tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11006198.post8904180302664553200..comments2023-09-26T09:40:03.138-04:00Comments on Preacher Thoughts: Conferences Can Be Great!Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13529451903923820189noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11006198.post-88397769413669027102010-04-08T16:52:36.350-04:002010-04-08T16:52:36.350-04:00I love this, Paul! Read this just in time for T4G....I love this, Paul! Read this just in time for T4G. Numbers 3, 4, 7 and 8 were particularly encouraging reminders for me. Are you going to T4G by any chance?Chris Pobletehttp://www.thegospelforoc.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11006198.post-13027914698779792822010-03-30T19:05:48.292-04:002010-03-30T19:05:48.292-04:00This is fresh in my mind, as I just returned back ...This is fresh in my mind, as I just returned back from another fantastic Shepherds' Conference. But I must say that, during the time preceding the conference and the time I was actually away from my family, I had this gnawing feeling of "should I really be here?" Part of it was questioning my motivation. Am I really attracted by the celebrity/personality issue, alluded to by both you and Kirk? Part of it was the guilt of being away from my family. Part of it was the fact my church was helping pay for me to be there.<br /><br />In the end, though, I thought it was advantageous for me to attend, for all the reasons on your list. Here are two others, based on my experience:<br /><br />9. Conferences provide a great opportunity to meet fellow laborers in the Gospel. I still look back fondly to the time you and I shared over breakfast at T4G '08. At ShepCon, it was good to meet like-minded brothers from other Gospel-proclaiming outposts in Alberta.<br /><br />10. Conferences are helpful to 'the church back home.' This year I was purposeful in choosing seminars that would equip me in my role at my church, and thereby be helpful to the church. For example, I attended seminars dealing with sermon preparation, marital counseling and mentoring. I also promised myself I wouldn't attend again unless I brought someone from my local church along - either an Elder or potential young leader.Dan Sudfeldhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07427158443777229994noreply@blogger.com