The 2010 NAC is now history, and I, like hundreds of others, am returning home.
Notice I said "hundreds" of others. Years ago it would have been accurate to assume that "thousands" from outside of Anderson converged on the city, but that is probably no longer the case. (Although, combined with the many who came to the convention through the virtual miracle of the Internet, maybe those numbers could be used!) While the last two NAC's have seen a slight reversal from the 3-5% annual attendance decline that has taken place over the past ten years, the question on most people's minds is whether or not this event can be sustained long term. Monday's townhall began yet another process to evaluate this gathering, but this time status quo is not really an option. I still believe that a major rework has to take place to reflect the current reality across the church. (I still stand by my proposal three years ago).
The uncertain future of the NAC should not, however, overshadow the significance of what did happen this year. Those in attendance experienced a movement that, while still trying to find its identity, is showing signs of health and resolution. This convention should leave almost everyone with a confirmation of what God is doing among us.
The services, in particular, lived up to their prominent place in the agenda. The move to Reardon Auditorium and Park Place church worked well, and as I stated earlier this week the implementation of the alternative service format was overall very successful and contributed to a heightened spiritual climate. The opportunity to create worship environments without trying to appease everyone really allowed the respective worship leaders to provide more meaningful experiences. And, the concert hall acoustics in Reardon made a phenomenal difference. Musically, this was one of the best conventions in many years.
For now the North American Convention is one of the best vehicles we have to draw us together, even though its relevance is declining rapidly. This year's edition, at minimum, gives us hope that better days are ahead and keeps the flame of our reformation movement alive.
(On a further note, it was interesting to note that this year saw continued increase in Twitter activity during NAC. It was fun to keep up with others during the week, and even to make some personal connections because of it)
Notice I said "hundreds" of others. Years ago it would have been accurate to assume that "thousands" from outside of Anderson converged on the city, but that is probably no longer the case. (Although, combined with the many who came to the convention through the virtual miracle of the Internet, maybe those numbers could be used!) While the last two NAC's have seen a slight reversal from the 3-5% annual attendance decline that has taken place over the past ten years, the question on most people's minds is whether or not this event can be sustained long term. Monday's townhall began yet another process to evaluate this gathering, but this time status quo is not really an option. I still believe that a major rework has to take place to reflect the current reality across the church. (I still stand by my proposal three years ago).
The uncertain future of the NAC should not, however, overshadow the significance of what did happen this year. Those in attendance experienced a movement that, while still trying to find its identity, is showing signs of health and resolution. This convention should leave almost everyone with a confirmation of what God is doing among us.
The services, in particular, lived up to their prominent place in the agenda. The move to Reardon Auditorium and Park Place church worked well, and as I stated earlier this week the implementation of the alternative service format was overall very successful and contributed to a heightened spiritual climate. The opportunity to create worship environments without trying to appease everyone really allowed the respective worship leaders to provide more meaningful experiences. And, the concert hall acoustics in Reardon made a phenomenal difference. Musically, this was one of the best conventions in many years.
For now the North American Convention is one of the best vehicles we have to draw us together, even though its relevance is declining rapidly. This year's edition, at minimum, gives us hope that better days are ahead and keeps the flame of our reformation movement alive.
(On a further note, it was interesting to note that this year saw continued increase in Twitter activity during NAC. It was fun to keep up with others during the week, and even to make some personal connections because of it)
2 comments:
Lloyd, thanks for keeping those of us in the loop that couldn't make it this year.
What you said gives me hope for the future. I hope that this trend continues.
your comment re hundreds vs thousands deserves a response. As a young pastor returning to Seminary back in late 60s I suddenly realized I no longer needed "Anderson." I lived in an urban center and had all the socio-educational opportunities I needed to stay "cutting edge." That was a revelation to me.
On the other hand, I was a midwest product with family roots there. Thus, that (and my fierce sense of church family) kept me going to cm/nac through the years. We did it "sacrificially" from the SW, West Coast, et al, as we did when returning back East. I still feel that sense of family, from top to bottom, altho I disapprove of many trends. I also LOVE the way a Costa Rican adoptee named Patrick Nachtigal has become a child of the Movement, with a global outlook not always classified as "American." I knew that German grandpa Sam from Cleveland days and young Harry of the AU Trumpet Trio. There is more to be gained by being part of the family than being a Lone Ranger...........:-)
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