NazNet Conference II ?

[Hans Deventer]

There has been talk about organising a 2nd NazNet Conference. With M11 approaching and looking at my schedule, that would probably be in 2012. But more importantly, I'd like to know if people feel it would be worth organising a sequel to our first conference. I think the format (not so much a "sit down and listen" concept but more a "let's work on this together and see what we can come up with" idea) did add something specific to the usual format of conferences that are out there. Do you agree? And what would be a relevant topic that is worthwhile to explore?

So in short, some practical questions:

1. Should there be a 2nd NazNet Conference?
2. Should we maintain the format?
3. What would be a good topic?
4. Would you want to attend?
5. Would you want to help organise it?

[Steven Martinez]

I would say "yes" to all of the above with the exception of the topic which is not a yes or no question. I have no ideas at this time but I really desired to go to the last retreat but did not have the doctor's permission at the time. It looks like I might make it to M11 but anytime there is a NazNet retreat I am interested and willing to go.

[Benjamin Burch]

1. Should there be a 2nd NazNet Conference? Absolutely.
2. Should we maintain the format? I will let those who were there vote on this. Sounds good to me, though.
3. What would be a good topic? We've got time...
4. Would you want to attend? You bet!
5. Would you want to help organise it? [enter expletive] no!

[Dennis M. Scott]

There has been talk about organising a 2nd NazNet Conference. With M11 approaching and looking at my schedule, that would probably be in 2012. But more importantly, I'd like to know if people feel it would be worth organising a sequel to our first conference. I think the format (not so much a "sit down and listen" concept but more a "let's work on this together and see what we can come up with" idea) did add something specific to the usual format of conferences that are out there. Do you agree? And what would be a relevant topic that is worthwhile to explore?

So in short, some practical questions:

1. Should there be a 2nd NazNet Conference? Yes, but let's not put up any monuments; go to Canada, or somewhere mildly outside the US
2. Should we maintain the format? Format invited participation, but there might be alternatives
3. What would be a good topic? What is "Making Christlike Disciples?" - etc, certainly open to others
4. Would you want to attend? absolutely
5. Would you want to help organise it? Probably being organized would be better! ;)

As to location, proximity apparently encouraged regional participation. Those of us who were there longed for wider involvement. There wasn't anybody there who had anything to be exclusive about, but it certainly mostly everyone seemed familiar. It could be done almost anywhere.
We did learn a couple things about funding, registration, etc., perhaps.

[Doug Kitchen]

1. yes 2: yes 3. ?

4. yes - location might be a problem. It probably needs to move outside the northeastern US. How about a central location plus a few regional meetings at the same time. We can skype/video/blackboard/gotomeeting to meet together at scheduled times.

5. Organization is not my gift. But let me know if there is something the organizers need and I'll be willing to try.

Doug

[Billy Cox]

What were the objectives and outcomes of the first NazNet Conference? What were the pluses and minuses?

I considered going, but I just didn't seriously explore the possibility. Plus, I don't like dirt roads. :)

[Hans Deventer]

What were the objectives and outcomes of the first NazNet Conference?

Goals

We want to find ways to talk about experiences of God's sanctifying grace within a relational paradigm.
We want to talk in ways that make sense to 21st century people to inspire them to reach out for God's purpose with and in their lives.


Outcome: see the report in the Holiness on the Dirt Road thread.


What were the pluses and minuses?

My personal ones?

Plus

The concept of having an active conference as opposed to listening to speakers.
Actually having a report.
The fellowship.
The size of the group that was just right for everybody to join in the discussions.
Location.
Tom Oord's leadership.
Windsor Hills was very gracious regarding the costs.


Minus

Probably one day too long.
We should have clarified what happens when people need to cancel.
It appears that a NazNet conference is mostly a regional thing.
Outings and meetings should be balanced a little better.
We need to be more careful concerning the costs.

[Kazimiera Fraley]

Ok for the third time - twice my post has gone mysteriously into the greater unknown of the ether-sphere
1. Yes
2. Format was great -only problem is, if we have a significant higher number of people it might not work as well
3. I think we can work out a topic between now and then in community - no hurry we have plenty of time (assuming we are shooting for 2012
4. I would like to attend
5. I would like to help in what ever capacity I am able

Oh and I think that we should have a certain number of people (if we have 20, as we did last time, say 5 people) who volunteer to write a short 5-10 page paper following the conference. What Hans did was great but I think having several view points on what happened and where we got would be great.

[Hans Deventer]

2. Format was great -only problem is, if we have a significant higher number of people it might not work as well

Well, we could split the groups and have them report back.


Oh and I think that we should have a certain number of people (if we have 20, as we did last time, say 5 people) who volunteer to write a short 5-10 page paper following the conference. What Hans did was great but I think having several view points on what happened and where we got would be great.

Actually, we did spend a couple of hours going through all of the report together on Monday. I put it on the beamer. Sentence for sentence. And stuff was changed, added, deleted. It's pretty much a group effort. But I'll admit, it started out being my notes.

[John Reilly]

Hi Hans, Thanks for asking the questions. I vote yes. I lift up the Wesleyan Spiritual Discipline of Christian Conferencing. A NAZNET retreat for the purpose of Christian Conferencing is significant and important especially in our world today. I would also suggest the "Mutual Invitation Method" of conversation be attempted as a means of exercising the disciplines of listening as well as speaking thoughtfully. Kazimiera's idea of 5 to 10 page papers could be used as a means of inviting topics for discussion prior to the retreat. As you all know theological conferences invite papers for presentation. We could do a variation on this theme, inviting short papers followed by a directed conversation for a set time frame. Multiple topics could be discussed as individual sessions. NAZNET retreat incorporated a variety of Wesleyan Spiritual Disciplines which are particularly important for us as Nazarenes to intentionally engage and practice together. A NAZNET retreat simply for the intentional practice of Wesleyan Spiritual Disciplines is a high and valuable goal in and of itself. Grace is shared and grace is received! Retreat for retreat sake. Nazarenes ought to be promoting Christian Conferencing and practicing being Wesleyan. Thanks.

[Dave McClung]

There has been talk about organising a 2nd NazNet Conference. With M11 approaching and looking at my schedule, that would probably be in 2012. But more importantly, I'd like to know if people feel it would be worth organising a sequel to our first conference. I think the format (not so much a "sit down and listen" concept but more a "let's work on this together and see what we can come up with" idea) did add something specific to the usual format of conferences that are out there. Do you agree? And what would be a relevant topic that is worthwhile to explore?

So in short, some practical questions:

1. Should there be a 2nd NazNet Conference?
2. Should we maintain the format?
3. What would be a good topic?
4. Would you want to attend?
5. Would you want to help organise it?



1. Yes
2. Since I was not able to attend, I don't have an opinion
3. Let me give the topic some thought. I am sure I would go along with what ever you decide.
4. I will attend unless something out of my control prevents.
5. I will support, but not take the lead.
1

[Billy Cox]

1. Should there be a 2nd NazNet Conference?
Sure...everything is permissible. :)


2. Should we maintain the format?
Didn't attend the 1st, so have no opinion.


3. What would be a good topic?
Ecclesiology - specifically how the visible church can more closely intersect with the invisible Church. Also interested in the post-congregational narrative - both those who inentionally follow that path, and those who do so practically (those who fade out of the organized church but still profess faith in Jesus Christ).


4. Would you want to attend?
Depends mostly on how compelling the agenda is and how many days are required. With regard to conferences/seminars, I prefer to get the whole nine yards.


5. Would you want to help organise it?
It depends on whether any of the organizational needs coincide with my skills and interests: marketing and program development...not so much into logistics or finance.

[Dennis M. Scott]

Another possible topic could be the organic church.

When we first began to talk about the first event, the retreat atmosphere/setting was a consideration for some, rather than only a conference/seminar. That may or may not be a current value.

[Billy Cox]

Another possible topic could be the organic church.

When we first began to talk about the first event, the retreat atmosphere/setting was a consideration for some, rather than only a conference/seminar. That may or may not be a current value.

Is the organic church a broad enough topic for a conference? I'm not being a skeptic (strange, I know), just wondering whether a discussion of the organic church would be a subset of an overall focus on ecclesiology.

[Hans Deventer]

I've actually also been thinking about ecclesiology. Especially in the sense of how to define the church in the light of the Kingdom, and how to move in that direction.

[Ryan Scott]

I really regret not being there for this past conference and I'll do my best to make the next one. I'll just add that I'm already planning to take a class at NTS in late August of 2012 (they've got Terence Fretheim visiting to teach Genesis with Joe Coleson), so I'd prefer a spring date, if possible.

I, too, like the idea of ecclesiology. I've never been a conventional person, but six months into my first pastoral assignment has really got me searching, in high gear, for new and innovative ways to be the Church in the world. There's nothing like reality to force a sense of urgency.

[Hans Deventer]

I really regret not being there for this past conference and I'll do my best to make the next one. I'll just add that I'm already planning to take a class at NTS in late August of 2012 (they've got Terence Fretheim visiting to teach Genesis with Joe Coleson), so I'd prefer a spring date, if possible.

Ryan, this early in the planning process, a LOT is possible, including a Spring date!

[Steven Martinez]

Just for the record, I would have come and brought my family if I was able to go. One thing I liked about this conference is that we had a location and price well in advance so that we could plan on saving up for it.

[Hans Deventer]

Just for the record, I would have come and brought my family if I was able to go. One thing I liked about this conference is that we had a location and price well in advance so that we could plan on saving up for it.

We probably need to do that again, at least a year in advance, also in order to have the right spot available for us in the first place. So it seems crazy to start talking about a conference in the Spring of 2012, but I think it makes perfect sense.

[Dennis M. Scott]

It might be helpful to receive some feedback regarding location. It is important to know if New Hampshire was too inaccessible for people, and if that was something that prevented people from participating.

[Hans Deventer]

It might be helpful to receive some feedback regarding location. It is important to know if New Hampshire was too inaccessible for people, and if that was something that prevented people from participating.

Dennis, I don't think the location was too inaccessible, unless you'd wanted to get there by train. It's probably more a matter of distance and thus, the time/money involved in travelling. Anyone who could drive a car could get there. And you provided for transport from both the Boston and Manchester airports.
But if people feel differently, by all means, correct me.

[Roland Hearn]

I would dearly love to be a part of such an advent. Location won't be an issue - finances will, but you never know what might happen between now and then. I might win the lottery, mmmm -I mean -have an encounter with providence.

[Kevin Rector]

Well, I offered to have a big tent set up in my back yard.

[Martijn van Beveren]

So in short, some practical questions:

1. Should there be a 2nd NazNet Conference? Yup!
2. Should we maintain the format? I wasn't there. So like Benjamin, I would leave that to the crowd that was gathered there.
3. What would be a good topic? ehm, Jesus?
4. Would you want to attend? Since I missed out on the other. yes!
5. Would you want to help organise it? depends on the "help" you need.:ihe_cowboy:

[Hans Deventer]

3. What would be a good topic? ehm, Jesus?

Can you be a little more specific?


5. Would you want to help organise it? depends on the "help" you need.:ihe_cowboy:

Well, from the first conference, we need someone to deal with:


Finances
Conference location
Transportation from/to airport
Worship
Theme/speaker(s)
Outings


Ideally, these would all be different people.

[David Gerber]

1. Should there be a 2nd NazNet Conference?

Yes. I would have gone to the first one if I hadn't resigned my position.
2. Should we maintain the format?

Yes. Just because I wasn't there doesn't mean I don't have an opinion.I throughly enjoy group discussions.
3. What would be a good topic?

Not sure yet.
4. Would you want to attend?

Is the Pope Catholic?
5. Would you want to help organise it?

Not good at that part, but what the heck...sure. Why not? Don't make it too hard. Maybe. Okay, let me know what you are thinking.

[Marsha Lynn]

3. What would be a good topic? ehm, Jesus?


Great answer, Martijn!

(One of the favorite insider jokes of my Sunday School group is the common understanding that "Jesus" is a good guess for the correct answer to almost any question asked in Sunday School. When in doubt, just say "Jesus!")

:smilies1722:

[Steven Martinez]

Great answer, Martijn!

(One of the favorite insider jokes of my Sunday School group is the common understanding that "Jesus" is a good guess for the correct answer to almost any question asked in Sunday School. When in doubt, just say "Jesus!")

:smilies1722:

Of course it is hysterical when someone actually does this and the lesson is in the Old Testament.

[Marsha Lynn]

Great answer, Martijn!

(One of the favorite insider jokes of my Sunday School group is the common understanding that "Jesus" is a good guess for the correct answer to almost any question asked in Sunday School. When in doubt, just say "Jesus!")

:smilies1722:

Of course it is hysterical when someone actually does this and the lesson is in the Old Testament.

Not necessarily.

"And what does this scene/message in Genesis/Exodus/1 Samuel/Isaiah/etc. foreshadow?"

All together now: JESUS!!

[Edwin Deventer]

1. Should there be a 2nd NazNet Conference?
Yes!
2. Should we maintain the format?
I thought the format worked very well. Splitting up in smaller groups would have been nice on a few occassions. This would definitely be a good idea if the group would be any larger. Also I agree with you that outings and meetings should be balanced a little better.
3. What would be a good topic?
Ecclesiology has been mentioned, would be a good one.
4. Would you want to attend?
Probably, but if it will take place in the spring of 2012 I don't think I'll be able to make it. I'd just be back from 6 months of traveling and most likely be flat broke.
5. Would you want to help organise it?
Perhaps, but see above.

[Hans Deventer]

And what will be the topic for the 2012 Global Nazarene Theology Conference? You guessed it! "Critical Issues in Ecclesiology". Seems there are a lot more people reading NazNet than we would think :)

http://www.eurasiaregion.org/index.php/where-worlds-meet/242-global-theology-conference-march-26-29-2012

[Hans Deventer]

I've let this rest for a while because I've been extremely busy at the office, and I figured we had some time left. But, if we want to do something in the Spring of 2012 (which might be a good idea, halfway between M11 and the 2013 GA), it's time to get going.

Now I'm willing to take the lead in organizing this event again, but I can't do it on my own and in fact, for some things (finances, stuff around the location) I'm definitely not the person to handle this.

Checking the posts I found the following people were interested in helping out:

Steven Martinez
Doug Kitchen (limited)
Kazimiera Fraley
John Reilly
Dave McClung (supportive)
Martijn van Beveren (depends how)

I intend to invite the people listed through email and start discussing how to proceed. The key ingredients, as I see them, are a topic, a place to stay and probably a speaker, either devotional or topic-wise.

But I do want to take John's post into account. The more I think about it, the more I believe he is absolutely right:


Hi Hans, Thanks for asking the questions. I vote yes. I lift up the Wesleyan Spiritual Discipline of Christian Conferencing. A NAZNET retreat for the purpose of Christian Conferencing is significant and important especially in our world today. I would also suggest the "Mutual Invitation Method" of conversation be attempted as a means of exercising the disciplines of listening as well as speaking thoughtfully. Kazimiera's idea of 5 to 10 page papers could be used as a means of inviting topics for discussion prior to the retreat. As you all know theological conferences invite papers for presentation. We could do a variation on this theme, inviting short papers followed by a directed conversation for a set time frame. Multiple topics could be discussed as individual sessions. NAZNET retreat incorporated a variety of Wesleyan Spiritual Disciplines which are particularly important for us as Nazarenes to intentionally engage and practice together. A NAZNET retreat simply for the intentional practice of Wesleyan Spiritual Disciplines is a high and valuable goal in and of itself. Grace is shared and grace is received! Retreat for retreat sake. Nazarenes ought to be promoting Christian Conferencing and practicing being Wesleyan. Thanks.

BTW, if you feel like joining the organisational group, you still can!

[David Graham]

1. Should there be a 2nd NazNet Conference?: YES
2. Should we maintain the format? I GUESS SO (SInce I've never been to a previous conference I really can't comment)

3. What would be a good topic? ECCLESIOLOGY.... particularly the role of the clergy in PM society
4. Would you want to attend? ABSOLUTELY, but this may not be possible
5. Would you want to help organise it? I BARELY GET TIME TO ORGANISE MYSELF, (so No)

[Hans Deventer]

4. Would you want to attend? ABSOLUTELY, but this may not be possible

David, since we've been in the North East the first time, we might go to the other side of the USA this time. Don't know if that would be helpful. It would at least be a little closer to Australia.

[Jon Twitchell]

I would like an excuse to visit DisneyLand.

[Paul DeBaufer]

Well, if you hold it here in California I would most likely attend and would be willing to help out in any way except financial (I would very much like to help in this way but in my current situation I cannot, but that could change in the intervening months.) If in Oregon I would most likely attend. I actually know someone who has a Christian camp at about 6400 ft not too terribly far from Lake Tahoe.

[Billy Cox]

David, since we've been in the North East the first time, we might go to the other side of the USA this time. Don't know if that would be helpful. It would at least be a little closer to Australia.

Vegas Baby!!

[Hans Deventer]

Vegas Baby!!

What goes on in Vegas, stays in Vegas?

[Jim Chabot]

David, since we've been in the North East the first time, we might go to the other side of the USA this time. Don't know if that would be helpful. It would at least be a little closer to Australia.

John Reilly had suggested that England would be the location of choice. Somewhere in close proximity to Aldersgate!

[Marcus Kibbe]

What goes on in Vegas, stays in Vegas?

Not true, Hans... STD's don't stay in Vegas.

[Benjamin Burch]

Not true, Hans... STD's don't stay in Vegas.

HAHA! I almost posted the video, but I was not sure if it would be appropriate. Thanks for taking the fall for me! :)

[Benjamin Burch]

John Reilly had suggested that England would be the location of choice. Somewhere in close proximity to Aldersgate!

I'm partial to "other side of the USA". No specific reason, just seems like a nice change of pace, y'know?

[John Reilly]

John Reilly had suggested that England would be the location of choice. Somewhere in close proximity to Aldersgate!

Jim, My heart is strangely warmed! My wife and I would definitely go and celebrate our 35th wedding anniversary. That a good excuse right?

[Hans Deventer]

To keep you updated: we've started working on NazNet Conference II. Nothing is fixed as yet but I promise that as soon as some things like theme, dates, speakers etc have been established, I'll report back!