We need your help. Our team is brainstorming our conference strategy for 2008. We're not locked into anything, but one idea we're toying with is doing a variety of micro conferences instead of one Buzz Conference.
We really feel called to be a teaching church. But we don't want to just do a conference to do a conference. And I feel like we're still trying to find our niche.
By "micro conference" we mean a gathering for fewer people and less time. They would be highly targeted and very interactive. For example, I'd like to do a 36-hour gathering for lead pastors only. We would probably limit attendance to 25 so it could be highly relational. We'd probably do a half-day seminar on small groups and media. And we might think about doing a gathering for theater churches or multi-site churches.
I'm really not sure which way we'll go. Love to get some feedback.
We really feel called to be a teaching church. But we don't want to just do a conference to do a conference. And I feel like we're still trying to find our niche.
By "micro conference" we mean a gathering for fewer people and less time. They would be highly targeted and very interactive. For example, I'd like to do a 36-hour gathering for lead pastors only. We would probably limit attendance to 25 so it could be highly relational. We'd probably do a half-day seminar on small groups and media. And we might think about doing a gathering for theater churches or multi-site churches.
I'm really not sure which way we'll go. Love to get some feedback.
27 Comments:
I'm in! - Ben Arment
Let me be first to say, I would be all over the more intimate Lead Pastor idea. This is a huge need, because so many of these conferences focus on general topic matter that most of the time you bring your staff to...half of it applies to them (or you want to use it on them), but you can't very easily or tactfully cause they were there for the birth of the idea. [Ok, hopefully they don't read this, just keeping it real, smile. ] One vote cast for the Lead Pastor intensive idea! 24 seats remaining. If I think of other ideas, I will punt them your way. I will keep praying for you guys at NCC! You are doing inspiring things for God!
--Noah
mark,
I think that's a brilliant idea. After I wrote my post called A Rhythm of Learning/Planning/Executing some time ago calling for more of a focus in conferences on giving people time and space to develop specific action steps someone pointed out to me that that is very difficult to do with larger gatherings. I recently participated in a more intimate 2 day event in TX with 3-5 folks from 10 churches and the organizers gave the teams tons of time to talk about what they had learned and to strategize specifically what they were going to do differently as a result. I'm enthusiastic about this new direction you and your team are considering!
One more thought: I'd suggest there is value to having people come *in team* as a pastor surrounded with 2 or 3 or more core leaders will be in a much better place to brainstorm and will come back to their church community with key core leaders already bought in to any new directions. Just a thought!
I love the idea... and Stephen's comments. I think in today's church culture a highly interactive approach that doesn't just inform, but allows a pastor and team to hear, see and interact is the most productive... I wonder if it's worthwhile building intentional time into a 36 hour micro conference to give the pastor and team time and perhaps even some practical exercises or sessions with their own team to take what they're learning and work on their own "what", "how" and implementation strategy.
Mark, great idea. Sometimes you can get the big conference in the "box." A smaller/shorter venue would fit my ministry schedule and learning style.
Mark, I think this is a wonderful and inspired idea. Some of the most beneficial experiences I have had involved smaller settings where I could interact with those leading the meeting. Such interaction helps in taking the big picture principles and adapting them into my local context.
I'm there, dude! Just let me know when and where!
I like this idea man. I would love to participate in a micro-conference like you have described. I will be launching a church plant in late 2008 in Midtown Atlanta and this would be very timely for us. Sign me up.
We are praying for you and the great work you are leading.
Shaun & Crew
www.TotalGrace.org
I love the idea too! I've been to buzz and loved it. I also think "intimate" gatherings that are more focused and specific would be a really great thing!
Either way....Do something!!!! :)
excellent idea - i thought it would be great to come to the buzz conference in DC this year but i'd be just as excited to join in at a smaller conference in the Dallas area.
I like the idea of micro-conferences. I haven't been able to make one of the buzz conferences work, but what attracted me the most was your very specific extra session on churches that meet in theaters. I work with a number of churches that meet in uncommon places, 2 of which are in theaters so this spoke directly to me.
There are a lot of really good conferences out there...why compete? Be intimate, be small, be pinpointed.
If we at Holy Cow Creative can be of assistance I'd love to dig in with the team...just let me know how we can help.
Maybe you can do both. You can have a few large sessions and smaller more intimate sessions, sort of like a conference within a conference. You can grow bigger and smaller at the same time. I've been to big conference with break out sessions, but the break out sessions never seem intimate. There's a lot of great stuff you guys can do utilizing coffee houses and "smaller" spaces in the city. I love the idea you have for lead pastors. However, it's also great to have a place for lay leaders to be equipped as well.
Hey Mark,
I think Micro Conferences would be great. We attended the Theather Chruch pre-conference to Buzz and loved it. The greatest challenge would you face is keeping them affordable. I'm not sure how many we could attend, with air fare and hotel expenses on top of conferences fees it could quickly exceed out budget capabilities. But after attending Buzz last year we would be at as many as we could afford.
I'm with Jumaine on this one. That'd be great to have a bigger conference to bring the team to, with smaller breakout groups to get more targeted.
Mark, I'm new to your evotional ~ initial perceptions are very favorable. I'm a lead pastor in central Indiana and I'm very interested in your micro conference idea. It's appears to be something that fits my need as a senior leader in a lonely chair. Keep us posted!
Mark, I spoke to you at Catalyst after your lab, which was great by the way. Chad Johnson is a friend of mine and he hooked us up for a minute. I love the idea of the lead pastor more intimate setting. We need it and I'm sure you guys would benefit from it as well. I love things like Catalyst but we need something more focused and relational. I'd sign up today for what its worth!
i'd love to attend a session for church planters.
maybe you could break it down based on church age or size so lead ministers could be around others in the same boat.
Awesome idea. As a lead pastor, I'm there!
The trick seems to be maximizing the benefit to cost ratio. I live in the Chicago area and can drive to Community Christian or to Granger for a 1 or 1 1/2 day conference or workshop. However, flying to D.C. for the same would be fairly cost prohibitive. Unfortunately, my conference choices have to come down to "bang for the buck" and a cross-country trip demands a high return.
The trick seems to be maximizing the benefit to cost ratio. I live in the Chicagoland area so I can drive to Community Christian or Granger for a 1, 1 1/2 day conference or workshop. But flying to D.C. for the same would be fairly cost prohibitive.
Unfortunately my conference choices have to come down to "bang for the buck." A cross-country trip demands a high return...which may be harder to achieve in a micro-conference.
Hi Mark,
I pastor a church out on the "left coast" and have been receiving and enjoying your blog since General Council.
The trend we're seeing out here is the "shadowing" concept. That is where the host church allows a small group (25-45) of lead pastors/key staff to go through organized sessions with your key staff...and you. They shadow you over the weekend. The event starts Friday evening and concludes Sunday afternoon with a meal. The attendees would normally go to one service to get a feel for what you're doing. In your case, you would probably have the seminar guests out to Ebenezers and another multi-site. Seminar topics might include ministry philosophy, structure, vision, your devotional life, multi-site ministry, small groups and application (why you're doing what you're doing).
The niche you'd be filling here is 'just being yourself.' I guess that's the point. You're not making brand new outlines to fill some outside need. You're sharing with others who you are, why you are this way, and what they can takeaway and use where they are.
Just a thought.
Mike Johnson, Bend, Oregon
Love the idea and would be open to attending the one for lead pastors.
Love it! It allows you to home in on a more targeted ministry share a little more in depth in those areas. Did I already say I love the idea?
Love the idea of a small gathering of lead pastors . . . I'm in.
I resonate with with some of the comments about including other staff and the synergy that can be taken home . . . but at the same time I know that I need to just surround myself with other point leaders at times to soak in the collective leadership heart of God.
Mark,
Definitely in on this... sounds good! Let me know...
D-PLUM
Mark,
Count Me In On This One...
Henry
Good idea, but you HAVE to do Buzz - I need it!!!
Maybe the micros could revolve around Buzz?
Post a Comment
<< Home