Last week, I along with Phil Biedenbender attended a conference in Phoenix, Arizona. The conference, called Best Practices in Ministry (BPM), is itself a ministry of Christ Church Lutheran, whose goal is to affirm and encourage church workers and lay volunteers in their callings and roles within their local church contexts. The workshop offerings are abundant—catering to the well-over 1,000 attendees—and range in topic from ministry highlights, to ideas for evangelism and outreach, to just about anything else; the workshops are presented by attendees of the conference, and anyone can offer to present on any topic they wish.

The conference is completely free, sponsored entirely by the hosting church. The aura of the conference is Spirit-filled, with positive energy flowing throughout impromptu conversations as church workers in similar fields from across the country connect, collaborate, and, while strangers, might as well walk away as friends. The conference is clearly spearheaded by the senior pastor, who leads from the trenches with an infectious personality. This was my fifth time in attendance, and yet again my experience at BPM was one of growth, recharging, relaxation, and affirmation.

Growth: The workshops I attended were informative and interesting. I attended four workshops (and presented one of my own): 1) a report from a Lutheran Church in Russia that had begun using contemporary artwork in a dilapidated church building to, with the permission of the Russian government, evangelize to non-believers with an incredibly high success rate; 2) an open and honest conversation about the reality of depression, anxiety, and burn-out in church workers of all fields, and how to prevent it as well as identify signs; 3) a workshop that discussed the process for how to accept and embrace change in a ministry; and 4) a dialog between a husband and wife pastor/deacon team that focused on strengthening marriages. The workshop I presented was on how to effectively use screens and visual displays in worship, with some suggestions based on what we’ve learned at Christ Lutheran in Charlotte.

Recharging: The level of hospitality that Christ Church Lutheran gives as a gift to its guests is unparalleled. Most other conferences which I have attended are in windowless hotel ballrooms or sterile conference centers, with overpriced concessions and a tiresome business-casual vibe. BPM shatters the norm, with food in unfathomable quantities and a lighthearted environment. Between sessions, the senior pastor parades into the courtyard shouting goofy chants in a bullhorn and wearing an inflatable costume. Klondike Bars are served at 10:00 AM. A mariachi band entertained us as we queued for our fajita lunch. Bacon-wrapped corn dogs are served after the plenary session. All the while, a strong representation of attendees are dressed in sandals and shorts (February is the best time to visit Phoenix). Parents are encouraged to bring their children, who play on the playground in the church courtyard. The Lutheran Comfort Dogs make their rounds to greet attendees (yes, this is a thing and it’s awesome—go Google it). In a way, it felt a bit like a Lutheran carnival, but a carnival where the Holy Spirit is very visibly at work, and the goal is to affirm and uplift church workers.

Relaxation: Between Christmas and Lent/Easter, it’s fair to say that church workers need a bit of a break. It was nice to be able to get away for a few days to be able to do that. Phil and I climbed Camelback Mountain early one morning and enjoyed seeing God show off as He painted an incredible sunrise over the Arizona desert just as we reached the top. I also got to reconnect with one of my most influential mentors, who is also the church choir director from my adolescence, who has retired to Phoenix. Most of all, I’m grateful to my wife Elizabeth for the extra work she had to take on because of my absence.

Affirmation: The theme of the conference was “You Are Not Alone,” referring to the challenges which church workers and volunteers can face in their roles, and who may wonder if they are the only ones struggling. Yet, there wasn’t an atmosphere of grumbling or collective commiseration, which can sometimes happen in professional conference settings. Instead, it was affirming, encouraging, and positive.

One of the takeaways I’ve had from BPM over these last few years is that I can see Christ Lutheran in Charlotte as being poised to successfully host a conference with a similar purpose as BPM Phoenix. Church workers objectively benefit from having a place where they can receive affirmation, support, and help—an event with a broad enough focus that a large number of people are being helped rather than, say, only pastors or only musicians. The unique combination of our location in a major city with an airport, our large church facility for plenary, workshop, and fellowship settings, outstanding foodservice, and enthusiasm for ministry, I believe, make us the perfect place for church workers on this side of the country to be affirmed. If this speaks to you and you want to talk more about this idea, let’s meet up and begin the conversation.

With gratitude to Christ Lutheran for their support,
-Mark Johanson
Minister of Music & Worship