By Randy Gariss
“So how was the North American?” On the surface, that question seems rather innocuous, but somehow over time that simple inquiry has come to prompt a surprisingly complex and emotional set of responses.
When it comes to evaluating a North American Christian Convention, you will hear every answer possible: “It was great!” “It was lacking,” “It was very helpful,” or a frustrated, “I can”t figure out where the NACC is headed!”
How can there be such diverse reactions to the same experience? It is probably because our personal expectations for the convention are also extremely varied, and in turn, our expectations drive our evaluations.
Personally, I thought the convention in Cincinnati was terrific, but then you”d have to know my expectations.
“¢ I expected great fellowship. We all recognize that the role of fellowship within our movement is a bit tricky. On the one hand, we consider ourselves part of the whole and broader body of Christ. We rightly assert we have no “corner on the market” and no right to associate only with ourselves. In our integrity we must passionately and fervently live beyond our own circle.
Yet, it is also true that everyone needs a place to “hang their hat.” While we belong to the church at large, it is important to have a group with whom we go deeper. Without deeper, reoccurring relationships, “fellowship” becomes so shallow that it is a bit of a charade.
I always appreciate the fellowship available at this convention. In Cincinnati I once again rubbed shoulders with my heroes and my friends. The convention provided the “bus stop” for many wonderful conversations. There were ministers serving in hard situations who came hoping to be encouraged. There were those young to the joys and bumps of ministry just wanting to know if their situation is normal. There was time with an old professor to whom I am much indebted. This is a place where I”m glad to hang my hat.
“¢ I expected great networking and resourcing. We regularly need a place to hear how others are doing ministry and why they have chosen the methods they are using. It was good to hear how Mountain Christian Church (Joppa, Maryland) does small groups, how Shepherd of the Hills Church (Porter Ranch, California) is working on racial issues and challenging us to do the same. I appreciated the leading of Savannah (Georgia) Christian Church”s worship team. I enjoyed the workshop leader”s delight over the “one little change we made.” And I liked that when the session was over the presenter would step off the stage and continue the interactive dialogue in a corner of a hallway.
Intrinsic within the fabric of this convention is the truth that we need one another, and that is more than theoretical. Just as good neighbors need to borrow each other”s ladders or build swing sets together, we need to share our creativity, experiences, and ideas.
“¢ I expected inspiration. In the shaping of our hearts God uses the lives and stories of his people. I will always read the story of the prodigal son with a different slant because of Reggie Joiner. I will pray more fervently because of Ajai Lall, and I will pursue the lost with more zeal because of Jud Wilhite. Some stories came from the stage, others over a cup of coffee, but the stories of faithfulness and God”s goodness kept reoccurring. This convention was a gathering of the “Gerasenes,” for we kept telling one another “the good things God had done for us.”
“¢ And yes, I expected challenges. There are three difficult issues we will have to continually address.
It is difficult to keep this convention financially affordable. I applaud those who work hard to manage the financial burden, but know we must all wrestle with this challenge so as few as possible are excluded over cost.
There will always be the challenge of inclusion. A great conference for networking must be vigilant to welcome diversity””in age, in ministry positions, race, gender, and congregational size. Variety is not only more interesting, but essential to reflect the true nature of the kingdom. This cannot be a niche convention.
And there will be the challenge to focus on biblical truth. I do expect to have some “bones” with my fish. Some (including me!) will get confused from time to time on what is biblical truth and what is just a spiritual fad. If the fellowship at the NACC is genuine, then we should expect even our flaws to show. We will always have the need to talk about the difference between ministry substance and shallow fads. Those conversations need to be passionate, and gentle. Divisive pride or anger will not serve us well.
The NACC has difficult challenges, but in my opinion the tangible benefits that come from this convention far outweigh the obstacles. The NACC will be in Louisville next year and I expect to be there. Godly friends will make themselves available there for a few days, and I want to sit down and share that bench with them. See you in Kentucky.
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Randy Gariss, a CHRISTIAN STANDARD contributing editor, ministers with College Heights Christian Church, Joplin, Missouri.
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