conversations from the couch

seriously–it was the highlight of my day. Josh and Jake from Saddleback are coming out here on Sunday (dinner with our family of course, hope to not repeat any of the Brazelton disaster) and then a video shoot at Group on Monday for some of the general session program stuff. This would be the same crazy team that brought us the ‘Hotel Hotel’ video last year, and this shoot looks like it might top it all. Jake sent over a shot list for the video, with suggestions for some random elements.

I thought we’d ad lib a bit. Nothing says “random” like a few barnyard animals wandering around Group. I’m SOOOO going to get in trouble for this…

It’s an acronym fest! No, actually it’s a great collaboration of two ministries who value the importance of connection and conversation. I’ve always respected the vision of the National Network of Youth Ministry–they’ve been a long-standing leader with the mission of connecting youth workers locally. It makes perfect sense to throw out the welcome mat to members of NNYM for a chance to all gather together at this conference. If you are a member of the National Network of Youth Ministry–or if you’re interested in learning about youth worker networks in your area, join NNYM President Paul Fleishmann and many others on Friday, Feb 22 at 10 pm (after the general session) for a national gathering of network-minded youth workers.

the last day to to take advantage of the advanced registration discount! Days like this are fun–I’m a HUGE procrastinator–always running late, enjoying the thrill of the “just under the wire” living. My children will be scarred for life I’m sure–I’m the mom who motors up the hill to school as the bell is ringing, drops the kids off with a rolling stop, and yells “RUN FASTER” as they trot away from the car.

Anyway, the excitement in the office is always a blast on deadline day. We log into the registration system and keep the tab open so everytime someone registers, we see it. We hoot, holler and cheer…for every single registration, and the big groups too. (hello Vineyard Church Northwest with your group of 11 that just registered) During the early bird registration deadline back in October, Doug was in the office for some program meetings.  He got a kick out of the hoopla–and threw in some cheers of his own.

so a big wave and a little “happy dance” from all of us…to those responsible plan-ahead people who registered back in April, to those who will inevitably forget to register today, and smack your forehead later this week…we’re looking forward to seeing you all soon! 

With Monday being Martin Luther King day and the recent overload of registrations hitting our system, we’re extending the conference advanced registration deadline through Tuesday to accommodate the stragglers and hopefully spread out the load! If you haven’t haven’t registered yet, do it now to grab the advanced savings, and avoid any possible technical malfunctions!

They actually fixed it within the hour–go web team! I’m curious to see what happens on Monday when the deadline closes on the advanced registration discount…

Holy procrastinator, Bat Man! We just sent a little e-reminder this morning about the advanced registration deadline on Monday and hundreds of registrations hit our system at once. It went down.. (think Rockies World Series tickets). Our phone lines for the 1-800-888-5991 number are also going nuts (looks like the phone team will need a little chocolate lovin’). Don’t give up, keep trying–and if you leave a message with the phone team, they will get back to you!

We’re thrilled to have the new addition of Chuck Bomar (guru of college-age ministry) joining us to lead and mentor an affinity group for those in this ministry niche! Here’s his affinity group description (all affinity groups are loosely organized gatherings that launch on Friday afternoon, and run throughout the conference.) Daily details for all affinity groups will be announce on-site… 
Affinity Group for Leaders of College Age Ministry
You don’t have to be in college ministry for long to understand there isn’t very many resources designed to help in day to day ministry.  We also quickly realize that its difficult to connect with others in college ministry to bounce ideas, get new ones, or just hear about what God’s doing in other ministries around the country.  Join us for a time of Q&A, brainstorming, and simply connecting with others in the college ministry world!

January 21st (Martin Luther King Day this year) is the last day to take advantage of the discounted rates for advanced registration! The registrations are coming like crazy–which is great–until we run out of room!

I just received the write-up from Guy Wasko, the affinity group leader who really had it on his heart to create a group to meet throughout NYMC for healing, ideas and support. This group will gather at 1 pm, and again at 4:30 on Friday afternoon–and will continue to meet throughout the conference. Times will be posted every day–and all groups are open to everyone. Come once–or every time!

Affinity Group for Youth Workers Dealing With Difficult Church LeadersFrom “Dream Teams” to leadership teams we never want to dream of, we’ve probably all experienced a variety of leaders, leadership styles and conflict when it comes to church boards, committees or Sr. Pastors. It’s also safe to say that many of us are probably still carrying the scars from past experiences (maybe even current ones). This isn’t a gripe session or your chance to play an overzealous game of “my pastor is worse than your pastor.” This group will be about creating a safe place where others know your pain, recognize your scars and we can journey together toward healing and restoration. Maybe you just want to dip your toe in the water or maybe you’re ready to jump in head first, either way, join us on an adventure toward healing and creating a workable plan in dealing with difficult church leadership.  

I have the humbling privilege of leading a really great group of  volunteers. They function incredibly well in their roles–it’s sort of intimating how excellent they are–because they’re so much better than I am. I’m always in awe of the things they do, and who they are.

The volunteers I work with are actually so awesome they deserve extra-special appreciation, and I’m always dreaming up over-the-top ways to recognize them and honor their excellence with an appropriately excellent affirmation. I think up really cool and crazy stuff they’ll never forget!

Problem is, I rarely ever get beyond the lovey-squishy thoughts because my attention gets snagged on something else,  time marches forward, and the affirmation gets so embarrassingly late that it goes completely undone.  Worse yet, because I had spent so much time thinking about doing something so sweet and incredible, I give myself partial credit for thinking about it.

It’s shallow, selfish, an abuse of rationalization and poor leadership. Affirmation isn’t about a grand display, it’s about an authentic expression of gratitude.  Whether it’s a personal note, a hug in the hallway or a phone call to just say thank you, it’s not the presentation that matters. Volunteers (or anyone, for that matter) don’t need to be “wowed”, they need to be valued. It’s about stopping to recognize their gifts–not grandstanding one’s own in the midst of the expression.

And whether it’s a creative thank you or just a simple affirmation–none of it counts unless you actually do it. I’ve really gotta work on that.