CPC 12: PART 4: "FAREWELL TO THE FAREWELL TOUR"

Me and Red hangin' out at CPC

The line was long at the continental breakfast table in one of the courtyards.  But folks seemed in bright spirits as they got their muffins, bagels, fruit, juice, and coffee and headed for the final breakout of CPC 12.

I attended John Tietsort's presentation on applying the Bible to kids.  Like all the other workshops, this was top-notch, practical, and motivating.  Dr. Tietsort took the time to talk to me after the conference, inviting me to network with him regularly.  That is what sets the presenters and "personalities" of CPC apart: they are fellow laborers, fellow servants, a band of brothers and sisters who are there for one another.

The closing session featured Craig Jutilla.  What a testimony of a man who nearly lost his marriage and his life to doing too much and having the wrong priorities.  Without losing his trademark humor, he stripped away the outer shell and showed his vulnerability.

It was when Michael Chanley took the stage that I began to choke up.  The last session of CPC is always emotional for me, but seeing as this is my "Farewell Tour", this could have been my last CPC for awhile.  The CPC staff came up.  Earl Radcliff, a founding member of INCM, was recognized.  Michael was presented with a special plaque from a pastor from Jordan.

And then it was over.  Hugs, handshakes, high fives.  Luggage carts, lines to get the final cd's and dvd's, and last minute farwells. Staff flew into motion, dismantling the stage set and clearing out rooms.  Later in the afternoon, I walked to the front desk lobby and was amazed that every trace of the 2012 Children's Pastors' Conference was gone. 

Well, not quite gone. Hundreds of children's ministers are making their way back to their homes, carrying with them the lessons learned.  Networks and contacts have been established.  Not to sound corny, but CPC will continue in the children's ministries across the country and in other lands.

 For me, I've come away with a great deal more than I expected.  I even learned a few things about myself.  But that's another subject for another day.  In the meantime, here's just a few folks I got to connect with:

For a full week, from the church tour to the resource center, Carla and I kept crossing paths!

Sylvia Foth, director of Kidzana. 



Rob Biagi...great music and ministry

Brian Dollar with High Voltage Kids 

 Go Fish Guys

 And I finally got closer to the stage!