Why I Attend So Many Conferences

Michael, I can speak from personal experience that everything you have written here is true, including the statistics provided by pastorburnout. It’s a VERY sad state of affairs in ministry right now.

As a female pastor in a small town, I remind myself that my public life is an opportunity for ministry, and part of that ministry is modeling a balanced life. So I’m clear with the church folks about the importance of taking time off every week, and if there are weeks when I can’t, to take a few days in a row. I’m diligent about spending time with my husband, and regularly see friends, even though all of them are far away.
I read all the time, and of course take time for prayer and study. And when I take my generous two weeks of study leave, I attend events that feed my spirit. I try to apply every year to institutes or seminars that have to do with writing; some of them even cover travel costs for those who are accepted.
When I attend conferences, I do not always slavishly attend every single minute of every event. Sometimes, I skip a session, and have a conversation with someone I’ve met!
In the past, when a church I served couldn’t afford a pay raise, I asked for one additional week of study leave, and used it to attend a short conference, then spent the rest of the time reading, writing, and thinking.
Many church retreats and conference centers offer reduced rates or free stays for additional days for pastors who attend events; I try to take advantage of those when I can.
I often tell my folks that God made us to be human beings, not human doings, and that rest and renewal are part of God’s intention for us.

God has blessed me with a very wise wife who gently reminds me when I try to take on too many things. I am also working on prioritizing my time better. It’s amazing how much work you can get done when you aren’t watching TV.

I’m curious. Do you encourage your team members to attend conferences? Do they have to use personal time to attend?

I’m mindful of this quote from Gordon MacDonald: “If a man is always available, he’s no good when he is.” I see through the Gospels in Jesus life & ministry a rhythm of Engage and Retreat. Fully engaged with individuals, crowds, disciples and then fully disengaged to be alone with the Father. Disciples often had to go looking for him.
Having been an assistant pastor for 20 years I am convinced that the role of the senior pastor may be the most unrealistic job description there is. The combination of constant & multiple demands from wearing different hats, the expectations of almost unconditional availability, and the pettiness of complaints can drive a pastor to the brink. My friend Woody Cumbie once said, “The pettiness and nit-picking isn’t all that painful; it’s just like constantly being stoned with popcorn.”
Years before cell phones when we all wore beepers I published an article entitled, “Would Jesus Have Worn a Beeper?” And from reading the Gospels I concluded No, he would not have. Jesus was not unconditionally available. There were times that not even his disciples could get to him. Being unavailable is vital to emotional and spiritual health, not to mention marital & family health.
When in ministry having at least one close friend is vital. I found it best to have that close friend OUTSIDE the staff and membership of my church so I felt more free to be completely honest and candid.
And maybe this will be helpful to some. I learned it early as a counselor but it applies to clergy also: Do not work harder on a client changing than they work. When I find myself getting frustrated with a client in therapy that is usually the source of it–I’m working harder on their change and transformation than they are working. And that’s backwards.
I realize that I’ve probably made pastoral ministry sound negative and I don’t mean to do that. In defense of ministry and in affection for ministry I must say that in pastoral ministry people invite you into the most profound moments of their lives, both the most joyous ones and the most painful ones. It is an honor to be invited in and thus trusted with the personal journeys of others.

Interesting post! Honestly I never considered the benefits of attending a conference with regard to avoiding burnout. Going to ponder that more.

About two years ago, I stepped down as Women’s Ministry Director at my church at the strong urging of the Lord. He knew what was in the future and that I would need more time to devote to speaking and writing. I’m so glad that I obeyed. Again, just being honest, I need to do a better job at carving out time to rest and recharge. Maybe I’ll look for a conference to attend soon.

I quit going to church 10 years ago and started friendship evangelism which I first learned at age 14 at YFC. Life is now fun not haveing to wear a mask and pretend. I study and listen to only two great tv preachers. Am 68 and couldn’t be happier.

I purposefully plan times or a day where I make sure to have fun. No work, e-mails, calls, etc. It’s always a great boost!

“If you are not constantly moving forward spiritually, intellectually, and relationally, then you will start slipping backward.”

This is so true, and one of the main reasons that I read as much non-fiction as I do. I need to be constantly challenged in my thinking, growing in my knowledge of the Lord and in relating to people. Retreats and conferences are great ways to be challenged as well! If I had the resources, I’d love to go to one a month, but two or three a year is more practical for my current season of life.

In response to your post I just invited my pastor out to lunch.

It is a battle, isn’t it?

Trusting in the Lord is tough in a sin-soaked world such as this one. But He is faithful, even when we are not.

I would say that one of the greatest “stressors” we who are in ministry face has to due with the whole issue of comparison and greed in ministry. Not greed for money, but greed for more. More people, more voice, more of “God”, more, more, more! The tyranny of more drives unhealthy commitments, assumptions, and expectations on what it means to be a leader in yoke with God. Sadly, conferences are not places that feed spiritual rest and reflection, but fan the fires of spiritual greed and comparison. I would suggest that we attend less conferences, work more as a team, prioritize rest and sport, read good books, and love our mates well. With these things God can work inoculations of the soul to keep us on track.