This blog was written by Crystal Mazzuca as part of the CPC22 Undivided Series. Our hope through these reflections by ministry leaders is that they would prepare your hearts to hear from God while you’re at CPC in person or CPC+ online.
It’s hard to imagine the conference center at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort as dark, quiet, and empty just days following CPC. I imagine there are a few pieces of confetti hidden here and there, remnants of what happened. Those stray marks of celebration offer a hint of the incredible joy that filled that grand ballroom.
When confetti is poured out, it spreads in a way that lingers and lasts way beyond the moment. And that’s exactly what Children’s Pastors Conference is all about.
God moved.
We saw Him move before the doors even opened. Despite all that the world tried to throw at CPC – from travel plans to COVID – He brought together thousands of eager, passionate, and hungry ministry leaders ready to worship, learn, and grow.
He spoke through incredible general session speakers who reminded us that our Father has called us to live undivided – both in our ministry lives and our personal lives. He moved through worship that brought tears to our eyes and praises to our lips.
He spoke through breakout speakers who shared from the heart and taught us things like time management, self-care, how to have hard conversations, and how to make kids’ ministry Gospel-centered and fun. He moved through every meal, side conversation, impromptu prayer moment, and new friendship formed.
God moved in a way that is so unique to CPC and yet can be felt and seen as we go forth and take what He taught us back to our churches, ministries, and homes.
God is moving.
Even now, we are applying what He taught us. Sunday came quickly and we were put to the test. For every celebration, there was someone who faced a challenge. For every moment of joy, someone felt frustration. But He is moving. He is reminding us that His call for us to be united isn’t just for CPC – it is for us everywhere and every day.
We are looking at our ministries, our teams, our calendars, and our goals with a renewed vision. What He spoke during that week, He is using to help us be just who He called us to be in ministry – undivided in His Kingship, newness of mind, measured words, battle readiness, through forgiveness, in the bond of peace, and in love.
God will move.
The promises that He spoke will come to pass. The hope that sprung up will lead to joy. As we walk in what we’ve learned, stay faithful to His calling, and daily yield to His Spirit, He will grow in us an undivided heart which will lead to an undivided ministry.
On the last night, Curtis Zackery reminded us through 1 Corinthians 13 that love will never end. The fruit from CPC will be seen in the days, weeks, months, and years to come – much like that lingering confetti on the ballroom floor. This is the beginning of something incredible and we only have a taste of what is to come.
Conclusion
I know not everyone reading this was able to attend. Please know that you were sorely missed and not forgotten. The work that God is doing is for ALL of us in this community.
We are united in His Spirit and moving together with one heart and goal in mind – to see His Kingdom grow through the intentional investment in the next generation.
CPC22 reminded us of the power and joy of living undivided. Let’s spread that message like confetti.
About Crystal
Crystal has always loved working with kids. After earning her Masters in Christian Education Administration, Crystal was hired as the full-time Director of Kids’ Ministry at her church. She’s thankful to have found a family of like-minded brothers and sisters who share a common passion for Kingdom growth through discipleship.