I just had an email exchange with a friend of mine. We have previously had some conversations over coffee regarding ministry and vision and some of the ideas and philosophies of Erwin McManus and Dave Gibbons. So, when I heard that McManus & Gibbons were both going to be at The Idea Camp, I felt like I should let my friend know. After seeing the list of facilitators he is still undecided on whether he will attend. So, he asked me why I am choosing to make the 7+ hour drive to go.
Just in case anyone else out there isn’t sure they want to go, I figured I might as well post my reply publicly in the event that anyone else may benefit from this:
I’m not trying to sell you on going, I just thought that since it was free and involved some people that you have talked about connecting with, it may be something worth your time. In particular, this will most-likely be the only place you’ll ever be able to walk up to both Dave Gibbons and Erwin McManus in the same place and introduce yourself and discuss your ideas with them. The Idea Camp is limiting the 70 minute sessions to 10-15 minutes for the facilitator and the rest for the members in attendance to dialog about things.
For me, the biggest thing I am getting out of it is solidifying some relationships with people I have met and converse with online. People that are great minds in ministry to younger generations and incorporating technology with the church. Also, some that have prayed for me and our church plant and our city. Personally, I don’t really have the time, but I am committed to make the time to move some relationships to the next level. Of course, in addition to that I’ll be able to learn a lot and think-tank with many people more experienced and more creative than myself. Most conferences charge around $250-350 for the experience of being there, while The Idea Camp is absolutely free and I get to participate, not just absorb. In essence, as powerful as the list of speakers/facilitators/worship leaders is, this event would be nothing without people like you and me and engaging others in dialog and sharing our wisdom and passion and thoughts with others. Some of these facilitators are flying in from long distances and participating without being paid, so for someone willing to help others with their own time and own money, I feel like I should support their efforts if I can. I have always believed that if we are in ministry, we should be willing to sacrifice for the sake of helping others…anyone can fly in and speak for a paycheck, but not just everyone will fly in on their own dime to help give back to others.
Anyway, since you asked, that is basically why I am motivated and excited to be able to go and share and take away from The Idea Camp. If you change your mind and decide to go, why not just fly? You could leave Friday morning and be back home Saturday night. For me, as long as the drive is, I’m looking forward to spending some solitary time without distraction (twitter/facebook/email/study) and sorting through some thoughts, singing to some songs on the radio, and appreciating God for all that he is doing in this world :) Peace, friend!
Are you planning on being at The Idea Camp? If so, if there is anything I can do to help you, questions I can help answer, or prayers that I can lift up for you please don’t hesitate to say hello and just ask. I’m available via twitter, email, or cell phone…you can get all of my contact info from my facebook profile. Just use the link on the right side of this post for the link :)
Related posts:
- The Idea Camp: Post-camp thoughts…art of networking
- The Idea Camp: Post-camp thoughts…Q&A with Charles Lee
- Why The Idea Camp?
- The Idea Camp: Post-camp Thoughts…Technology And Social Media
- The Idea Camp Challenge
Tags: the idea camp
Dave — This is a great summary of why being part of the The Idea Camp is important, and why it deserves our support.
I’ve been tracking with you for a little while via DJ Chuang’s blog. Maybe we’ll run into each other at The Idea Camp! :)
Thanks Daniel! Looking forward to connecting at The Idea Camp :)