Customize your line-up, take 2 days & experience the genius of the AND.

Nearly every church in America focuses on one method or the other—"come to us" or "go to them"— but few focus on both at the same time. Last year, we kicked off a high-stakes conversation about the genius of the AND: the power of an attractional AND missional strategy together. Over 600 people came to the popular vacation destination of Granger, Indiana (at least it's popular during Notre Dame football season) to wrestle the concept to the ground.

For two days, we immersed ourselves in the tension around doing the best we can to connect people with Jesus through weekend services AND finding new ways to take church to people who may never relate to any message series delivered from any platform. It was not only foundational for our own future, but for others as well. The trends speak for themselves, a smaller percentage of the population is connecting with the same methods that made an impact in the past. Yes, it's time for a change, but that doesn't mean throwing everything you're doing out the window.

In 2010, we opened the can and launched the conversation. In 2011, we're going to share the process—what we've done over the past 10 months. How does a team bend the AND around the facility, systems, staffing, philosophy and programs they've built over the past 25 years? We're going to go there on September 22-23. And, here's how.

You're the cruise director-it's your adventure. You'll be the boss of your experience, crafting the schedule you want, weighting the topics you need, hearing from the speakers you choose.
The schedule promotes healthy circulation for hearts, brains and rears. All sessions will be 60 minutes or less. Even the Keynotes.
There is no one-size fits all. Each session will be matched to the format that amplifies the topic and the presenter style best. You'll know exactly what you're walking into ahead of time: loaded lecture, practical workshop, leader panel, peer discussion, green room pass or polished keynote. But, regardless of the format, there will always be room for Q&A.
Diverse contextualization is guaranteed. Yes, there will be international thought leaders and authors here to stimulate our thought processes. But, the majority of the line-up will be Granger practitioners—from every staff role and vantage point—deconstructing big ideas from the trenches. Every speaker in every session—no matter the style or topic—will speak to recent examples how the AND has changed what they do (and how they do it).
It's a high-learning environment. There will be loads of electives to choose from. And, when I say loads. I mean no less than 70 covering a wide range of topics. The schedule and speaker list will be posted online early next week, but here's a sneak peek of the types topics you'll be seeing:

Interactive media—web, social and video
Media relations—credibility, crisis and building rapport
Growing your team—ramping up the new guy
Healthy staff cultures—unconventional systems
Communications–clearing the clutterMake meaningful first impressions—creating wow experiences
Volunteers—finding and keeping them
The New Normal Project—writing, communicating and getting buy-in for a new vision
Rocket science—leading change
On the verge—a journey into the apostolic future of the Church
The tangible kingdom—creating incarnational community
Reactivating discipleship—what we're learning
Pop culture—meet people in the real world
Artsy fartsy—creative and performing arts
Mission–getting people out of their seats and into God's story
Family ministry—strengthening kids, students and parents
Multi-site complexity—franchise, planting or branch
Worship—stylistic, practical and emotional considerations
Counseling—care, crisis and systems
Finance – principles, rhythms, landmines
Online Church—helping offline people connect online and helping online people connect offline
Graphic Design—concepts, teams and timelines
Photography—art and function
Database—strategy, buy-in and usability
Facilities—maximizing, maintaining and staffing
VolunTOUR—creating on-ramps
Promotions—brainstorming, planning and executing
Writing and editing—teams and processes
Two for one—navigating the dynamics of staff spouses
Storytelling—finding, celebrating and sharing the narrative
Leadership—getting results with less control and more influence

Heads up! if you're coming and are looking for a particular breakout, leave me a comment. Cool?

I'm amped up about this event on so many levels and am ready to roll up my sleeves. I hope you are, too. Early bird discounts expire August 24—get on it.

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