I just returned from the National Religious Broadcasters convention in Nashville.  It’s a conference I try not to miss – not because of the great lineup of speakers (I’d rather listen to their podcast or read their books); not because of the musical talent (you won’t find any of those guys in my iPod); not because of the exhibition floor (I go to NAB to drool) — but because of the relationships and workshops.

There are many people I see once a year – at NRB – and that in itself makes the trip worthwhile.  But what I really love is sharing what I’ve learned with others at the workshops, and picking up new ideas from those I respect.  I never have enough time to go to all of the sessions that I could benefit from.

But every year I come home with a bag full of meaningless swag and a pile of business cards. This year, only five of these cards have remained on my desk – the rest are in the trash along with the stress balls and brochures.  Hopefully, these five cards will open up new relationships and new business – and new ways to serve the Kingdom of God.

I was honored to lead two workshops at the recent National Religious Broadcasters convention. Thanks to my fine friends Jenni Catron, Matthew Paul Turner and Michael Buckingham, the workshop UnChurched was both intellectual fun and tremendous motivation.  And my fabulously talented and beautiful wife Kat shared the teaching and motivation responsibilities with me for our Digital Storytelling workshop. Thanks everyone!

Getting tons of new ideas from workshops (like mine) is one of the great benefits of really good conventions. There’s a real downside, however…

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