By Mark A. Taylor
In the spirit of full disclosure, let me make my bias perfectly clear: I love Orlando. I love the palm trees and the fountains and the flowers. I love the theme parks with their manufactured adventures and one-of-a-kind experiences. I love the restaurants and the shops and the souvenirs.
So when I heard the North American Christian Convention was meeting in Orlando this year, I became an instant advocate. “We”re going to Orlando for the NACC,” I told my wife and anyone else who would listen. And no possible objection has fazed me.
“It will be hot in Orlando.” Right. It will also be hot in Cincinnati or Indianapolis or anyplace else the NACC would meet in July. And this year”s Orlando gathering will all happen in one air-conditioned facility.
“Orlando is a long way from home.” Not that far for most of us and not farther than many would travel for a summer vacation.
“But this isn”t a vacation; it”s a convention.” Actually, it can be both. That”s why we asked Tom Claibourne to describe how this year”s NACC will be “different, but the same” (page 4). This year, just like always, we”ll enjoy NACC main sessions and sermons and preaching and workshops. But look closely at this summer”s plan, and you”ll see it”s a less hectic schedule, with time built in for relaxing or reconnecting with friends.
Not that the program will be some sort of feel-good, Disneyesque diversion. Featured seminars will challenge us with the possibilities for missional church, social media, poverty solutions, and “sticky conversations” we must have about Christianity in a changing world. There”s plenty here to challenge the mind as well as refresh the spirit.
And the body. I”m guessing bunches of convention-goers will be spending time around those swimming pools and under those palm trees and on those golf courses offered by our host, the Orlando World Center Marriott Resort. That”s exactly what this year”s convention planners want. Come, be refreshed, is their invitation. I can”t wait to take them up on it.
Not long after the NACC, I”m planning another vacation/convention combination. Several CHRISTIAN STANDARD readers will join me for a trip to Brazil July 24″“August 3. There we”ll enjoy the World Convention as well as sample some of the incomparable delights of this remarkable country in the continent below us.
There”s still time for you to come along. E-mail your address to Ch***************@*********ub.com, and we”ll send you all the details. Do it today, because space is limited and registration deadlines are coming soon.
Author: Christian Standard
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