Recently @Nate_Williams and I attended the @Verge2010 conference, which focused on “gospel-centered missional community”. While the humble mindset of the speakers and organizers was to interpret scripture and live out the commands of Christ and follow His example, there was an underlying backlash to what the church has become in our day. This is understandable; if the Western church was living out gospel-centered missional community, there would be no need for a conference, we would simply do it. The unintended irony was that this call for small community was taking place in a large, mega-church setting. As @JonMcintosh points out in his reflections on the Verge Conference, worship gatherings should not be abandoned.
“Maybe some failed to notice, but during Verge we were convicted, inspired, moved, and challenged… all through preaching and powerful corporate worship experiences.”
Read more on this at ReThinkMission.
Something special occurs during corporate worship at conferences, and people often write it off as the hyper-emotionalism of conference junkies, or with the critique that “it’s not the gathered local church, so it’s not legit.” Most conferences aren’t trying to replace the local church, so any truth of this critique lies with the sin of the people attending. Like all things where man digs in with his prideful, dirty hands, you’ll find that some aspects are good and some are bad. Let’s not throw the baby out with the bath water (seriously, what crazy person first said that? And how did it stick?).
Today on worship.vintage21.com, we’ll examine several positives of large conferences.
Conferences Are Not Your Church
For many pastors and ministry leaders, weekends off are rare; arguably impossible. Last Sunday I was off from leading and attended the 7:00 pm service. Not only is it difficult to worship due to dozens of ideas and critiques running through my brain, but immediately after the service I was grabbed to pray with a woman who wanted to pray with a pastor. It was my privilege and honor to do so, and this is not a complaint. However, with conferences it’s not your church, so you don’t have to be on the clock, and you are almost guaranteed that no one will ask you to help with something. If they do, ask for your money back, or practice saying NO.
Take advantage: Relax and listen. Use this time to soak in and focus on what the Spirit is speaking to you instead of the constant outpouring that is demanded of pastors.
A More Accurate Picture Of God’s Church
The sad reality is that most churches are culturally homogenous, which does not accurately reflect the Kingdom of God. Attending a conference provides an opportunity to gather with people from hundreds, even thousands of churches from all over the country. This depends on the conference, of course, as sadly there develops a subculture of cool within Christian circles. A favorite game on the way to Christian conferences is to choose who else in the airport is heading to the conference. You’ll be amazed at how easy this is. And as much as I’d like to think I’m outside of this critique, you’d probably pick me in this game. Back to the point: a large conference contains voices and cultures outside of the smaller pool of people that is the local church.
Take advantage: Open your eyes, meet new people outside of those you came with, listen to the voices of God’s people around you as we worship together. Be renewed in your understanding of the vastness of God’s kingdom.
Excellent Teaching
The firehose of information and insight that takes place at conferences is unparalleled by the local church. Where else can you hear speakers, thinkers, and pastors like Mark Driscoll, Matt Carter, J.D. Greear, Ed Stetzer, Tyler Jones, and Tullian Tchividjian in one place?
Take advantage: Attend every session, take notes, and visit the mp3s later of the speakers that were particularly inspiring or helpful.
A Chance For Renewal, Inspiration and Guidance
Over the years I’ve gained many ideas and even developed new directions from being at conferences. Often it’s unrelated to the topic at hand, but an approach or mindset taken by the speaker will spark something in me, and I walk away with tons of notes. The plane ride back from and days following a conference are often extremely productive. Conferences are also a good reminder that you’re not alone in this journey, and not the only person who faces struggles. Seek time with people outside of scheduled events, listen to their struggles and share yours. It’s almost guaranteed that you’ll receive solid advice, new insight, or empathy.
Take advantage of the time away from the needs of your local church and gather with people who understand your struggles.
Worship leaders, to this end we’ll be gathering on Monday, April 26, 7:00 pm at Tyler’s Taproom in Durham (324 Blackwell St, Durham, NC). If you’re interested, contact me at matt at vintage21 dot com.
Tomorrow we’ll examine what goes into leading corporate worship at conferences.
Matt Stevens is the Worship Pastor for Vintage21 Church in Raleigh, North Carolina. Contact him via Twitter: @MattStevensNC