their experiences…many very personal…of wanting kids to be part of church and the struggles involved with making that happen.

The most common message communicated to me during and after the conference was…”You’ve really made me think.” Please join me in praying that every leader in attendance yesterday will welcome one kid and one family to their Awana ministry as an outcome of our conference.

For those who couldn’t attend…here are the presentations we shared…

***********************************************************************************************************

Key Ministry is pleased to make available our FREE consultation service to pastors, church leaders and ministry volunteers. Got questions about launching a ministry that you can’t answer…here we are! Have a kid you’re struggling to serve? Contact us! Want to kick around a problem with someone who’s “been there and done that?” Click here to submit a request!