A Floating Conference
I’ll admit it. I’m a conference junkie.
I love to speak at conferences and I love to attend them.
The internet has really changed how I approach conferences these days though. Thankfully most conferences make their content available online so I get the opportunity to pick and choose the best of the best and listen to it at my convenience.
So these days when I’m picking a conference it’s all about the experience. Content is no longer king for me because I can access that online. I want to know…
-Are they creating an environment that is allowing me to think outside the box?
-Are they giving me the opportunity to network and build relationships with other pastors/leaders?
-Are they giving me the opportunity to learn from peers and not just the latest and greatest Christian celebrity?
With that in mind I’m really excited about speaking at a one of a kind conference (I use that term loosely) next Spring. April 2-7, 2011 I’ll be joining some of the greatest communicators/leaders I know, Ken Davis, Michael Hyatt & Randy Elrod in hosting this time together.
Where? Jamaica & The Grand Caymans
On? The Century ship which is with Celebrity cruise line
How much? Entry price is $509. per person ($749. includes all taxes, tips and conference fee).
I’m really excited about this unique experience. I think it’s going to be an awesome environment to worship, brainstorm, learn, be challenged, relax, rest, and generally just have a blast. Hope you’ll consider joining us.
To register simply click HERE.
*All the speakers have all waived their fees and 100% of conference monies will go to charity!
Honestly – I’ve actually started to despise conferences. Remind me too much of church camp, where there’s a high for a day or two then everyone returns to reality. There’s also the divide between who is cool and on stage, and who’s not, which I don’t think is healthy at all for the church.
I just look at it a little different Gabe. While all of that stuff is and will continue to happen at some level I choose to take the best out of it.
The first five years of ministry I never attended any conferences and grew disconnected and certainly was not learning and growing. While those things certainly can happen without going to a conference I’ve found a conference is great way to make sure that I’m doing those things.
It’s kind of like a mission trip for me. I can keep my heart broken for the needy without them, but few things reinforce that value like visiting a third world country.
I’ve always applauded how you serve with your community (not just telling them to) where God has put you. May God use you / speak to you greatly on the cruise. I hope you are refueled by your time with these people. Keep up the great work!
Just a couple weeks ago (when I was talking about how cool it would be to attend Catalyst), my husband asked me, “What is the big DRAW for you at these conferences?”
It didn’t actually take me long to answer. I said it’s learning stuff and being with people who are like me.
Now, apparently, I could add “and duh, seeing the Grand Caymans!” to my list.
I think I understand what Gabe is stating above. Though, I think there may be a perspective difference based on whether you are a lay person or a full-time minister.
I can see, from a ministry standpoint, how conferences are a great way to share time and ideas with other pastors and leaders. It is also a time to be refueled by being able to listen- be fed – for a spell instead of being the one who is doing the talking/feeding.
That being said I would like to bring Oswald Chambers into the conversation in order to address the ‘mountain top moments’ that others may experience while at a conference. Oswald made this comment in his devotional – “We are not made for the mountain top. We are made for the valley. God allows us the mountain top experiences in order that we can take those moments with us to the valley where the rest of humanity is.” … I have paraphrased Oswald because it has been a while since I have read his devotional.
That being said, there is some caution that needs to be directed towards those that are putting on the conferences to be about substance instead of glitz. To make sure it is the message and not the ‘cool factor’ that is motivating the attendees.
I will admit that I am always a little curious about the stewardship aspect of using these huge sports venues when we have so many church buildings sitting around that are available for use.
I totally get what you’re saying and I think you’re right to some degree.
I don’t really need a conference to create a “mountain top” experience for me as much as I need some time to breathe. I personally want some time to hear from God.
This has happened in a church, in the woods, on a walk, driving down the road, and I’m praying it might happen on a cruise.
I am all for mountain top moments no matter where they happen. Oswald Chambers’ point, that I may have failed to get across, is that we are not to remain there. We have to be prepared to leave the mountain top in order to take what we learned on the mountain top to those who are below in the valley needing it. We were designed for the valley because that is where we impact those that don’t know Christ.
So, if we have a mountain top moment at a conference (or other medium) then we should be looking for ways to use it and not lose it.
God should orchestrate the mountain top moment.. otherwise it is just a Christian sugar high – which is what I think Gabe was referring to.
Sorry if I confused the matter. Sometimes I multi-task beyond my abilities.
Though I would love to explore the stewardship aspects – I won’t
I echo everything that Gabe and Tony say. These conferences are great if out of them comes a re-kindling of the flame that set us on fire for Christ and his light on earth. There are two huge Christian gatherings taking place in the next couple of weeks here in the UK. I have attended both in the past, but in the end it just became the end as oppossed to the means to something. These conferences became self-serving, instead of the catalyst to something for the kingdom. How much learning,fellowship, revelation, prophetic words, messages, etc does a Christian need to experience before he becomes an active agent in the harvest, before their lives become sacrificial to serve others in the name of the Lord? I have seen so many people attend these conferences year after year and two weeks down the line, when the hype of the experience dies down, they go back to their lukewarmness and passivity until the next conference. It is only a daily journey with Christ that can truly provide the fuel to sustain us in this race. Nothing man can put together, no matter what a great experience it may be, will have the power to keep that fire alive til the end.
This will be awesome… Jamacia and the Grand Caymans are amazing places to visit (my favorite cruise destination so far)…. and the speakers sound awesome too!
Ministry Conferences = Mountain Top Experiences. We love them too Pete! And the Grand Caymans? Sweet.
So many of my “teachers” all in one place….I think I am going to have to be there.
Sounds like an AMAZING conference! Hey, here’s an idea. How about a drawing for two free cruise tickets! Okay, just an idea.
As members of Cross Point, we will definitely have to be at this one. We are so ready to refocus on our deepest desires for ministry. After 15 years of conferences, we certainly need to do as you say Pastor and meet some new people and get a better perspective, and of course enjoy the big boat! Hope we get all the details worked out to chill with you for a bit and meet some great folks.
Matt Wade
Hubs and I are seriously considering it. I got about 4 books I could pitch. Hmmm, pitching books while sipping something yummy and soaking up some rays. Not a bad deal. Not a bad deal, indeed.
(make Blake and Ally come and then we could really have fun!)
I see you are going to Houston next week. I just returned from Houston. It is HOT. Really hot. Miserably, ridiculously hot. Take extra deodorant and strap ice packs to your body underneath your clothing. You’re welcome.
Good word!! Thanks Melissa. I’ll be there this weekend!
A conference on a cruise ship in Jamaica? Wow. That’s… so over the top!?!
It is a bit over the top isn’t it? But then again people take vacations on cruises all the time. If they want to take a vacation that has a little more focus and purpose attached so be it. I don’t have a problem with that at all.
Me neither, but let’s see it for what it is. The Word tells us that we are in this world but not of it. Let’s stand out for all the right reasons.
Thank you for letting me comment in your personal space and allowing me to voice my views.
Mercedes
I agree with all your comments before but I just don’t think you can speak for all people. Everyone learns and grows in different ways. If conferences are not beneficial in your life. If you don’t build lasting community with the team you attend, if you don’t sense God speaking to you and shaping you, then don’t go.
However, this doesn’t mean EVERYONE shouldn’t go or that somehow people that do go are less spiritual.
It was at a conference 8 years ago that I heard God first speaking to me about starting Cross Point church. Could God have inspired me without going to a conference? Absolutely! However, he chose to use the time I had set aside at that conference, time that was inspired by that conference to speak to me.
I totally understand what you’re saying about people going and then not taking action. However, the same thing happens in church every Sunday and we’re not proposing that we just shouldn’t do that are we?
Pete,
You are absolutely right and I thank you for the reflection. I cannot speak for EVERYONE, and that is not my intention. Yes, we all grow in different ways, and I repeat that I myself have attended these conferences in the past and there were some positives. This is a personal opinion given in a space where I understand we are encouraged to share about our own take on things.
It is interesting, however, that you would recognise yourself as a pastor how “people going and then not taking action” also happens in church every Sunday. I would go as far as to say that that is the case for a large percentage of those attending, and so we have to raise the question: Why is it that this is happening? Same with the conferences. Just because both church services and conferences are transforming the lives of some, we should not remain complacent about the ones that are falling through the net. If we can do things differently, better, shouldn’t we all try and get to the bottom of these issues and apply the necessary changes or even be done with the old and look at the new thing the Lord may be doing? This is just a personal reflection which I thought I could share here and again I thank you for allowing me to do so.
God bless you
Now, that’s my kind of conference!
Haha. My blog today is about our family experience on Carnival Conquest. Hope this one is a little less “fun”. http://bit.ly/aL9igz
this looks so incredible, pete!
this would definitely be one to attend!
Many hv veered off in similar way …
It looks like a good opportunity to spend some time in the word and to relax as well.
It is real close to my graduation as well so lets go sailing.
I think the convention cruise sounds wonderful! If I could hear the special speakers at Catalyst or on this cruise (& pitch my book!) I’d be there in a heartbeat. Unfortunately, it just doesn’t fit in the budget at this time. You go and have fun and then come home and tell us all about it!
I recommend http://www.johnnyhuntmensconference.com. It is great and challenging. Led by members of First Baptist Woodstock. Plus it’s close (Kennesaw GA). It was great hearing you speak at Faith Promise. Enjoying Plan B.
This sounds like an awesome opportunity to refuel, connect and relax. I would love to make it, along with my wife. We’ll have to see how the budget goes.