conferences and conventions of various themes are usually where those of like interest come and explore. there may be classical displays that an individual revels in their feelings of nostalgia. the venue may show new innovative ways to accomplish necessary tasks or assist in producing superior performance. in the world of church conferences, there is just about one for every person and occasion that you could imagine. i want to look at these meetings’ benefits and negative aspects. be encouraged to visit such events, if you would like, as these are observations and opinions belonging to me.
recently, i returned from a men’s church conference in another state. upon my return, my family attended our regular service that Sunday morning. meetings were explicitly mentioned as places people go to follow after excitement, but shortly after that, the excitement fades, and we look for the next Spiritual high. my wife has historically and repeatedly affirmed this statement. i had asked for permission to attend this meeting with family members, but the statement did spark my thoughts on why one may choose not to visit an arena of inspiration. if i have been instructed not to be in attendance, my response is compliance without offense.
the conference i use for this example is one we attend every year. i enjoy traveling, and this is always a great time of fellowship. the services are potent and refreshing; the material is geared toward making men better. these four services are exceptional, and men trek from 18 states and countries worldwide to experience an excellent time in the Holy Ghost. i met and prayed with a man named Andre from Philadelphia (maybe the church mentioned in Revelation 3, probably the city…ha). the weekend’s climax is always Friday night and ends with a prayer for the Pastors in attendance. it is a time of bonding, encouragement, and eating.
i can see the unwanted disadvantages to seeking conferences all the time. if you focus on the Lord at these events and at no other time, naturally, you would gravitate to locations of Spiritual awakenings. these are not times to substitute for your daily Christian walk and principles. we should eat daily bread and not live conference to conference. convinced of the power of God in numbers, i would think, if “two or three” are gathered, and Jesus is in the midst of them (Matthew 18:20, KJV, Tyndale 1987), imagine two thousand gathered and the tremendous outpouring in the multiplicity of God’s power! of course, this is not the case, as the omnipotent presence and power of Jesus can accomplish just as much in the midst of two. i wholeheartedly believe that the compassion of Christ will reach the one upon the mention of His name; no special speaker is needed.
in conclusion, you may enjoy attending conferences for various reasons. my only reservation is that you walk daily with Jesus. you should also check with your Pastor (we all need one) to ensure their philosophy and submit to their godly perspective. i leave you with the words to Brother Andre’s church (maybe not), “I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it: for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept my word, and hast not denied my name. Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth. Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown. Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, which is new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God: and I will write upon him my new name” (Revelation 3:8, 3:10-12).