The Laymember Conference.
This week, had the opportunity to spend a few hours at a very large church and ministry conference here in downtown Atlanta. As I walked through the main lobby and seminar areas, I couldn’t help but to reflect on one of the entries I wrote in my book, 83 Things I Wish The Black Church Would Stop Doing.
The entry is called The Laymember Conference.
Which do you prefer? The machine gun or the rifle?
Try to relax: this is not a hidden invitation from me to join the NRA. Just curious as to which ministry approach you believe is more suitable when it comes to conferences.
You see, there used to be a time when church conferences were primarily for leaders.
But now, more often that not, churches are creating conferences that are geared for those they lead. While the former is focused on equipping…
…the latter is often focused on inspiring.
The danger with laymember conferences is that sooner or later, churches fall into the temptation of inviting speakers because of their ability to draw, versus their ability to equip. I’ve seen my share of both, and no matter where I go, it seems the intended focus and expected results tend to be the same.
Laymember conferences: Machine Gun Approach.
Non-laymember conferences: Rifle Approach.While one needs a crowd in order to be considered effective, the other is in need of a specific target. While one thrives on noise and the emptying of shells, the other thrives on precision and focus.
(Again I ask) Which do you prefer?
