The Long View of Discipleship—

The annual Leadership Training Retreat has easily become one of the things I most look forward to each year.  Three days spent in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains, delicious food shared with new and old friends, worshipping with other believers, and learning alongside others in similar roles who are also ministering to children make LTR special to me.

LTR is a unique conference geared for those who are in leadership positions in the church and specifically in children’s ministry.  Time together is rich and sweet. I’ve attended this retreat the last six years, and each year I come away refreshed, encouraged, challenged, and filled with new ideas and resources.   It is good to step away from everyday life and enjoy God’s creation, spend time in personal and corporate worship, and learn new ideas for investing in the next generation.

This year we will focus on the “Long View of Discipleship.”  Charles Johnson, pastor of Red Mountain PCA in Birmingham, AL, will teach from God’s Word on the importance of our being discipled as we also disciple children.  He will also help us think through discipleship for the long haul as we think about the Lord’s work in children as they are growing.

Children’s ministry can be messy, challenging, and exhausting at times.  It is hard work, but it is also a beautiful ministry that reaps much harvest.  The work of children’s ministry is kingdom work.  It is vital to the church as a whole and to the larger kingdom.  Come away with us for a few days and be refreshed.  Be reminded that what you are doing is important!  Come and make new friends (and maybe connect with some old friends).  Whether you have been in your role for three months or thirty years, this retreat will bless you!

I hope to see you there!

Registration will open December 1st!

Visit our website now to read more information and come back December 1st to register yourself (and maybe others from your church!).

Bethany Belue is on staff with CDM serving in various roles within Children’s Ministry. Before coming on staff at CDM, she served as the Children’s Director at Redeemer PCA in New York City and Oak Mountain PCA in Birmingham, AL. She currently lives in Mobile, AL with her husband, Dustin, who is the assistant pastor at Grace Community Church PCA. Bethany and Dustin love investing in the next generation from small children to young adults. Life is full with their 2 young children, Patterson and Neely.