The truth is we have done a lot of good; but made many mistakes which have caused unnecessary damage. I celebrate the former and grieve over the latter. When we err there are thousands who are ready to think on their own, overlook, and keep moving forward with us. Others feel too beaten down and they walk away.
We (Memorial and Garnett) have taken strong negative shots from every year we have put on the workshop. It is evidently not possible to please a certain core group. However, we must continue to exert faith and works hoping to inspire and re-inspire more to join us in the great cause of winning souls to the Lamb.
Bottom line: while the workshop is 33 years old, it has much room for improvement. We have only just begun.
So talk to me. Tell me what you need from us.
- What would help you return to the workshop if you are one who left?
- What would help regarding publicity?
- What can be done to get congregations on board?
- What other possibilities do you see which would build a stronger workshop?
While we've been at this a long time, we remain in kindergarten in wisdom, creativity, etc. Think with me. If you were directing the workshop, what would you do to make it better?
18 comments:
I can't answer your questions. I haven't been to the workshop in a long time so I wouldn't know what it looks like now to help you improve on it. My absence is not a boycott or philosophical difference it is just vacation time and finances. If I could afford the trip every year I would definitely come every year.
I did want to send some encouragement. I attended the workshop several times when I was in high school. My first real witness to the power of prayer was at the workshop. I have never doubted prayer since then. An elder from my congregation had a massive heart attack while in Tulsa and the entire workshop assembly prayed for him that night. His family had been told to go in and say their goodbyes because he probably wouldn't make it through the night. The next day he was well enough to be discharged and the doctors were left scratching their heads. I was left with a firm grasp of intercessory prayer.
I will pray that you will find some answers to your questions that will comfort you in the planning process and enliven the workshop so that others may see God at work.
One suggestion I would make, Terry, now that you have gotten me to thinking...
How about using even more creativity in finding non-preachers who are making a difference in the Kingdom? I know this is already done to some extent but I want to hear from more who are making a difference on their jobs. How they use their saltiness to bring glory to Jesus Christ.
As for the critics of the Tulsa Workshop...let 'em criticize. We can't stop them for backbiting and the work of the Kingdom must go onward and upward. You're doing a good work, brother. Soldier on.
TR - I cannot imagine all the slings and arrows you and your partners at Garnett have endured over the years. I don't really have any suggestions... I don't have the capacity to think on the 'workshop' level... it is an incredible, God-blessed, Spirit-led effort. And most of us are simply in awe at the scale and scope of this wonderful undertaking.
Please keep the faith, keep God at its center and Christ as its focus. Lame advice from afar, I know...
I just encourage you to continue to seek the spirit's guidance in all matters (which I know you do), and to follow the lead of Buddy Bell's elders (from his story he told a few workshops ago...)
During a time of great conflict, the elders at Landmark basically got up in front of the congregation and said (forgive my paraphrase): "we no longer care what you think... and we no longer care what we think... from this moment on, we care only what God thinks."
What courage! And God has blessed that fellowship beyond their ability to imagine... as he has the workshop...
sorry for the novel... I am very passionate about my long-distance support of this phenomenal work!
tim
I've only attended SWW one time and that was with my mom. She'd been a couple of times and loved it. I suppose the degree to which you are attacked is the degree to which you are doing something very right! Be courageous and "solider on," as Leroy Garrett would say.
Thank goodness for the workshop. I have never been, but the kingdom is reaping the rewards. It brings hope to the ones like me stuck in a legalistic church! Plugging, ahead to help them see the light I now see. The blogging world my connection to hope that others can change like I have.
I like Pauls comment about looking for the non-preachers who are making a difference in the world. Maybe even non-educated because we put so much emphasis on money and education. Neither of which are necessary for Gods Kingdom.
I think you should have someone fabulous take pictures. ;)
I am receiving great ideas and insight. Paul, you make me think of the night we had Paul Whitmire as the keynoter who isn't a preacher but a business man who began the Cross and Crown mission for the homeless in the OKC area. He was powerful.
And, to Theresa about the one to take fabulous pictures.....wonder who I might get?
Keep the ideas coming....and thanks for the encouragement from each.
one of the things I love about the workshop is going to garnett or memorial the wednesday night before. I would suggest combine the two church services that night for one big wednesday night praise. i remember going to the workshop back in the late 80s and seeing garnett's building full...it was so inspiring. Just a thought.
Could you move it closer to "Sweet Home Alabama?"
I have attended the Workshop every year (except one) since 1986. It is always a great experience.
I would like to hear Bob Russell (retired minister of Southeast Christian Church in Louisville) and Harold Shank (Bible professor at Oklahoma Christian University) speak again. They are 2 of my favorites from the last several years.
A few Spanish-speaking evangelists would be good for reaching the local Hispanic community. It would be good to advertize the Workshop in the local Spanish-language newspaper also.
A Worshop with speakers from the world of sports could be a good idea. You may be able to find some speakers in major league baseball with your connections to the Cardinals. Also, David Robinson (the retired San Antonio Spurs player and associate minister of the Oak Hills Church), Sherry Coale (coach of the OU women's basketball team and member of a Church of Christ in Norman), Scott Hamilton (the retired professional ice skater and member of the Malibu Church of Christ in CA), and others like Tony Dungy (coach of the Indianapolis Colts) would be interesting speakers.
I also like the idea of inviting some of the unsung heroes of Churches of Christ to speak. Recently, I read about the parents of Bobby Ross Jr. (an editor of the Christian Chronicle) who just retired after serving 25 years as houseparents at a children's home. Surely, they could tell some great stories and share powerful messages.
Of the local Tulsans, I would like to hear Mitch Wilburn (Park Plaza) and Ron Babbit (Contact). I think that Mitch Wilburn has spoken before, but he would be good again.
Thanks for considering these ideas. I'm looking forward to attending again.
The pulpit is probably your biggest ally and biggest enemy. When things are mentioned from the pulpit and churches organize a trip to the workshop that means a lot. This takes ministers and elders being on board. The flip side is true as well - preachers/elders that bash the workshop will certainly not be sending many folks to it.
How do you get them in board? Many have never been to the workshop to know what it is all about. When you personally spend a lot of time with something and think about it all the time you figure everyone else does too. It would help to inform people. Send letters to ministers in an effort to inform them of the history, the purpose, and the goals of the workshop. If people don't know your dreams, vision, mission, and how past goals have been met they may not be that interested. Enclose a sample CD from last year's workshop to give them a taste of what is offered or was particularly powerful. Send them flyers or email them a flyer on attachment that advertises the theme for the year that can be put up in the church building with a list of speakers, topics, etc (seems like you may already do that).
Know who you are, stick with it and do it better than anyone else. Be in prayer and in council with godly people concerning it.
Hope that helps.
Matt,
Your note is powerful. Thank you. We have discussed sending DVDs to churches. Maybe now is the time.
Much appreciation to all comments. You are helpful.
We have been attending since 1986 and it has always amazed me that speakers don't have the opportunity to use current technology (power point)in their classes, especially in the Expo. I know you are limited in certain areas but in this age of visual communication...
Becky,
The lack of tech in Expo is due to the expense. We have to pay $1000s for the fairgrounds and then more $1000s for tech.
Do you think it should be done anyway? I'm wanting to know.
Thanks for your observation.
One of the most powerful times of the workshop for me has been taken away, and that is the public announcement of people who respond to the invitation each night for ocnfession or prayers. I know it gets a bit tricky sometimes, like the time after Joe Beam spoke about forgiveness and people were coming left and right confessing things, one person confessing their youth minister sexually molested them, and their church members were right there! Whew! That was a tough one. Marvin handled it well. But the power of confession is even more powerful for some in that arena and I'm sad it was taken away. Give people a choice on their card whether they want it announced or not, but sometimes for people to tell the whole world, literally, does wonders for them.
I love Garnett and support what they are doing, but I think maybe another church might need to be found to transition to in hosting the workshop. The workshop doesn't seem to be where they're headed and it can't afford to suffer that way. We've transitioned to Memorial for our Wednesday night and Sunday morning workshop worship times. Garnett just isn't all that attractive for those events anymore. I understand what they are trying to become as a church and believe in it, but it doesn't match up with the kind of church that is needed for the workshop.
We've been going since 1990 and haven't missed a year. I love it. You're two biggest fans, Megan and Kaley, still love you, though you have to compete with boys now. I'm still jealous my own daughter Megan thinks of you as her favorite preacher. Helloooo. I'm supposed to be her favorite preacher. Oh well.
We love you, Terry. Keep up the great work!
One of the things I have always liked about ISWW is the fact that you have never asked for a registration fee. Taking a collection every year and anticipating what God will do has always been a highlight. I would be willing to give a little extra if you ask nicely! But my first step would be to poll your speakers to see if it is even worthwhile.
My opinion, and it's probably not worth much, is that the workshop faithfull (people like me) will always attend no matter what you do. I think you have to begin with asking yourselves whether or not you want to attract a new crowd (younger folks) and whether or not you are willing to make changes/improvements for them. I hope this makes sense.
Once again, thanks to you and your team for organizing the workshop and especially for a time to be able to listen to some great speakers (I'm thinking of one in particiular!)and enjoy some time with family and friends.
Terry
For what it is worth after attending 31 of the workshops so far I have seen the Lord take it different directions - each important and pertinent and each motivating to and thousands upon thousands of others. God has used this event to wake me up spiritually and set the course of my life. He has used it to create a drive in my family to take the good news to the world.
I believe we need to call the church to a massive time of intense prayer that will lead to a national/international revival. Jesus said to pray to the Lord of harvest to send harvesters. Keep bringing us back to this.
kev
I don't know how many 22 year old voices are on here, but here's what I see/hear/think... I'm just now posting because I had to think about it.
1) Has anyone considered having the Workshop decentralized? I know Tulsa is historically the grand location.
What about having regional Workshops that have unique experiences in worship, prayer, missions, creative arts, lost souls, etc.
For example, in Tulsa everything could take place somewhere like Garnett. Memorial would host but use the Garnett building (since it's now a community center). You would ask people to pre-register at $10 per person. Therefore you're only able to have a certain # in Tulsa (how many Garnett holds).
Then, you'll have the afternoon and evening keynotes satellite fed (as Willow Creek does or something like that) to Nashville, Louisiana, Orland, Michigan, New York City, California, and Denver.
Each of those locations will have team leaders who are guided by the Tulsa team leaders.
For example, Nashville could have ZOE leading worship along with the Sanctuary Band and speakers that are more focused for their community.
Orlando could use the Metro Church music teams, speakers from all over Georgia, Florida and South Carolina, etc.
Louisiana (my home state) could have it's own unique worship teams and setting.
New York City (Manhattan Church) could use their praise team, have women's roles active in events as their used to in many NE churches, etc.
I'm sure you get the idea! I'd actually like to talk to you more. If you could email me that'd be great abattist at gmail.com
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