I had the privilege of attending the Society for Church Consulting and Great Commission Research Network Summit at Biola University recently.  The theme of the Summit was Turnaround Churches: Best Practices for the Twenty-First Century.  

I attend numerous conferences, conventions, and training events each year.  This is by far my favorite.  Reading the lineup of speakers each year makes me feel a little like those who get excited about the possibility of hanging around celebrities.  

I took part in a stewardship conference at the Super Bowl hotel a few years ago in Houston.  I ran into, almost literally in the case of Dan Patrick, all of the ESPN broadcasters.  I saw Jerry Rice and several other prominent football players.  I observed how fans gushed and fawned in their presence.  That's how I felt hanging out with Paul Borden, George Hunter III, Aubrey Malphurs, Will Mancini, Gary McIntosh, and Bob Whitesel, and the others.  

I feel like I grew wiser and more capable from spending time with the speakers and attenders.  I told my coworkers that I felt like the mule who was entered into the Kentucky Derby.  He didn't have a chance to win, but the association did him some good.  

Associating with speakers and attenders at this meeting is good for all consultants, pastors, and denominational leaders.  The depth of experience and knowledge at this meeting is unparalleled.  Every attender will carry fresh insights back to his or her ministry.  The friendships developed extend ministry opportunities and partnerships beyond expectations.  

Check out some of these quotes from Summit speakers.  Please note that I tried to capture these quotes as accurately as possible.  

“Church turnaround only happens through coercion,” (Gary McIntosh).

“God doesn’t photocopy snowflakes,” (Will Mancini).

“You don’t turn around churches, you turn around people,” (Will Mancini).

“Unless there is a radical shift, America and the church in America will be subject to a long and certain death,” (Jerry Reub).

“Time is redemptive history.  Is your church involved in redemptive history?  Or, are you merely an observer, historian, or critic of redemptive history?,” (Ken Priddy).

“Most seminaries train pastors to lead plateaued churches, (Alan McMahan).

 “Don’t wait for church renewal to obey the Great Commission,” (George Hunter III). 

Make plans to attend the Summit next fall in Nashville.  Meet great leaders, learn best practices, and strengthen your ministry effectiveness.