I recently spoke to a church staff member who had been working with youth full-time for 12 years. Yet in his dozen years of service, he had only attended one Youth Specialties conference—that was all the training he ever received. I couldn't help but think how much he and the thousands of youth he worked with over the years could have benefited from additional training at conferences.
During tough economic times, many churches are looking at cutting all travel for training and events, but that may not be the wisest decision. Why?
1. The church is about people caring for people, so your most important resource is people! They need to be trained and equipped to not only care, but guard and protect. They need to know how to identify young leaders and raise them up. They need to develop an eye for gifting and calling as well as those on the margins. Investing in people is one of the best investments you can make.
2. Conferences and events are a great way to infuse your staff with engaging, innovative ideas and energy. Many events will be offering workshops and practical advice on how to handle the challenges of economy as well as do big things on small budgets. In addition, conferences often provide a gold mine of best practices. Skipping out may cost you more in the long haul.
3. Conferences and events provide your staff with a common language. Staff members sometimes struggle to put into words what they want to see changed or developed in their church. When staff members attend events together, they develop a common vocabulary and shared experiences, which are critical ingredients for innovation, growing a team, and developing a healthy congregation.
4. More conferences and events are looking for regional options in 2009 and 2010. Like Passion a few years back, more events, including Catalyst, are looking at more regional, coastal, and one-day events. That means you may be within driving distance to an enriching event—saving time and money. Keep your eyes open for events and conferences in and near your area and encourage staff to attend. In addition, keep an eye out for conferences and events that offer online attendance options or let you purchase DVDs and CDs to share with your staff.
More than ever, now is a time to embrace best practices, innovative ideas, and the encouragement of gathering with others facing similar challenges in ministry. Check out what's coming to your region!
share this
Tags used in this post:
TrackBack
TrackBack URL for this entry:
http://blog.christianitytoday.com/mt/mt-tb.cgi/2801
Comments
so true! unfortunately conferences are the first thing churches cut from budgets
Posted by: nathan | May 17, 2009 10:56 PM
My biggest problem with conferences is that they're so expensive. I really can't fathom where the money is going with some of these conferences. If you're goal is development, generating excitement, and creating a common language, there are more cost effective ways than attending a conference...especially if you're talking about taking a team somewhere that demands booking flights and hotel rooms.
Posted by: Sean Chandler | May 18, 2009 12:38 AM
The financial challenges for churches results from families going through some challenges. Families have cut out what is non-essential but is still buying and paying for what they view as non-negotiable. Churches are seeking to minister to families (Parents and kids) in ways we have not considered. Because of what God seems to be doing in the families we are asking key families to attend the D6 Conference. We consider it a non-negotiable in today's church climate. http://D6conference.com
Posted by: Will | May 18, 2009 11:30 PM
I find it very disappointing that all the claims of conference benefits are made in reference to staff. Churches willingness to invest in lay people is vital for the skills that they bring to minsitry as well. It is also key that churches recognize the huge sacrifice of unpaid time that lay leaders invest in ministry success. It is a great blessing for a lay leader to feel that the church sees them as having a long term contribution to make to ministry. I am reminded of the quote of a pastor saying it was a waste to invest in lay leaders because they just leave - well the only thing worse in not investing in them and having them stay.
Posted by: Lois | May 21, 2009 8:38 AM
I can certainly appreciate the insight. Yet with the over abundance of conferences and speakers who just recycle one talk ad infinitum speak to the silliness of the whole thing.
While conferences do provide some terrific avenues for thought, exposure to new ideas, networking...with modern technology there is no reason why this couldn't be done virtually. Sort of a TED for churches.
One last thing is that I really wonder how much we think about stewardship when approaching these conferences. They cost hundreds of dollars to attend, plus airfare, hotel, meals, etc. Multply that per the hundreds of people that attend and you quickly see a sizable economic footprint that could realistically be used for ministry in meeting real needs of orphans, widows, and other need groups.
I put a moratorium on conferences personally unless they are local meetings or I can justify the cost of under several hundred dollars. We have too much need (economic, ministry, etc.) in our area. Our staff is considering laying off all non-essential ministry travel too.
I appreciated the perspective.
You are the Church!
R.A.
Posted by: Robert | May 22, 2009 11:23 AM
I think that training and continued equipping are vitial for growth of pro and lay leadership, without it the ministry will eventually stagnate. There are many creative options for continued training: webcasts, local one day seminars, recorded materials with study guides, etc. I think that we can achieve the necessary investment in some form. Although nothing can replace being in the live environment for investment. But yearly somone on our staff can go if we plan for it.
In my thinking it becomes a question of direction - building for the future or leaving things undone. if you believe that money follows vision...then it becomes a question for local leadership in terms of what vision do you have for the staff of the ministry and is it communicated.
Just a perspective,
mark
Posted by: Mark Schollaert | May 24, 2009 6:18 PM
I think the thoughts above all have merit. I never meant that conferences were the only way to benefit your staff and volunteers--but they still are an important way to stretch thinking, get training, be exposed to new ideas, and grow.
I TOTALLY agree that we need to come up with innovative ways to make events more affordable. That translates to lower registration fees, options for camping, host homes, and a whole slew of creative options. One event that I know is creatively thinking about this for next year is FLOURISH -- a gathering of the creationcare movement.
Another interesting option is one that was demonstrated by the National Foursquare Women's Gathering in Atlanta, where Friday women went out into Atlanta to serve at various outreach and ministry opportunities which left a tangible mark on the lives of those in the city.
One aspect that hasn't been highlighted is that the benefit of events/gatherings/trainings if often in the travel. The time in cars, planes, airports, hotels late at night spent pilgramaging together can do so much to give leaders to connect, laugh, and make lasting memories.
I am encouraged by the leader who is sending their members to events and encouraging them to go--that helps affirm every church member as an able leader. Good stuff.
Really enjoying this conversation!
Posted by: Margaret Feinberg | May 27, 2009 11:20 AM