One of the coolest ways that I’ve been able to get the most from the Orange Conference is coming to the table with questions. I’ve written about this before [link here]. But this year, I’m trying something a bit different. I’m going to be listening intently to the questions that others are asking.
What’s been interesting is that I usually get a lot of insight into the questions that I bring to Orange. But I do that sometimes at the expense of hearing what God is up to in the “Big C” Church. Often times we miss something big because we are focused on our stuff.
A few things to note on this subject:
The Church involves Different People
These different people make up the body of Christ. That diversity that fights for unity creates real and lasting change. But in our worlds, we tend to think like our people think and don’t think outside of our context very often.
From Different Backgrounds
Different backgrounds that lead to different conversations about faith. This is not so that we forsake teaching or Biblical Authority but instead embrace the nuances of different denominations. Where would Christianity be without the charismatic worship, passionate charity and social justice, deep discipleship and persistent looking for the lost. God calls us to all, but our box can tend to be limiting in our view of God as we hone in for our contexts. Talking faith with folks from different backgrounds with Christ as center can grow our faith in large and unique ways.
From Different Places
Some of the best ideas that I get are from people from places that are nothing like mine. Why? Because I didn’t have to think of creative solutions to reach their people like they did. The reverse is true as well. Imagine having to feed people at the beach for a youth ministry trip. Or planning a retreat in the desert.
The different places that God has us creates unique perspectives to reach God’s people. It’s an amazing way to talk shop and grow in our passion to reach others.
Learning from Different People from Different Backgrounds from Different Places, is one of the greatest things about the Orange Conference. You can learn from urban contexts, rural contexts, small town, big city, large church, small church, one site, multi-site, international site, church planters, church revivers, church multipliers and so many more.
This gathering where Christ is King and we can all learn together from one another and worship Jesus in Spirit and in Truth.
So if you’re looking for a new way…or an old way. The Orange Conference is sure to have it. You just have to listen.
Right now, Orange is running a special. If you register tomorrow on October 13, the opening for registration, for #OC17 you’ll save $90 off the regular price AND get Insider First Access to Breakouts! Go to TheOrangeConference
