The Best of The Nines

2009 September 10

by Tyler

Yesterday I was in and out of watching The Nines, a church leadership conference that took place entirely on the web. From what I know of, I think it was the first of its kind and will likely be replicated more and more in the future.

In most cases I eat stuff like this up. The past 2 years of church ministry have really affirmed in me that I have a burden for providing Godly leadership for the local church. I’m always looking for chances to learn from men and women who are smarter and wiser than myself and The Nines was another opportunity to do so. Essentially it was a load of different recordings from various people for 9 minutes each all throughout the day.

Things that stood out to me:

It was way, way, way too long. 11 hours. 3 or 4 would have been great.
At the same time it was great to see leaders who aren’t given a national spotlight ever, a chance to have it.
I think web conferences work. I was able to go in and out throughout the day and I was able to dialogue with others about the speakers while they were speaking.
9 minutes was too long for some, too short for others. The big name pastors are big names because they are much better communicators than most others. I don’t think that has to be a negative thing as some make it out to be. I’m not putting them on a pedestal, they are just easy to learn from.

Here are some of the highlights (bolded quotes were my favorites of the favorites):

“Leadership is as easy as listening to God.” @perrynoble (This is something I disagree with. I think listening to God provides vision, leadership is bringing others into the vision.)
“Church traditions should never get in the way of the mission or they are a sin.” @DanKimball (love this)
“The Gospel is not an evacuation plan but a transformation plan.” Brian McLaren
“Legitimacy does not come from tangible outcomes of ministry. We’ve confused large with legitimate.” Skye Jethani
“Does working in this church interfere with your communion with Christ?” @flowerdust, Anne Jackson
“The solution to a big head is a big heart (Psalm 51). Confidence and humility – humble confidence, confident humility.” -@lensweet
“Disciples are hand crafted not mass produced.” John Ortberg
“What we do here will live on in eternity.” @mafeinberg
How do I dare take a paycheck from a church if I’m not willing to be uncomfortable for the sake of the mission? @john_bishop
We take ‘good’ things, make them into ‘God’ things, and in so doing, make it a ‘bad’ thing. @pastormark
“People are growing old in the church, but they are not growing up in the church” Rick Warren
Create environments for people to belong before they believe. – @ericbryant
Am I leading a rhythm of life in God that is restoring the life of God in me? -Nancy Ortberg

What stood out to you?

Filed under: church Tags: church

http://www.coffeeshopjournal.com Marla Saunders

Pete Wilson’s reminder that we aren’t in an attendance crisis, but a transformation crisis. People need to be taught the rhythms of the spiritual life, the balance of solitude and community. Loved that. And his visual image of his son and the pool has — unfortunately — stuck with me.

Also Mark Batterson always inspires me to get up off my butt and DO something. Usually it involves chasing an animal like a lion or a goose, but still!
http://ryanguard.net ryanguard

I didn’t watch it. I didn’t even hear about it, that’s how far removed I am from all the tweets and blogs these past few months.

I love what McLaren said, even if that poor bastard gets crucified by the conservatives. Maybe that’s what makes me like him actually.

Ortberg is brilliant. My greatest impact in this world won’t happen from the stage (the rule applies to any teacher).

@lensweet makes a good point. I work at a church with a good balance of both.
Geoff Pfeil

I caught part of The Nines. There is no way I would’ve stayed watching for 11 hours, but I think that was one of the best parts. I could jump in at anytime, listen and glean something.

Rick McKinley spoke about inviting people into your personal journey as he shared a bit of his struggles. I found this challenging and encouraging.

Sam Chand talked about pain in ministry and pain’s reward. It was though provoking to me, but at this late hour I cannot say why. A monument to temporary knowledge I suppose.

Two additional things really stood out to me:
Your legacy is in the “who” you leave behind and not the “what”. – Bill Easum

“The greatest church you pastor is the one you call home.” – Brad Bell

If you leave nothing in the tank for your wife and kids, you’re failing at ministry in spite of “successes” at church. They will never come to love Jesus when they have to compete against Jesus for their dad’s attention.
secondchair

Great summary! I was in and out through the day, too, but really enjoyed the diversity of thought and presentation. So many of the speakers spoke words that deeply challenged me. I hope to use some of those segments to help encourage the rest of my staff colleagues (who did not watch) and even some of our best volunteer leaders. I liked the format and the concept but agree that 11 hours was just too much – impossible to take it all in – and so I missed many good speakers.
http://francophonerss.com Alampi

Great summary! I was in and out through the day, too, but really enjoyed the diversity of thought and presentation. So many of the speakers spoke words that deeply challenged me. I hope to use some of those segments to help encourage the rest of my staff colleagues (who did not watch) and even some of our best volunteer leaders. I liked the format and the concept but agree that 11 hours was just too much – impossible to take it all in – and so I missed many good speakers….
http://manofdepravity.com/2009/09/15/the-transformation-plan/ The Transformation Plan « Man of Depravity

[...] week during The Nines webinar/conference Brian McLaren (not someone I usually get much from) said, “The Gospel is not an evacuation plan [...]