MetroWest

I'm not sure how many of you are aware of a conference called METRO, but for those of you who are not familiar with it, let me explain. METRO is, for lack of a better description, a "conference" that centers primarily around a ministers' round table - where everyone shares thoughts and ideas, things that are working in their churches and things that aren't, and you gather creative elements to take back to your ministry. It is also a great time of networking with other guys who are doing what you are doing in their respective locations. Those who are involved in METRO must be serving in churches that meet certain criteria, such as averaging 2000 in Bible Fellowship, averaging a certain number in worship services, etc. This proves to be rather effective because everyone at the conference is basically coming from similar situations in ministry and it is easier to relate.

California is a different animal. Out here there are nowhere near the number of large churches as there are back east. As a result, a lot of guys in ministry feel far removed from the conferences and networking that take place on a regular basis in "the Bible Belt". Now enters METROWEST. A new friend, Bob Griffin, has started a conference for those in the Western States. The idea is the same, but the qualifications are a little different. As a result, more Worship Pastors are able to attend. I will be attending the first one this Monday - Wednesday in Ontario, CA. I've also been asked to lead worship at it, so I'm pretty pumped about that opportunity. I'll give you an update next week on the happenings of the conference and some insight as to how God worked. Pray all goes well and that we'll all come out of this encouraged, challenged, and ready to lead with a new found passion.