Oct 28 is the date of my first project called STORY. It's a first-of-its-kind experience for communicators of the Gospel - the greatest story ever told. Brace yourself for a theatrical, multi-sensory experience.
It'll be held at the beautiful Paramount Theater in Aurora, IL and will feature Donald Miller, Ed Young, Nancy Beach, Dave Gibbons, Chris Seay, Stacy Spencer, and many more. Even better, there's an optional day of Workshops on Oct 29 with scores of amazing authors, artists, thinkers and savants.
I'll unpack details in the coming weeks, but I hope you'll join me for it.
Check out www.StoryChicago.com and let me know what you think!
Ben, we can't wait to partner with you on this! Thanks for pushing the envelope of creativity and innovation. It's going to be amazing.
Posted by: Jason Hayes | May 11, 2009 at 08:02 AM
Love the concept. Looks amazing. Pretty impressed with how you have obvioulsy been able to pull this together (concept, ideas, website, sponsors, etc) all while just coming off Catalyst West Coast. You must have been one busy bee.
Posted by: Daniel Decker | May 11, 2009 at 08:14 AM
Going to be amazing!
Posted by: pete wilson | May 11, 2009 at 08:26 AM
Very cool! After reading this and listening to the interview with John Saddington I can't help but think that this is going to be a big hit. Its cool to see you keep raising the bar!
Posted by: Brian Ayers | May 11, 2009 at 09:00 AM
First impression:
Brilliant.
Second impression:
I only really know you through your blog, and one time I asked you for directions at Catalyst, but I have to say I'm a bit surprised to see this from you. Your blog is excellent. The posts are small, but meaty. Which is perfect for the content you are delivering about leadership and life.
So I guess that I have a stereotype about high-level business-type thought leaders and it is this... they aren't literary buffs. They care less about The Hobbit and more about The Seven Habits.
I'm intrigued and I wish you terrific success. I think story (narrative), as a literary device, is a proven mechanism to connect people with God.
peace|dewde
Posted by: dewde | May 11, 2009 at 09:08 AM
ben i'm so excited for this and feel honored to work with you on it.
dewd - this is vintage arment. :) ben in his sweet spot, and an experience you won't want to miss!
- matt
Posted by: matt Morgan | May 11, 2009 at 09:14 AM
Ben, This is going to be a huge GOD-THANG. Prayed for you this morning. Will continue to pray for you daily.
Posted by: Larry Rising | May 11, 2009 at 09:19 AM
Looks like it will be amazing, great job Ben! I will be praying for an opening to be able to attend.
Posted by: Sean | May 11, 2009 at 09:20 AM
Awesome! So proud of you, bro.
Posted by: Tony McCollum | May 11, 2009 at 09:29 AM
BTW, you might want to update your bio here on your blog. :)
Posted by: Tony McCollum | May 11, 2009 at 09:30 AM
Ben- this is awesome. Hoping I can come.
Posted by: Heather Zempel | May 11, 2009 at 09:52 AM
awesome...
Posted by: Jim | May 11, 2009 at 09:52 AM
oooh...barton designed the site! nicely done! thanks for doing the podcast on churchcrunch
Posted by: Jim | May 11, 2009 at 10:09 AM
im intrigued. i know im not really a "leader" in the church, but it still looks like something i would want to go to.... im highly enraptured by the idea of "story". Lewis's kind of story--the kind of life woven as a beautiful tapestry that is so much more colorful than your typical muted-color life. i dont want a muted-color life. i want to live boldly. i want a colorful story. and HIS story IS the greatest story....ergo, enter "colorful life"! so... yeah. all that to say, is this something that even official "leaders" would benefit from? (i mean, i lead a small group, and i lead on worship team from time to time. does that count?)
Posted by: sarah wiegand | May 11, 2009 at 10:10 AM
I'm amazed that just listening to the interview w/ John Saddington (http://is.gd/yQFz ) & visiting the website have already stirred some new ideas in me.
I missed White Board. I don't want to miss Story...
Love the "MYST" look of the site, by the way!
Posted by: Johnny Leckie | May 11, 2009 at 10:20 AM
thats totally what i thought too, johnny, when i went to the site!! very MYST. i never could figure out that game...
Posted by: sarah wiegand | May 11, 2009 at 10:28 AM
I hope you have an "Eagle and Child" pub replica on site...so we can experience classic literary "storytelling" firsthand. Dude, this is amazing. Don't settle for anything less than the extraordinary. Push every envelope...can't wait.
Posted by: brad | May 11, 2009 at 10:28 AM
You. are. the. man.
The site is great Ben... just promise me you won't steampunk the stage!
Posted by: Jay Brock @ Sexrev.org | May 11, 2009 at 10:51 AM
Ben, this is just awesome. I am honored to know you personally.
I was nearly swept away just looking at the website and am almost speechless at how God is using your talent and helping you achieve your dream.
I'd love to partner with you in this endeavor somehow. You have my support.
/TC/
Posted by: Terrace Crawford | May 11, 2009 at 12:30 PM
Dude!!! Aurora, IL is right next door to my town (Naperville)! I'm putting this on my calendar now and will be forwarding this information on to my Pastors so that we can hopefully promote it at my church!
You rock my face off!
Posted by: Graham | May 11, 2009 at 06:50 PM
yes, graham, that's what I'm talking about.
and the mother's day photos were hilarious.
Posted by: Ben Arment | May 11, 2009 at 08:24 PM
Looks amazing!
Posted by: Jenni Catron | May 11, 2009 at 11:50 PM
Thought you might find this concept interesting (related to Story): http://www.soulpancake.com/view_post/275994/does-everybody-have-a-story-waiting-to-be-told.html
Posted by: ross | May 17, 2009 at 12:09 AM