The Lone Conference Goer

I was talking to a fellow experience producer the other day about lone conference goers. She told me about a pastor who signed-up to attend a John Maxwell leadership event for teams... alone.

She said she was taken aback at first, but then mustered the courage to ask him why he was going alone... to a team conference. His answer? He said he had a small church. Didn't have a team.

She refused to sign him up and encouraged him to invite 10 people from his congregation of 35.

It took him one week and a few days. But he came back with 17 people. He registered all of them with tears in his eyes. He had reached a personal milestone in his leadership ability.

I can't imagine going to an event alone. First of all, it's got to be awkward. Second, it's the mark of a leader to experience a landmark event with the up-and-coming leaders around you. It builds into them. It bonds you as a team. It stretches the fabric of your relationships and strengthens them. It's the mark of an equipping leader.

I still have the photograph of my leadership team of 7 standing with Bill Hybels for a photo. They might not have known who Bill Hybels was... but it was great. =)

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Comments

[Nick Blevins]

That's funny, because WiBo was the only conference I've ever gone to alone. Our pastor was supposed to come too but a funeral changed his plans.

[Ben Arment]

i'm commenting so you won't be the lone commenter here, Nick. =)

[Caleb Kaltenbach]

Great thoughts. I was a lone conference goer to "thirsty" back in 2002 or something like that (the conference that was for college pastors put on by Louie Giglio). My church got the money to send me last minute, and it was not a fun experience to be by myself. I even commented to Louie that I hated being alone. I did make friends with other people at the conf, but they all had their teams. The next year I went, I took 8 people with me, because I was bound and determined NOT to be alone... anyway, good thoughts.

[Caleb Kaltenbach]

By the way Ben you probably don't remember me, but Lori Wilhite introduced me to you at Catalyst in Irvine. We were in the sanctuary, and you thought I was with her team, but I was from a church in Los Angeles. Anyway, I've been following your blog since then, and follow you on Twitter. I appreciate your thoughts.

[Erica]

I have a conference in November that I attend in VA Beach yearly. For a myriad of reasons, I've always been that "lone conference goer." For a fleeting moment upon initial arrival, yes, I would get a bit bummed that no one else from my organization could attend; however, I'd just go on with whatever I was doing. It honestly has not detracted from the experience.

Now, admittedly, I'm going to a conference this weekend where I won't be that lone conf goer. And I am definitely excited about hanging out with the 3 or 4 guys that will make it during our "off time."