13 Feb Headed to My 9th Orange Conference. Here’s Why…
Why OC17?
Orange Conference 2017 is just around the corner! I’ve booked my airline ticket to Atlanta and I am looking forward to this year’s event as I do each year. I’ve been to the Orange Conference almost every year since it’s inception in 2007 (with the exception of 2008 and 2010).
I go to the conference each year for a variety of reasons, but here are my top 4:
CREATIVITY & INSPIRATION
Some may say Disney is the most creative place on the planet but if you ask me, the Infinite Energy Center gives them a run for their money during the last week of April each year. When the Orange Conference arrives on the scene, creativity abounds. I am always amazed at how every piece of the conference connects to the larger theme. The content, graphics, main stage production, comedic sketches, worship, artwork, and breakout sessions all point to the same big idea each year. Yet, at the same time – the leaders provide information about a variety of topics in very individual ways.
As a person who loves creating irresistible, creative environments, I am inspired each year by the way Orange continues to think outside the box and come up with new themes, new info to share, and new ways to help leaders grow. I go back each year wondering what they’ll come up with next!
COMMUNITY
While there are over 6000 people that converge on the Infinite Energy Arena each April, the Orange Community manages to make itself small. The event planners have created opportunities for people to connect. Whether it be while waiting in line for a cup of coffee or sitting in the bean bag chairs on the 2nd level of the arena, there are nooks and crannies where people gather. Conversations with complete strangers ensue while sitting in breakout sessions and shopping in the Orange Store. We are all there with for the same reasons – our love for the next generation and our desire to help them know Jesus. I so enjoy getting to meet new people each year and learning from one another.
FUN
One of the pillars of the Orange Conference seems to be fun! It is woven into everything from the main stage speakers to the opening sketches. And of course, they have an entire evening dedicated just to having fun and laughing together. Ministry is hard work. Sometimes we carry heavy burdens – from our own lives and the lives of the people we serve. It is nice to know there are 3 days in April each year where I can unplug a bit, laugh a lot, and just decompress from the everyday grind.
GROWTH
Of course, one of my favorite things about the Orange Conference is all that I learn each time I go. While I have been familiar with the Orange Strategy for over a decade, I learn new information each year as I attend the conference. Like the creative element mentioned above, I am continuously amazed at how Orange manages to find new and inspiring content over and over again. I love how Orange is on the cutting edge of what is happening in the world of ministry and in the world in general. The teaching is relevant to today’s issues while applying God’s timeless truths to each situation.
Take this year’s theme for example. For Your Neighbor is the big idea for OC17. The leaders at Orange unveiled this theme at last year’s conference. Who knew the election of 2016 would lead our country to face some of our biggest challenges with regard to unity, love for one another, and the ability to live out the Golden Rule? I am looking forward to hearing about how the church can best be For Our Neighbors at a time when hatred and anger permeate our culture.
In addition, I find so much personal growth happens when I get away for a few days and have the opportunity to “sit and soak” a bit. Orange has taught me so much about ministry, but just as much about family. My own personal faith journey is always ignited and moves forward each year at the Orange Conference as I listen, learn, worship and grow in my relationship with Jesus.
I am very excited to be at this year’s Orange Conference. I can’t wait to see the creative ways they approach this year’s theme. I look forward to being inspired and having fun. And most of all, I want to learn and grow alongside people who are like-minded and working toward the same goals. We are for Jesus, we are for families, we are for the next generation, we are For Our Neighbors!
Hope to see you at OC17!!
