We have hit the ground running in preparation for the '08 workshop. Tell me your views on the following:
1. How did you like the tandem concept of evening speakers? Prefer two or just one?
2. How did you like the singing stage in the Expo booth area?
3. What would recommend to better promote the workshop?
4. If you could do one thing to improve the workshop, it would be.....
5. What would you like to say to the four Memorial Drive elders to cheer them on as they
consistently provide a Jesus-freeing event?
6. What one "other" comment would you like to make about the workshop?
16 comments:
#1. I loved the tandem preaching. I think it is a wonderful idea and hope that continues.
#2. I liked the singing stange in the expo but would rather have it in the middle where Garnett and Memorial had booths. There wasn't enough room for everyone to gather around without taking over the booths that were around.
#3. I haven't figured this out yet. I think..how can we get those churches involved that have been missing from the workshop for so long. How can we utilize them in this. It's all kingdom work.
#4. What would I do to improve it....Have nap time for adults in the middle of the day!
#5. I would say that Memorial has some of the best Elders out there and they constantly amaze me daily in their way they rely on God to use their abilities to put on such an event. They never run their own agenda. They truly let God do the work through them, and it shows.
#6. I thought the keynote sessions this year were out of sight.
1. I like the tandem if they actually do it together. I don't see the use if they preach two seperate sermons. I really wanted to see Harris and Taylor on stage together.
2. Honsetly, I never stopped by the singing stage. I'm sure it was great.
3. I think you do a good job of promoting the workshop.
4. I like Brenda's idea!
5. I only know Memorial's elders from a distance, but they seem like great men. They seem to allow the Spirit to work.
6. For my "other" comment, I would love to hear more professors (like Randy and Jerry) from our great schools. People like Mark Black, David Fleer, Steve Joiner, John Mark Hicks, etc...
I am a huge fan of the workshop and have been coming for 17 straight years. Here are my meager suggestions for what they're worth:
1. I like the tandem speaking occasionally. What I don't like about it is that one guy gets going, kinda gets in the groove, and then has to quit for the other guy. It destroys a bit of the flow of the message. I really wanted to hear more of Randy Harris the other night, and Jerry Taylor needs about 30 minutes just to get going. Also, the interaction between two speakers sometimes seems a bit canned. I know you have to go over what you are going to say to each other, but it seemed a bit scripted and not genuine. I felt that way when Jeff and Taylor did their tandem thing either last year or year before that during one of the classes. I don't know if this makes sense to anyone else, but I would rather hear heartfelt conversation between the two and not a "recitation of lines". It is always great content, though, so I always go away edified.
2. The singing stage was great. That area was a special area that many people hung around. Maybe a different area would be better where there is more room, like the center.
3. Not sure.
4. As humbly and lovingly as I can say this, I believe another church might need to be found to help sponsor the workshop besides Garnett. I support the things Garnett is trying to do in giving that church a new direction, so this isn't a slam against them. But in regard to the workshop, I know from their own words they are seeking to be less event driven, and the ISWW needs a church that believes in it and can give it a great deal of attention. The workshop would not be what it is today without Garnett and the many years of work they have put into it, and I praise them for it, but it might be time for a change if the ISWW is to remain healthy and attractive.
5. My word to your elders - I thank God for you for moving forward despite the criticism and complaining you surely always get, and for leading people closer to the heart of God. Keep it up!
6. Don't ever stop serving the chicken!!
1. I like it and I don't like it. Sometimes it's great to see the interaction and the different perspectives that the preacher's bring. But the problem is that it seems they don't get everything they wanted to say get out. Right when you got going Terry, Jeff got up. But I like it.
2. Loved it. Only we need a bigger area. Maybe put i in the middle area somewhere so that people can circle around the stage.
3. I would say send every single church of Christ and Christian church a packet with a DVD promo video and materials to pass out. I think we also need to have a Campain in Tulsa alone to get all the COC's to come to the workshop. We need to approach them one on one and have conversation with them. If we have just the Churches of Christ in Tulsa there that would bring lots of people who need to hear the messages. Just some thoughts.
4. Have more Christian Church speakers or other than Church of Christ speakers to bring a different perspective.
5. Keep up the God work. This is an event ordained by God and he will bring you through it. Keep in the will of God and it will succeed.
6. Terry you rock! Thanks for all you've done and continue to do. Look forward to seeing you soon.
Terry,
I know this isn't exactly what you're asking for in your blog, but you provided the opportunity, so here I go - thanks!
I haven't attended the Tulsa Workshop for years now. The reason: the last time I attended, the "main" speakers were so sarcastic and contemptuous toward our "less" progressive brethren that it broke my heart to see and hear such behavior. Here's my suggestions:
#1 - we must be more loving toward our "hard-line" brethren; not making fun of them or ridiculing them for being so intolerant.
#2 - we've got to provide more in-depth exposition of why we've arrived at our "grace-oriented" position; not just rah, rah entertainment, but real Jesus- oriented hermeneutical explanations. Give us some down and dirty explanation of Romans 14 and I Corinthians 8; something we can take home and try and discuss with the older generation on why we can hold different views and still fellowship with each other.
#3 - repeat #2 over and over again
#4 - it must be made clear that we will not give up on those brethren who disagree with us. How will we ever win the world if we can't "win" our own people? Or at least remain in fellowship with them.
I love that you and the leadership there has persevered over the years in the face of such hostile opposition from many in our brotherhood. Keep Jesus before us - Phil. 1: 18.
John W. Brooks
#1 - Tandem preachers were AWESOME! I think this is the way to go for younger generations.
#2 - Singing stage was great.
#3 - I know this sounds simplistic, but encourage everyone to bring one new person every year! (Either from church or not! Maybe even a baby Christian!)
#4 - For me, Workshop means reconnecting with old friends. Since I don't want to miss classes, a great time to do this is meal times. This year, it was VERY difficult (with a 20-month old boy) to meet with friends for supper after the last class and get back in time for 6:45 worship. Even if it could be pushed back to 7:00, that would be great.
#5 - May God rain down His blessings as you continue to serve Him in this way! Keep on encouraging and keep on praying!
#6 - I am SO pumped about the topic ("Prayer: Our Declaration of Dependence) for next year! I think it will be intriguing to lots of folks!
1. I like both really. I think it's just who you team together that can make it happen or not. I think you & Jeff pulled it off with excellence. God was working there. The others weren't so fluid. I know Rubel Shelly is use to doing tag-team as well as a few other speakers. They just need to be REALLY comfortable with doing it.
2. The singing stage was great. You should finalize the schedule earlier and print it in the magazine. Also, you need more space, the 2 booths on the right and left near the stage should be cleared.
3. Encourage each family that comes to the workshop to find one for 2008 to bring along. I know that sounds crazy, but writing them letters 2x before the event would help promote that. Also, get entire churches to participate. A crazy idea- if a church brings 50 people, they get a booth at a discounted rate (50% off). This will give us MORE booths, plus more participation from our churches. It will also give our churches an opportunity to connect their ministries and see what God is doing in other places so that we're encouraged by what's happening. Also, having some specialized "tracks" might encourage people to attend. Possibly a gathering for worship leaders, elders, those spiritually gifted in prayer, etc.
4. Singing should start at 6:30 & worship should start at 7:15. This will allow more time for dinner.
5. (high pitched) Woo Hoo! Keep On!
6. The workshop is wonderful, but I think that churches should be asked to sponsor it more than Memorial & Garnett. Why not ask churches to donate $5000 for one year. I don't think it's rude and I think it would be great to see a "board" of representatives plan that year. Like if a church gives $5000 they get a representative who helps plan things, pick speakers, etc.
OK I was going to ditto everything Brenda said....but then I liked a lot of the other ideas as well! I already started praying that next year MORE people will come and be a part of Workshop...and not so we can say, "We had a record amount of 10,000 people" but because people NEED to be a part of this experience! I think sending out a promo DVD is a great idea.. I liked having two speakers....it is good for the people with A.D.D...I don't have that, but I just was thinking about them:) I like different people singing on the evenings!! I would say more singing would be great as well! To the whole staff that helped with this as I said before....you all did a wonderful job and I know it will be even better next year!!! To our Elders........because I still consider them my Elders.....We are all blessed to know you....you lead from above, and your hearts are so generous, and you show your emotions....Memorial is one showing emotions PLACE...and I love it. I know you pray always for God's will!!!! LOVE-Carrie
#1 One of the things I like about the workshop is that you can encounter new ideas and ways of doing things. There is a little of something for everyone. I like the concept of tandem speakers with more of a back and forth dialogue then just simply splitting the time.
It might work best if the people doing this worked together or nearby so they might have a level of comfort with each other and it wouldn't seem forced or scripted. I also like this as something different but wouldn't want it at every session.
#2 I didn't get a lot of time to experience this but the folks I know that did liked it except for the lack of space. A schedule in the program and a large billboard of sorts posted by the stage would be good.
#3. This is a tough one. I do think that one of the problems with workshop promotion is that many times the mailings don't get past the church secretary, preacher, elders etc. and this is do to some of the misconceptions about the workshop. I think it might be good to sometime right after the first of the year to send out a letter that explains the purpose and direction of the workshop and maybe address some of the concerns some people have raised. I think there is a lot of misunderstanding concerning what goes on at the workshop and what it is all about. I think it might help to also come up with creative opportunities to participate in the workshop beyond just attending (see #6)as an example.
#4. One of the things I heard mentioned this year was a lower than usual presence of "big named" speakers. I think our brotherhood in general is lacking big named speakers and not because we don't have some excellent speakers but because they don't get exposure. What about designating a time slot during the workshop each year where a relatively unknown yet exceptional speaker from our brotherhood is highlighted with few other classes competing for peoples time and attention?
#5
Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth. Avoid godless chatter, because those who indulge in it will become more and more ungodly.
2 Tim 2:15-16
Stay on your knees and keep your eyes on the cross!
#6. I love the theme for next year. I think it will be very powerful. I have a suggestion that might help involve more churches. A couple of months before the workshop ask churches all over the country to submit the name of a missionary they support and information about their work & maybe even a picture. Put each missionary's information on a card and create a wall somewhere in the expo center where people can come and take a card and have a place where they can pray for that missionary and their work. Make this a prominant feature that would draw people's attention. I think this could be very powerful in a variety of ways.
Terry, my schedule would not allow me to attend this year........I HATE IT that I had to miss! Can you please inform me as to how I can order CD's of the presentations?
Thanks brother, for ALL you and the good folks at Memorial do for the Kingdom.
In HIM,
DU
I am already looking forward to next year's theme! I am a huge fan of prayer, its power, and its practicality.
#1 - I liked the variety that the tandem preaching provides. It is probably a good idea to do it for the nightly keynote because so many people are tired by that time in the day. I do agree with the concept of feeding off of each other rather than two different talks. It keeps the same momentum because of the topic, but allows for a different view to come into play. I wanted to do this with my father-in-law, who also is a minister, but we haven't ever tried it. However, I think it would take a lot to make it not look "rehearsed." Especially, when you are not near each other to "practice"...unless you do it through webcams. It may be a way to partner a "big name" speaker with a "small name" speaker for exposure as it will be inevitable that all the speakers will not be available forever.
#2 - I didn't stand in front of the stage because I never knew who was playing when. I don't know if a tentative schedule could be published so people could know who is playing when. Also, most speakers don't get finished by a quarter till, so you miss a few songs by the time you get there. I know that the group with the instruments were a little too loud for the booths in close proximity. With a bigger area, that might be accommodated.
#3 - I think the DVD material would be good, if it was cost efficient. Possibly making it into a PowerPoint file since most who would come use projection media anymore. If a CD/DVD is not cost effective, use the same concept and make it available for downloads off the website. Along with other promotional material. Then you would have less waste to those who would not come.
#4 - Be able to order multiple messages on one CD. If the CDs are not a "money making" project for the workshop, then make them available on the web for downloads. I would really appreciate the speakers holding to their time commitment. Especially during the day time classes. It makes it hard to go from the Pavilion to the Cafe when someone goes up until that time starts.
#5 - I prayed a prayer of thanksgiving for those 4 men. They made a big impact on me during this year's workshop.
#6 - I really like the stage in the middle of the Pavilion with the screens on each side. It may make it more difficult on the speaker, but it is much better to see the screen. Usually the speakers are not tied to their podium, so the can adapt to looking in all different directions.
The Workshop is GREAT!!! It is a highlight of my year and such a boost to my ministry!!!
I was not able to attend this year, so I can't really comment on it. However, I do intend to be there next year, and am already looking forward to it.
As to the tandem speakers... I agree with what Brad said. I think it can be great (and I have seen it done very well). But what I don't like is when it is canned, staged and scripted. When I sense that a speaker is putting on a performance instead of speking from the heart, I tune out.
And how about getting more speakers from north of the Mason-Dixon Line? ;-)
We're already promoting next year's workshop here where I preach. We hope to bring some first-timers in 2008!
Terry, I am very, very thankful for you and the Memorial elders for your hard work in making the workshop a reality year after year. I went to my first workshop in 1994, and it has been an incredible blessing to me every time I've gone.
May God richly bless you.
#1 I like "tandem" or "volleyball" teaching times. It makes a sermon so much more conversational. Now,I would only suggest this with speakers who are comfortable with it. Maybe it doesn't need to be done every night(I realize that Bruce M. preached solo, but you get the idea) but I think it's a great idea.
Another idea: Mike Cope and Zoe Group have done a great job interweaving the worship times with the teaching times into a seamless worship experience.
(i.e.) 15-20 min worship
15 min lesson
15 min worship
15-20 min lesson
closing songs
Sometimes, during this, a painter or artist will stand behind them and paint a scene based on the lesson or theme. These experiences have been very meaningful for me, my friends, and my family.
#2. I liked the stage as well, but I would move it to a more central location.
#3. Unfortunately, the more hands the pot you have, the less control you keep. Everyone wants a piece of control and things can get messy quicklly. However, if there are specific areas of the workshop that can be divvied up, then it could be very helpful. Maybe Jenks Church, now that Sean Algaier is there, would be up for getting involved next year!
#4 Sleep is good. Preach it, Brenda! Wait, can I say that?
For next year, I'd love to hear or even be a part of the teaching about some of the ancient prayers and devotional practices such as lectio divina, silence, The Prayer of St. Francis, The Jesus prayer, etc. etc. You know, stuff from Richard Foster's book "Prayer" and "The Sacred Way" by Tony Jones.
Thanks for all you do, Terry. We love coming and being a part of such an awesome event!
-chris
Terry, thanks for asking. You've already gotten some great input. I'm sure you realize that every individual comes to ISWW looking for something different. From my perspective...
1. I do not like tandem speakers for several reasons - most already listed here. For me, it does not boost the interest, potential content, or enjoyment. That's not a gripe...it wouldn't keep me away ... but personally speaking, you were cut short when you had to share your time. And I think you were saying some very important things.
2. The singing stage was an inspired idea. I like that it gave the instrumental groups a venue ... and it gave the acappella groups a great place so that none of them were trying to outsing one another at the booths. Maybe there ought to be a place where you could go anytime during the day and someone would be performing? I like couches and coffee for this place.
3. I don't know what your budget is ... but maybe some ads in the Chronicle that feature a statement from one of your keynote speakers each time. Something like, "This is why I hope to see you at Tulsa Workshop..." And It would not hurt to have a small ad in every issue ... people need to be reminded what they are missing out on!
4. To improve the workshop This is what I would do:
- Provide gathering places for people to sit and talk and discuss what they are hearing. Picnic tables in the big wide open spaces would be great.
-I think every speaker can say what he needs to in 30 minutes with a 30 minute break between each class ... which provides freedom to visit, shop on the way to the next class, make a quick phone call, grab a coke, etc.
- A bigger afternoon suppertime gap. If you haven't noticed, your audience is greying ... and an extra hour for a nap or rest or visiting would be appreciated.
- I guess most of thsoe are on the same theme: I feel rushed through the day and I sometimes skip classes I really want to hear because I just don't have time to get there.
5. Continue to trust God as you have ... this is a work of the Kingdom that creates ripples we never hear about ... but they are there.
6. As long as the Lord provides me the strength and ability, I want to come to Tulsa each year for the workshop. I am a loyal workshopper for the past 20+ years and will continue! Speaking at the workshop the past two years has been the fulfillment of a dream that was planted the first time I came to Tulsa as a young minister. One thing I have enjoyed now and then in the past is the inclusion of a well-known author somewhere on the program that we normally would not get to hear in our "coc" circles. Steve Farrar and Leonard Sweet come to mind. They were both moving in their own way. Terry, if we had time, we could talk about the workshop all day. I love it that much and I know you do too. Thanks for the interest...sorry for the length of this post.
As someone who comes locally to the event I enjoy it. I am always amazed at the classes I stop into not really knowing what they will be about only to find either a thought or an entire discussion that helps me grow.
I liked the stage for the groups but agree that a better location could be found in the future. Maybe you do one less stage for class, there are a lot of classes happening, and instead focus that one on singing/music. I don’t know, I just wonder if one less stage might help along with a little shorter talk times.
The DVD idea sounds great for promotion. We received posters last year we put up. I think the hardest thing about promotions is what you find in your feedback. The CoC has two sides and if you please one you won’t please the other and if one side has already stopped coming and you start trying to please them what will you get?
If I was involved I would want to do some banners that could be used each year to put up besides the stages The One booth had some great banners printed at Group Imaging that might be bigger than you need but they certainly helped create a image for their booth. I would do likewise with Group Imaging. They have good prices on banners and they were at the Workshop last year.
I just think visually the Workshop suffers without a strong graphic identity. Go to Panera Bread or Starbucks and look at how they brand themselves and give an image. People are more visual than ever and I think strong banners that could be used for years along with maybe one that has the theme would help visually.
I respect all the work that the everyone does at Memorial, from getting the people, setting the space etc. I know people who are involved and it is a big production. The elders have a tough task in the CoC climate to attempt to honor God with what He wants to have done instead of what people.
Tell them thanks.
1. In my opinion the clarity of communication and direction is better with one.
2. The singing stage seemed to be located in a rather obscure and easly crowded place.
3. Clarity - Rick Warren says “Never underestimate the power of a clearly defined path!” Tulsa has become an annual tradition for many. These devoted attendees (though apparently in shrinking numbers) will be present regardless of the theme, titles or topics. Their attitude is “Its Tulsa time….I’m going!” Many others, however, will only return or attend for the first time if the cost/benefit ratio is clear. Their attitude is “Its Tulsa time… Why should I go?” I believe a clear answer to their question will build attendance and bring clarity of focus that benefits the workshop. A more clear communication of the direction and purpose thorough class tiles and descriptions (clarity over cleverness) would be a great place to start.
4. I would formulate in advance how each lesson should/could connect with the Soul Winning” purpose of the workshop. Then I would encourage each speaker to develop their lessons in the context of the purpose. I believe that Terry is sincere when he says that Tulsa has “always been about soul winning.” I also believe that the directors of the workshop have always wanted to keep it about soul winning. I do not question their sincerity in any way… I do question the transition from director’s desire to finished product.
5. Thanks! Your job is not easy but it is essential. The workshop that you started and now steward has the power to change the world.
6. Many preachers attended the workshop with the anticipation of purchasing books…at a discount. I would encourage you to approach some of the discount book stores about returning to the workshop.
The workshop booklet looked better than ever. Great job!
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