Something from Nothing

I’ll be the first to admit that there are, in my opinion, far too many church conferences. Leadership. Servanthood. Technology. Creativity. Growth. Church Plants. Mega Churches. They’re all covered, ad nauseum.

I wonder if what we need isn’t another pep rally or just the perspective of one particular church methodology but rather practical, we-can-do-this-too ideas that are not predicated on the DNA, methodology or programs of other churches.

I think I’ve found a group of people who have some of this figured out. They’re a group who created Dirt, a conference that invites us to make something from nothing.

Last week, I spent nearly three days in the company of people like myself who simply wanted to help the “Big-C” Church learn from the collective creativity, processes and experiences of people who are not on the big-time speaking circuits. It was a collection of not-so-average, average people; folks who had done things with next to nothing and were willing to share their successes and failures as adventurers who had been where most of us are today. The results of this collective group of co-adventurers provided us all with truckloads of knowledge and pages of notes that could readily be applied regardless of budget, attendance, venue, position or denomination. It was beautiful.

I had the privilege of being part of the gaggle of people presenting years of experience and encouraging each person to go back and make some necessary changes. The format was simple: a panel of us would answer a set of questions from a moderator and then dive into Q&A with the attendees. I kept my MacBook Pro open with MindManager ready for note-taking and my Bible available to share inspiration as the Lord impressed upon me during each lab. At the end, I have more excellent ideas, solid best-practices and a huge dose of practical inspiration to share with my ministry friends.

Dirt may be the most practical, down-to-earth, encouraging and equipping-focused conference for churches today. With over 500 in attendance during the inaugural conference, I’m sure we’ll see another one in 2010. I, for one, will be there, speaking or not. This is my new favorite conference. I encourage you to reach out to Neil Greathouse, the Technical Director for New Life Church in Little Rock, AR, and share with him your desire to bring your team to next year’s Dirt Conference.

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Dirt Conference Lab: Balancing Workload & Life

This session from the Dirt Conference was another that I had the chance to help lead along with panelists Anne Jackson, Kristen Becnel & Charlie Loften. The wisdom these three shared was eye-opening and extremely transparent. In particular, Anne Jackson really knocked it out of the ballpark with her insight. Of course, the IS the author of “Mad Church Disease” – a book about ministry burn-out – so she had a lot to say that was very helpful and insightful.

Here are the notes I took while trying to hold my laptop, a microphone & my Bible while sitting on a stool (in other words, not as many typed in as I’d like to have done):

1.  How can I say no? (or how do “you” say no)

In terms of serving your Pastor: There are three answers for your pastor – “Yes”, “Yes, but” or “No”; but “no” is reserved only for that which is unethical, immoral or un-Biblical.

By having a strong relationship with your church leadership, you can share openly & honestly about your workload. As leaders, there job is to lead you and protect you.

Anne Jackson talked about how in Luke chapter 4 Jesus pulled away from the non-stop ministry. He set a precedent for us to retreat away to spend time refreshing.

Charlie & Kristen spoke of putting boundaries on your time commitment.

I implored people to track their time via projects. By first understanding how & where you spend your time, you can begin to make changes in prioritization and in making important cuts to buy margin in our time.

2.  What do I do if my family is missing me and I have a deadline?

“An inconsistent schedule has to be the exception, not the norm.” – Charlie Loften

Go home. Work will be there tomorrow. Your family needs you more than yet another project.
3.  How do you teach the concept that this job isn’t 9-5?

Respect the seasons of ministry. Know that extra time is required during Christmas & Easter. Balance that time with rest afterward.

“We need time to dream & rest.” – Kristen Becnel

Manage people well. Help protect your staff’s time and ensure you’re “selling what you’re smoking”.

4.  How do you protect yourself from becoming burned out?

Spend time with the Lord daily.

Protect YOUR Sabbath (for most church staff, that’s not Sunday).

Be part of a group that holds each other accountable.

Read Anne Jacksons’ book “Mad Church Disease”.

5.  Can you have a successful family life and work life?

The quote of the day was a stunner: “We like to let productivity define our spiritual maturity” – Anne Jackson. Smack, that’s good!

The answer is “Yes”, but it requires intentionality.

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