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When you head out to a conference, what do you hope to accomplish? Rest and refreshment? Problem-solving? Breaking out of a rut? Or do you set out with no particular goal, just ready to enjoy a new experience?
After hosting twelve year's worth of Creative Church Conferences, I've seen attendees completely transformed by their experience, whether they've learned something that changes the trajectory of their ministry, made a slew of new friends, or heard from God in a way they never had before. Whatever your approach, here are some strategic steps you can take to get the most out of these precious opportunities:
- Bring your team. You are going to be buzzing with new ideas during the conference. And taking notes is a great way to capture them, but those ideas need a chance to get some fresh air, flex their muscles, and make new friends. Attending with your team will allow you to process your thoughts collectively and build on each other's perspectives. When you put your ideas together, you're likely to come up with something fresh and relevant to your church!
- Set out with some goals. Make a list of questions beforehand—think of it like an information scavenger hunt. Once you get in the conference environment, you can be intentional in your efforts instead of getting overwhelmed.
- Break up for breakouts. Divide and conquer by planning for your team to attend different breakout sessions. Not only will you capitalize on the available learning opportunities, but you'll also have a better chance to meet new people. Afterwards, re-join your team and compare notes.
- Approach the conference with an open mind and a willing heart. I can't understand it, but some people attend conferences in armchair-critic mode, ready to thumbs-up or thumbs-down each element of their experience. Let's just get this out of the way up front: you will not like every single aspect of any conference. Set that aside. Now, what can you learn? Who can you meet? Which ideas can you build on? What does God want to do through this time for you and your church?
- Don't leave early. At our Creative Church Conferences, some of our best sessions ever have been the last ones!
- Organize a meetup. Find some other pastors around the country who'll be attending the same conference and schedule a group dinner at a local restaurant. You'll be able to meet some outstanding leaders and invest in relationships that can be a valuable source of support, ideas and encouragement in the future.
- Worship freely. As church leaders with many weekend responsibilities, it's rare that we can immerse ourselves entirely in worship. Make it a point to be present for worship and soak up that time with God.
- Take advantage of the resources. Were you moved powerfully by a conference session? Order a copy so you can refresh your insight later in the year. Perpetual learning requires frequent input, so take a look at the packets, manuals, and other materials that are available. For this year's C3 Conference, our team has spent the last several months working on a magazine resource designed give you as much behind-the-scenes information as possible. Don't miss it!
- Speak less, listen more. Pastors, we love to hear ourselves talk! But if we want to learn as much as we possibly can, we have to tame our tongues. Ask questions of everyone you meet and then listen intently. And don't limit your focus to speakers. Get input from staff members, volunteers and fellow attendees. The people at your lunch table just might solve your fund-raising dilemma. Now that's getting your money's worth!
There's no doubt that attending a conference requires a commitment of time and resources. So we owe it to ourselves and our churches to be good stewards of these opportunities and make the most of our time there. And at Fellowship Church, we're doing our part to make this year's Creative Church Conference a once-in-a-lifetime experience for you, with a phenomenal mix of speakers, learning opportunities and worship gatherings. Our current rates are only available through February 8th and they include special pricing for Senior Pastors' spouses as well as group rates. It's an honor to host the thousands of church leaders who attend C3 each year—we hope you'll be able to join us on February 21-22!
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