Answering the question:
What’s the best relationship to come from the Orange Conference and how has it helped your ministry?
That’s a tough question. Primarily b/c it seems near impossible to narrow it down.
Ever since meeting Cathy Harwick at Orange 2 years ago I look forward to times we chat on the phone or see each other at other venues. On the kidmin team at Gateway Church in Austin, TX, Cathy works with Kenny Conley building some NextGen ministry magic. Cathy is always upbeat, always encouraging and full of great ideas that challenge me to think bigger. Love. Her.
I met Dan Scott and his wife a few years ago and enjoyed talking “shop” with them. Dan and I collaborate on kidmin projects occasionally and I value his creative insight.
I hung out with Henry Zonio in the Blogger’s Lounge some at last year’s Orange Conference. Henry’s unconventional approach to kidmin challenges me. And I like to be challenged. Henry isn’t afraid to do things most people aren’t doing. His entrepreneurial spirit is what brought about the project “What Matters Now in Children’s Ministry“. I loved the opportunity to contribute to it.
I was personally stoked when I met Michael Chanley a few years ago. Admittedly I was star struck and thought he was cool. And that would make him uncomfortable. Mostly b/c Chanley is another guy out there following where the Lord directs. He would never deem himself as anything more special than the rest. But Chanley is a connector. He’s all about connecting people in ministry so we don’t drown in isolation. Working together with him on the project “Collaborate: Church + Home” was a personal blessing for me.
Meeting Jim Wideman at Orange was cooler than an icicle in December. (Can you hear him say that?) I admire and respect Jim and the impact he has made on kidmin. I value the fact that he is so willing to simply hang out with people and get to know them. I appreciate the few opportunities I’ve had to sit at the table with him and just listen.
The following guys were people I met “in person” for the first time at an Orange Conference but had known for a year through our blogs. Sam Luce, Kenny Conley, Matt McKee & Jonathan Cliff. These guys are not just my friends, but my husband’s friends, as well. Through time spent online and in person, Kyle and I have been personally blessed by these friendships.
The interesting thing about all these people is that our relationships may have spawned at an Orange Conference but they have developed dramatically in the months following. Certainly I walk away from the Orange Conference renewed, refreshed, full of ideas and notes.
But the greatest value I’ve walked away with always seems to be in the relationships. And it’s worth every penny.
As I drive home today I’ll think of dozen other people I failed to mention in this post. Maybe this should be an ongoing series. hmmm…
