Wow
Wow
Wow
As you know, going to ys is like drinking out of niagra falls ( I decided to "up" the metaphor). Any pointers on how the heck I can retain this information and allow it to penetrate my mind and heart? I need some sort of writing prompt for me to attempt to cultivate and process this knowledge. Thanks,

I thought I’d share a few thoughts on this great question:

Conferences are beginnings not ends.
Resist the temptation to simply move on to the next thing on your schedule or “to do” list. You’ve been gone. There are things waiting for you when you get home, but try to schedule in a day to reflect on the conference. I often find that taking that day, a few days after I get back, gives me time to catch up and reconnect, allowing me to actually be in a reflective mood. Consider this discipline as part of your conference.

Conferences are for inspiration, not imitation.
You’ve just come back from a weekend where conferences try to bring in the right speakers, worshippers, seminar leaders, staff, etc. You can’t help but be inspired. I often hear things like, “I want to do what Kara Powell does;” “I want to think like Tony Jones;” “I want influence (and hair!) like Dan Kimball;” or “ I want to be profound like Phillis Tickle.” We are all inspired by people, but its tempting to forget that these people have spent a great deal of time thinking, failing, wrestling, struggling, and trying things out before arriving at their current role. Embrace their process, not their end result. Be inspired, but don’t try to imitate them.

Conferences promote learning, not teaching.
It can be tempting to take that cool illustration or that seminar information right back home to teach it to students and volunteers. The dark side of conferences are that they can tempt people with short-term, quick-fix ideas to "save" ministries. Before teaching newly acquired information , take time to read supporting resources on the subject. Internalize the material, own it, disagree with it, re-tool it, and make it your own. Seek out the books that are informing the conferences speakers. Read deeply and broadly. Conferences should lead one to deeper thinking and learning.

Conferences offer generalized information in need of localization.
Consider how you will contextualize your material. Some cool presenter from Florida may have terrific ideas, but that doesn’t mean they apply the same way in Iowa. You are the expert of your context. Contextualize all material you pick up. Wrestle with how to communicate concepts in your community’s local language and symbols. This is where you, your volunteers, and students are the experts.

Conferences are for change, not reaction.
It's tempting to go to a conference and come back thinking that just about everything needs to be revamped. Changes are made but are not sustainable, because they are not thought through for longevity or sustainability. This is not change, this is reaction to the latest fad, idea, or crisis. Slow down, take your time. Consider that change requires education, commitment, cost, and patience for a true shift.

Conferences are to encourage, not discourage.
Halfway through most conferences, I like to remind people that most will experience an, “I’m pathetic” phase. People hear rock star presenters offer their best messages, best stories, and best resources. It makes the rest of us mortals feel as though we ought to get out of the way so as to not mess things up. Don’t believe these internal voices. If you’re in youth ministry, your students love and need you, not rock star speaker. Be yourself. Trust that God is making you into a reformed you, not rock star speaker.

Conferences send us internal not external.
Hopefully anyone who enters a conference is asking fresh questions, and leaves recognizing that the biggest change starts internally, within their one's heart, not within one's ministry. A deep, intentional response then, to any conference is not more programs, but more prayer and journaling.

So there are a few of my thoughts. Where are all those notes and books from your last conference? Resist sticking them on the shelf. Maybe its fair to say that the conference isn't over until the conference material has been reflected upon.

Feel free to share your own "life after conferences” thoughts...