CMC Workshop Feedback Info

We take the feedback we receive seriously, which is one of the reasons we want to share some general feedback based on the evaluation information.

This post's goal is not to go through evaluations point by point.  WIth the conference being only a once-a-year event, this is will hopefully provide a good reminder.

This post has a couple of sections:  (1) Definitely Possible Future Ideas, (2) Repeated Responses, (3) Reminder of CMC's Purpose, (4) General Comments as We Look Ahead.

(1) Definitely Possible Future Ideas

We want the conference to be theological, which means honoring God, proclaiming Jesus, depending on the Holy Spirit, and staying true to the Bible.  

Each year, there are a variety of topics suggested, and we try to incorporate some of these into the upcoming. Two suggested workshops we would love to offer are (1) A nursery-themed workshop. Your church's nursery can be so much more than child care.  (2) Improving communication in the local church.  This could include weekly announcements and social media.  It would be great to have some workshops on these topic.  If you know of someone who could lead one, please use the conference contact page  -grchurchministriesconference.com/contact/

(2) Repeated Responses 

Often, there are repeated requests to offer more on a specific topic.  We are very excited that people are passionate about specific ministry areas.  We also want to help people grow into even healthier church members, and this involves growth in areas like discipleship and counseling.  When there is an obvious need, we will increase the number of workshops on a specific topic, but in the meantime, look for general topics that would be helpful in a specific ministry area.  This is why we added the codes to indicate other ministry areas and the track graphics to help with planning.

    

(3) Reminder of CMC's Purpose

From the later start on Friday, which provides opportunities for lay ministry leaders and workers to attend on a workday, to the late Friday night and early Saturday, which allows us to pack in as much as possible into one weekend, we try to be purposeful.

(4) General Comment about the Church, Curricula, Camps, Parachurch Ministries, and More

Remember, curricula, camps, parachurch ministries, and other similar things are good and helpful.  Also, remember, the church is God's Plan A, and there is no Plan B.

9Marks published a series of posts called "Five Reasons We Don't Disciple."  Part 3 stated that one reason Christians and churches don't disciple is that they are program-dependent.  You can read the whole article HERE. The article contains some great things to remember.  "A program - however biblically faithful - is no substitute for ongoing, personal discipling." "Programs can imply that discipleship is a matter of following the correct 'process' rather than cultivating the correct character."  At the Church Ministries Conference, many workshops share a general theme of the Bible and discipleship.  And many of the workshops have specific program themes.  Let's always remember that very specific areas are not meant to be the church's focus.  They are means/ways to do the work of the ministry - glorifying God and helping others do the same.

The work of the ministry is done for God's glory in God's strength with God's Word for the good of others.  Let us remember that.   

Your feedback from 2025 led to some new workshop speakers and two Q & A workshops and the Missions/Evangelism lunch meeting.  We are looking to improve these opportunities for more people to give and share ideas.

Thank you so much for being part of the Church Ministries Conference. We look forward to seeing you next year, March 12 and 13.  And continue sharing your feedback.