Making Church Conferences Worth the Time and Money

Have you ever had a church staff member go to a conference and wonder what value the church got out of it? I’m sure it was an energizing and motivating experience with great content, but when you look at the time away from church, the $300 registration fee, the $300 airline ticket, the $400 in hotel and food, it’s easy to start questioning if this is the best use of money and time. You might also feel that way when you attend a conference. Conferences can be pivotal moments in someone’s life and in your church’s effectiveness. Here are some ways to harness the ideas and experience of a conference that will make it worth the time and money:

1. Before someone attends a conference, schedule a meeting with them to discuss what they hope to learn. Have each person email you their notes from this discussion.
2. Immediately after a conference, schedule a meeting with everyone that went to discuss together what they learned. Ask probing questions.
3. Schedule a meeting individually with the attendees. Ask them what they are going to apply to their life and their ministry.
4. Work with them to turn those things into SMART goals (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Resources Needed, Time Bound)
5. Meet regularly with each person to track their progress.

Here are 2 conferences that will be worth your time:
Willowcreek Leadership Summit
Catalyst Conference