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February 19, 2008Why I Like Conferences
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I'm headed to a conference today ? thankfully, one in a much warmer climate than the near zero temperatures of Chicago right now.
I'm usually a fan of conferences. I enjoy the opportunity to hear great speakers, share insights with comrades in the field, and get inspired for another season of ministry.
With the 2008 conference season underway, I thought I'd put together a little top 10 list - the Top 10 Reasons I Like Conferences?
10. A hotel room - no laundry, no mess, no cooking!
9. Round tables - I love conferences that invite you to talk with other attendees. It always seems like the best encouragement and the most practical ideas come from round table discussions.
8. Worship - it's exhilarating to praise God amidst a body of believers devoted to a similar calling and ministry focus.
7. Practical and applicable workshops - I like to leave with my head buzzing from all the ways I can start implementing what I've learned as soon as I get home!
6. Breaks - I think some conferences are tempted to pack every possible minute full of activities. That's a mistake. For me, I need the down time to mull over everything I've learned, to debrief with my teammates?and maybe even to take a (short) nap!
5. Inspiring key-note speakers - it's a great feeling to walk away knowing what you do is important, it's critical, it's a calling, it's God's work. I love when main sessions give me a sense of purpose and pride in my ministry work.
4. Connecting with teammates - this is always a side-benefit of going to conferences: it's a great time to hang out with my team, to get know each other better, and to interact in a different setting.
3. Catching up on trends - I enjoy perusing the booths, talking to other ministry leaders, and checking out the latest products to see what's new and trendy, and what issues are on people's minds. (Although I don't want to be marketed to at every turn?there's a balance.)
2. Being challenged - the best conferences are the ones that stretch me, that push me to see new ways of ministry and new areas for personal growth.
1. A chance to reflect - conferences are a great time for me to think. So many other daily distractions are gone, and all my energy is focused. God has always used conferences to speak to me and to push me.
Oh, and I like escaping the arctic February chill?
So, what do you like about conferences? What don't you like? What are your goals when you attend one?
We'd love for you to join us this year at the Synergy 2008 Conference. Gifted for Leadership is proud to partner with Synergy to host this innovative and inspiring conference for women in leadership.
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Comments
Roxanne, I look forward to meeting you at Synergy 2008. We are so excited about this conference--it is designed to increase our vision of God's intentions for us and our capacity to minister in and to our needy world.
We hope lots of others will join us!
Posted By: Judy Douglass | February 20, 2008 6:28 AM
I have often said that I wish I could go to conferences for a living!!!
Posted By: Lorraine | February 21, 2008 2:15 PM
this is a constructive criticism- have you ever thought you might be going to conferences for your SELF? To fill up ROXANNE with the things ROXANNE desires? for ROXANNE to feel important? also, keeping up with what's trendy is not of God. and do you have to go to conferences to be filled up, inspired and encouraged? what about starting from home? remember ROXANNE has to die for Christ to be truly alive in you.
Posted By: Louise | March 12, 2008 7:35 PM
Oh my goodness, how Rude and Self Righteous the March 12, 2008 blogger was. You Roxanne, on the other hand gave a positive outlook on conferences that I will try to adopt with a new perspective when I attend them. Assembling ourselves together to HIS Glory, whether in church, or a conference can be nothing but uplifting to the spirit. What a marvelous opportunity to share with people of God who we would otherwise never have a chance to meet. Thank you for giving me a refreshed perspective.
Posted By: Brenda Boulware | March 31, 2008 1:06 PM