OK, I'm on the program and am expected by the management to hype the conference. So, here it is, my two bits about SYNC '13, to be held at Charleston Southern University April 18-19. To review the schedule and reserve places for your church staff, ministry cohorts, and all the people that live in your neighborhood you can go here.
Here's what I love about this conference. I'm in it. No, that isn't it, really. Actually, I'm the cheap break-out filler, the local guy at no cost. I mean, I'm not going to fly into Charleston from North Charleston, will probably sleep in my own bed that night, and will eat my cereal and sandwiches at home in between break-out sessions. So, to keep the break-out at an even number, they invite the cheap local guy who won't have any travel expenses and who'll pay them for the opportunity of hanging with such a crew of fresh talent. Touch me!
This conference is a plus because Charleston Southern University is on the front edge of collgeiate movement beyond the campus, has a heart for churches, especially those in South Carolina, and has an eye for people that can teach us church people a thing or two. Well, yes, they have facilities to host such an event, and have access to leading edge church people that can ooze some information to the rest of us.
To sit under theses guys is a learning opportunity that I relish. OK, I know who's the senior adult representative in the group and that I'm supposed to bleed some ancient wisdom into the works. But, to learn from Reggie McNeal, Alvin Reid, Pete Wilson, and Jon Davis pushes all the right buttons in my learning grid. To worship with Phil Wickam and Mark Powers injects some anticipation into the program. All meaning that Dr. Rick Brewer and staff have prepared something I'm looking forward to.
That our universities are stepping up to this role is a dream. South Carolina Baptists are indeed blessed to partner with three premier universities. Each of them has touched my life in special ways. Being the cheap break-out filler means that we're close to the CSU campus and have gotten to know the faculty, staff, administration, and many of the students up close. As a Trustee of CSU, I have been honored to learn more of the vision and plans behind the schools great success. What is more, in a galaxy far away, light years in the past, I attended Anderson University one summer school session. My nephew Josh Williams graduated from Anderson. My neice Mollie Williams is a student at Anderson right now. Then, to top it all off, my mother and father met at North Greenville College in 1947. My brother Mike and sister-in-law Sally are both NGU grads. These schools are part and parcel of this life.
They are genuine assets to our Kingdom assignment and should play a greater role in making disciples in our state. To be part of this conference for the second time is a real thrill. Thanks CSU and Rick Brewer for the privilege.
Now, church friends. There's not a greater opportuniity for a quality conference at a lower price, right here in our own state. So, check out the information at the CSU site and reserve your places right now. Bring your whole congregation, or your high- school graduating class, or the members of your sewing circle. It's a real deal.
You'll learn something, be inspired, and realize that the reason the cost is so low is because they use cheap break-out fillers to make the conference schedule balance.
Know what I mean?
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