Today’s episode is going to be a little different — in the best kind of way. Instead of our usual format, I’m going to play a round-table conversation that a bunch of us recorded together at the recent Children’s Ministry Conference in Union City, Tennessee.
Now, before we jump in, let me set the stage a bit. This was the very first national conference hosted by the WPF Children’s Ministry Council outside of Southern California — and honestly, it couldn’t have gone better. It was held at First Pentecostal Church, pastored by Bro. Dwayne Uzzle, and I don’t think we could’ve picked a more perfect location. The place is central, the church has an incredible children’s ministry, and the whole team absolutely crushed it with setup, decorations, and organization.
It kicked off Thursday morning with something none of us from California could quite believe — we went into a public school to do a full children’s service. Eric Williams and his team from Union City have been ministering in several schools for a while, and this time we got to join them. Over 300 kids packed into the gym, and yes, we got to preach Jesus in a public school… and even blow things up a little with my exploding bubbles and balloons lesson. Only in Tennessee, folks.
From there, the conference rolled straight into sessions Friday and Saturday, with around 25 churches represented and about 110-plus people attending. Every part of it was top-notch — the sessions, the fellowship, the food (which the host church graciously donated), and especially the services. Friday night’s service was focused on the theme of God’s love — the kind you can’t outrun no matter what you’ve done — and by the end of the night, 14 kids and one adult had received the gift of the Holy Ghost. Then, on Sunday morning, Pastor Uzzle hosted one more children’s service, and another 16 kids received the Holy Ghost, bringing the total to 31 for the weekend. Absolutely incredible.
After the final sessions, a bunch of us sat down to record a big group podcast. Picture about ten tired, over-caffeinated children’s ministers crowded around a table, trying to make one microphone work while spilling water everywhere and laughing way too hard. It was chaotic. It was hilarious. And it was a lot of fun.
So that’s what you’re about to hear — a raw, unfiltered conversation straight from the end of an unforgettable weekend. It may not always make sense, but you’ll feel the energy, the laughter, and the love for children’s ministry that filled that room.
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