How COGGC Events are Preparing the Way for God’s Kingdom

Ministry is Hard… But, We Don’t Have to Do It Alone

My day was hard, and my week was full. Homeschooling, writing, and coordinating classes for our small church in South Carolina. Cooking meals and teaching classes. Volunteering in the nursery and singing worship songs. There is so much beauty, so much joy, and so much fruit that comes from this life of service. But there can also be hard days, roadblocks, and feelings of frustration and burnout. 

If you serve in a small church, you’ve probably wrestled with these feelings too. 

We wear so many hats—childcare coordinator, Sunday school teacher, kitchen staff, and greeter. And, that’s just on one Sunday! The truth is, we probably wouldn’t change a thing. That life of ministry is good. Through it, we are connected to the body, and we are glorifying our God. 

Still, when we get stuck in the rut of everyday life, it’s easy to let the everyday struggles cloud our vision for the great goal we are working towards. The end goal of our service is not a great children’s lesson. It’s not the perfect harmony in a worship song. It’s not the potluck that leaves us feeling stuffed and content. 

The goal is God’s Kingdom. 

What is the Church of God General Conference? Get a free guide to who we are and what we do, and learn how you can get connected to the COGGC. 

Insert Link/CTA – Get Connected: Your Guide to the COGGC

How Christian Workers Seminar Inspired Me

I was reminded of this truth as I attended Christian Worker’s Seminar this year, a lovely week in the mountains of Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. When I arrived at the resort we were staying at, complete with a pool and a babbling brook that created the perfect atmosphere for rest and relaxation, I saw some familiar faces (and some new ones), and I felt a sense of relief: These are the people who get me. They are doing this work, too. They are committed to it. And, they are encouraging me to continue in it. 

Each day, there were opportunities to learn and grow in our work:

• Through workshops like “How to Handle Conflict in Churches” and “Growing Leaders in Your Church,” I was equipped to go back and make a real change in my own church. 
• Each morning, we gathered together to pray for one another, being encouraged and lifting up our real (and heavy) burdens. 
• At night, we had wonderful evening services, filled with beautiful worship music and powerful messages.
• Interspersed throughout the day were moments to connect with each other and be inspired by the work that is happening in our churches throughout the Church of God General Conference. 
• And, I was so encouraged that I was not the only one learning and growing. My kids also got to learn, grow, and play (a lot!) as they attended the daily children’s workshops. 

I came with tunnel vision focused on my work, my goals, and my struggles. I left feeling encouraged, equipped, and inspired to continue in the work. 

You may be feeling like you need this, too. The beauty is that this is just one event of many that the Church of God General Conference (COGGC) holds. Each event will help you to recognize this truth: You don’t have to do this alone. You are connected to a body. We are here cheering you on in the work you are doing. 

What is the COGGC? And, What Events Does It Have?

The Church of God General Conference is a group of churches that are connected by their shared understanding of truth and their commitment to one another. We believe that we are better together. 

The Church of God General Conference is committed to helping these churches spread truth and does so through the training of leaders and pastors, financial support, and publication of materials.

In addition to this, one of the central ways that the COGGC helps to equip and grow members of our churches is through our regional and national events. Each event will leave you feeling inspired and equipped, just like my week in the mountains at Christian Workers Seminar. 

Want to Attend Christian Workers Seminar Next Year? Sign up for the COGGC Calendar, and get notified when registration opens!

Some of our notable events include: 

• General Conference: Our annual conference is once a year in the summer, hosted by a rotation of COGGC churches across the country. Each year, we go to a new place and fellowship with one another while we determine the course of the COGGC at our business meetings. We also have workshops, a children’s program, and worship services. 

• Christian Workers Seminar: This is our event for pastors and lay leaders in the COGGC. If you want to be equipped in your ministry, this is the event to attend. Held in the mountains of Tennessee, you’ll also have plenty of time to get rested and recharged to go back and continue the work. 

• Ministers Conference: This event is held for our pastors and is focused on equipping them to lead churches well.

• FUEL: Our national youth camp is a week that will convict and inspire your high schoolers and young adults to grow in their faith. Through classes, workshops, and powerful worship services, they will learn important truths while connecting with other like-minded people, creating friendships that last a lifetime.

• Young Adult Getaway: This is a weekend away from the responsibilities of young adulthood, jobs, and life. During this week, you will be able to connect with people who understand the pressures you are facing, and you will be encouraged by the classes and worship services held each day.

These national events are just the beginning of the events and resources that the COGGC offers. In addition to national events, there are also regional events held throughout the year. If you want to get an overview of all the events, visit our events calendar page. 

Get an overview of events, and sign up for Google Calendar here. Our Get Connected: Your Guide to the COGGC {insert link here} will show you all the ways that the COGGC can help you to spread truth in your local church community. 

How COGGC Events are Preparing the Way for God’s Kingdom

We don’t need to do this alone. We have each other. Hebrews 10:24-25 says, “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching” (NIV). When we attend a COGGC event, we are living out the commandment in these verses. 

COGGC is preparing the way for God’s Kingdom by: 

#1 – By preaching truth. 

Truth is central to everything we do in the Church of God General Conference. We hold to a distinct statement of faith (read it here) that is based on the doctrine of the One True God and His Son, Jesus Christ. These foundational truths are based on Scripture and point us to God’s Kingdom on Earth. When you attend a COGGC event, you will experience teaching saturated in truth.

#2 – By praying for one another. 

The Church of God General Conference is more than just a haphazard collection of churches. We are a family—the family of God. We don’t take that title lightly. We are committed to praying for one another, lifting each other up spiritually, even with many miles between us. We weep with those who weep. We mourn with those who mourn. And, we rejoice with those who rejoice. Our love for another is a testament to who we are, and the foundation of that connection is built on prayer.

#3 – By sharing the burden of ministry. 

No one person was ever meant to bear the weight of ministry alone. From Moses to the Apostles, leaders were always joined by those who helped to shoulder the load of ministry. We still need that today. Galatians 6:2 says, “Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ” (ESV). When we attend a COGGC event, we are surrounded by those who understand us. These people help share the burden and joys of ministry. 

You don’t have to do this alone. 

We don’t have to do this alone. We can support one another as we do God’s Kingdom work together. 

One way that I have been blessed, encouraged, and discipled is through COGGC events. If you would like to attend an event, you can visit our events page (and the COGGC Calendar)  to learn more about our upcoming events. You can also download Get Connected: Your Guide to the General Conference to learn more about who we are and what we do. 

The COGGC is here to help churches and spread truth. We want to support you in your work of ministering to others. Take the next step today, and get connected. 

What is the Church of God General Conference? Get a free guide to who we are and what we do, and learn how you can get connected to the COGGC. 

Insert Link/CTA – Get Connected: Your Guide to the COGGC