Last year, I was able to go to the Saddleback Pastor's Conference, the National Worship Leader's Conference, a Fellowship Church Marriage Renewal Weekend, Spur Leadership, and Catalyst. Wow! I didn't realize how much conferencing I did!
For me, conferences are a way to:
- refresh my spirit
- get some outside perspective
- stay sharp on the bleeding edge
- discover some new resources
- connect and reconnect with others in the trenches
- learn new skills
- and most importantly, refocus on the Lord
This year, I'm going to pull back on my conferencing a little to save money. The plan is to stay more local and take advantage of the great conferences that are happening in Texas.
I'll be attending the Creative Church Conference in Grapevine with Ed Young. This year looks like it's going to be awesome with Bil Cornelius and Steven Furtick speaking. Steven's message at Catalyst last year seriously rocked my world!
I also plan on going to the Catalyst One Day conference happening on May 18th in Dallas with Andy Stanley and Craig Groeschel.
Oh yeah, I'm also going to the SBTC Church Planter Retreat where I get to lead a breakout with my friend Loui Canchola. We'll be talking about how to reach men in a breakout called Dude, Surf's Up!
We might also buy the audio or video from some other good conferences that are happening this year and listen to them as a staff.
If anyone wants to go with me to any of these, let me know.
Dude, I want to go to them. 🙂