In an age of instant communication, web conferencing, internet blogging, and social media, is there a place for a brick-and-mortar, face-to-face conference?  We believe so, emphatically.

Without doubt, Most of our readers have noticed the shortfalls of social media.  While teleconferencing can handily enable us to assemble the nuts and bolts of our short term projects, we have all noticed the differences between electronic communication and meeting face to face. The teleconference or social media platform may get us 80% of what we need, nearly for free. A conference puts us in touch to grab that last 20%. 

If we are truly working to build God’s Kingdom, we cannot afford to squander all the work in a failure of communication.  So yes, the last 20% is the costliest, yet it is so very valuable.

A focused conference puts us together with like-minded people…people who “get it”…with enough time to share ideas, and to generate better ones.  Have you ever noticed how this happens almost spontaneously when Christians gather together with time for a lively discussion?  We have! 

A conference breaks through the insulation that can surround us in a way that only happens in person.  It is exciting to realize that the people who spend the time and money to attend are usually people with ideas and who are looking for better ways to do things!

Several good things are intentionally built in to the Future of Christendom conference.  We start with a knowledgeable speaker lineup to stimulate thinking on the subject matter.  Then in order to leverage that, the schedule allows a generous amount of time for personal interaction and fellowship with speakers and other attendees.  This takes place throughout the day, in the evenings, and during the on-site meal times.

The very intentional purpose of our conference format is that attendees go home with several key things.  First are new ideas to help them fulfill their callings within their families, businesses, professions, ministries or vocations more effectively.  Second are new or enhanced associations with others involved with similar work, forming a synergy that sparks productivity.  Third are new associations to promote and advance God’s Kingdom in better and more effective ways.  MARS is continually attempting to spark new associations and we are thrilled to see them develop.

We encourage you to attend the Future of Christendom conference for a weekend that will sharpen and enhance your work in your corner of God’s Kingdom.