Now that the North American Convention is over I am reflecting on my experiences and the nature of the whole event itself.
For a long time I have firmly believed that the current format is not appropriate for the times and that a major overhaul is needed. I remain convinced of that. Having always lived at the geographic fringes of our movement I know what it is like to feel that the trek to Anderson is very difficult, if even not worth the effort at times.
I am encouraged to see some of the shifts that are occurring among us. There is a new sense of direction and we are finding ways to relate to each other in healthier ways. I also notice a much greater willingness to explore new methods and options.
Except for "Anderson Campmeeting".
This event has long been a defining moment in our history and corporate experience, so I am not surprised to see a reluctance to tamper with it. But, I believe that it is time to have some honest dialogue, and for our leadership to courageously examine new options that will best serve the church. Unfortunately, I believe there are many people living in denial as to what is really happening at the NAC.
Certainly the NAC is a positive, uplifting, and empowering event. But, the truth is that its role in the life of our movement is greatly diminished. At one time it was, along with the Gospel Trumpet and its reincarnations, a primary symbol of our common purpose and fellowship. For current generations this is much less the case. Attendance seems to be shrinking each year.
I fear that in the next decade we will be forced to confront these realities, and that the NAC may follow the same course as ONEvoice!, with no choice but to cancel it. Unless, of course, we take specific actions today to disrupt that trend.
After considerable thought I want to outline my proposals as to how we could convert the NAC into new, more response events that will touch a larger number of people:
1. Disband the North American Convention as an annual event that meets in Anderson. But, please keep reading.
2. Every second year (i.e. on even years) hold a North American Leadership Conference in Anderson that brings together pastors and other leaders for inspiration, training, and fellowship. The focused nature of this 3-4 day event would provide programs and resource persons of such a high calibre that it would be a significant draw for church leaders. Registration for this event would be based on distance from Anderson to help level the playing field on transportation costs. Those closest to mile zero would pay the most. Those furthest away would be charged no registration fee (or perhaps even receive a grant).
3. Every other year (i.e. on odd years) hold a Church of God convention in a major city in the U.S. The location would change every two years with the intent of moving it about the continent to give everyone a greater opportunity to participate at least once each decade. This would be a 3-4 day event and could be marketed as a part of a vacation opportunity for families.
4. Both of the above events would continue to provide webstreaming of major services to maximize exposure to those who cannot attend.
5. But what about the General Assembly? With the new governance polity the role of the General Assembly has been transformed even further so that now the need for an annual business meeting is not really necessary. The General Assembly could be convened at the Leadership Conference every two years. Let's be real honest here. As a means to conduct business the GA doesn't really work. An extremely small percentage of the total delegated membership ever shows up. In fact, if even 25% of the total possible membership ever showed up, Reardon Auditorium couldn't handle it. And the decisions are made predominantly by those living closest to Anderson. Having lay delegates is an honorable intention, but completely unrealistic. And, if the GA is really nothing more than a public relations event (which it is increasingly becoming) than there are probably other ways that these objectives could be accomplished. Perhaps a new, comprehensive communication strategy?
I think it is time for us to stop ignoring the realities of our current time, and to start taking bold, even radical, steps for the future. I believe that my proposal addresses the issues. If someone else has some better ideas I would love to hear them, but to this point I haven't heard anything being suggested that tackles these challenges.
What do you think?
For a long time I have firmly believed that the current format is not appropriate for the times and that a major overhaul is needed. I remain convinced of that. Having always lived at the geographic fringes of our movement I know what it is like to feel that the trek to Anderson is very difficult, if even not worth the effort at times.
I am encouraged to see some of the shifts that are occurring among us. There is a new sense of direction and we are finding ways to relate to each other in healthier ways. I also notice a much greater willingness to explore new methods and options.
Except for "Anderson Campmeeting".
This event has long been a defining moment in our history and corporate experience, so I am not surprised to see a reluctance to tamper with it. But, I believe that it is time to have some honest dialogue, and for our leadership to courageously examine new options that will best serve the church. Unfortunately, I believe there are many people living in denial as to what is really happening at the NAC.
Certainly the NAC is a positive, uplifting, and empowering event. But, the truth is that its role in the life of our movement is greatly diminished. At one time it was, along with the Gospel Trumpet and its reincarnations, a primary symbol of our common purpose and fellowship. For current generations this is much less the case. Attendance seems to be shrinking each year.
I fear that in the next decade we will be forced to confront these realities, and that the NAC may follow the same course as ONEvoice!, with no choice but to cancel it. Unless, of course, we take specific actions today to disrupt that trend.
After considerable thought I want to outline my proposals as to how we could convert the NAC into new, more response events that will touch a larger number of people:
1. Disband the North American Convention as an annual event that meets in Anderson. But, please keep reading.
2. Every second year (i.e. on even years) hold a North American Leadership Conference in Anderson that brings together pastors and other leaders for inspiration, training, and fellowship. The focused nature of this 3-4 day event would provide programs and resource persons of such a high calibre that it would be a significant draw for church leaders. Registration for this event would be based on distance from Anderson to help level the playing field on transportation costs. Those closest to mile zero would pay the most. Those furthest away would be charged no registration fee (or perhaps even receive a grant).
3. Every other year (i.e. on odd years) hold a Church of God convention in a major city in the U.S. The location would change every two years with the intent of moving it about the continent to give everyone a greater opportunity to participate at least once each decade. This would be a 3-4 day event and could be marketed as a part of a vacation opportunity for families.
4. Both of the above events would continue to provide webstreaming of major services to maximize exposure to those who cannot attend.
5. But what about the General Assembly? With the new governance polity the role of the General Assembly has been transformed even further so that now the need for an annual business meeting is not really necessary. The General Assembly could be convened at the Leadership Conference every two years. Let's be real honest here. As a means to conduct business the GA doesn't really work. An extremely small percentage of the total delegated membership ever shows up. In fact, if even 25% of the total possible membership ever showed up, Reardon Auditorium couldn't handle it. And the decisions are made predominantly by those living closest to Anderson. Having lay delegates is an honorable intention, but completely unrealistic. And, if the GA is really nothing more than a public relations event (which it is increasingly becoming) than there are probably other ways that these objectives could be accomplished. Perhaps a new, comprehensive communication strategy?
I think it is time for us to stop ignoring the realities of our current time, and to start taking bold, even radical, steps for the future. I believe that my proposal addresses the issues. If someone else has some better ideas I would love to hear them, but to this point I haven't heard anything being suggested that tackles these challenges.
What do you think?
8 comments:
For starters thanks for keeping those of us who weren't there in the loop.
I think you're on to something Lloyd. I've never been to the NAC, well as a pastor. I went a couple times growing up. It was more for my mom to hear speakers she that she liked and to connect with old friends. I didn't go this year because next week I'm directing a camp. Besides, all the other staff were gone. Sorry about the tangent. I'm not motivated to go, honestly I see much value. It appears that many others feel the same way. I have put my eggs in the State basket. I know people there, and the past couple of years it's been exciting to be a part of the ministry in Michigan.
I think it's a very creative idea. Although I don't see the graduated scale thing happening. It sounds fair, but I just don't see it flying. I think people close to A-Town will put up too much of a stink. Overall though I like it. I might bite.
I like the idea. The reason I had so much fun this year is partly because it was new for me. An ever changing venue would help people stay interested in going.
Prior to being in full-time ministry, I worked in a specialized field that held an annual conference. It was at a different venue each year. It was always fun to see a new city and to have different people host each year. I think that would happen in our case as well. The drawback is that you don't have the nostalgia factor. However, to a large degree that is going away even in Anderson.
Steve
Certainly travel expense is something to be reckoned with. However, I'm not sure that tipping the scale so that those who live near Anderson are required to pay more to attend convention just because we live near it is a wise move. It would knock out those who earn less or who are in leadership on a volunteer basis; and I think this is a vital thing to consider.
My proposal to charge more for people closer to Anderson would still not even come close to being unfair. When you consider the travel costs for those far away a relatively small registration charge to those close by would only slightly offset the charges of the distant attendees. But it would send a strong message that we want to draw in people from all over the continent.
How about holding it in conjunction with (and at the same location as) IYC in even-numbered years? That's an existing event that's packed with energy and has a growing attendance. Maybe WCG could do their convention at that time and place, too.
Kevin Stiffler
Hey Everyone,
Thought I would enter into this. We have a travel pool something like what Lloyd proposes in Canada - its not as scary as it sounds. I like the idea of a rotating convention. As for keeping it in Anderson because it is traditional - it is changing anyway with the destruction of buildings and change of venue. It is difficult to get motivated for NAC when I would have to pull my kids out of school to go (Canadian context), and I already go to 3-4 regional meetings a year. As for combining it with IYC - It could get cumbersome when you consider missions events before and after IYC and as an aside let the youth have there thing we should stay out of that event unless we are going to IYC of course. At least if it came west every few years I could get a chance at planning for it. I like the proposal.
M. Blackmer
Castlegar, BC
I suggested a few proposals on my blog, too. Maybe we should compare notes!
This is somewhat similar to what the Church of the Nazarene did many years ago. Although the CotN is on a 4 year interval.
Every four years we hold our General Assembly. In the intervening 2 years there is a very large evangelism conference.
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