I know it is Sunday, but I wrote this on Saturday! And, that is the name I plan to use for this new (and ongoing) feature.

Anyway...

I spend a good chunk of my life speaking at seminars, conferences, and retreats. And, some of them are amazing and encouraging. In most cases, I teach and speak to pastors and church leaders.

Typically, I do one seminar a week. So, with travel, that is about half my work week.

Often, my friends ask me to mention something on the blog about an upcoming seminar. At times, they want me to say where I am going... at other times, they just want to get the word out about their conference seminar.

I have, up till now, resisted (with the exception of one that was one of my most widely read blog posts of 2008). In that blog, I responded to an email from my new friend, Ben Arment, asking me to blog about his conference. And, I really did not want to so I tried to do so in a humorous way. I even said in the blog that I would not do it any more. I did not want my blog to be a commercial for my speaking. So, I have not "blogged" about seminars. But, now I have changed my mind.

I have decided that every Saturday (or Sunday) I will post "Saturday is for Seminars" for two reasons.

First, I want to share where I will be in the coming week-- perhaps you are in the area and want to attend or connect.

Second, I am glad to share about upcoming conferences because there are some good things happening out there. As the economy tightens, more people will have to choose what seminars to attend, and I thought I would share a few here in the blog.

Also, I have not (till now), blogged on the weekend. So, I will add "Saturday is for Seminars" without taking up normal blog space and time.

So, let me share what's coming up first in my schedule and then to spotlight an upcoming conference.

Next week:

I will be in San Antonio at a private meeting with the "State Execs" of my denomination. State Execs are like district leaders (though our districts are autonomous so they are not really "districts"). They have asked me to come and speak on understanding the Emerging Church. Considering much of the unhelpful misrepresentation that was put out there a few years ago, and also considering the continual theological drift in some parts of the Emerging Church, I think it will be a good conversation. And, I look forward to being in the warm climate of San Antonio, TX!

Conference spotlight: InnovateChurch

This week, I wanted to tell you about a conference that is increasingly becoming a key conference for pastors and church leaders. Last year, Rick Warren, Chuck Colson, Jim Cymbala, I, and others were the guest speakers.

Here is a pic from last year:

This year, they have brought in an amazing list of speakers for the Innovate Church Conference.

• Jonathan Falwell, Pastor, Thomas Road Baptist Church


• Kerry Shook, Founder/Pastor, Fellowship of the Woodlands


• Eric Geiger, Executive Pastor, Christ Fellowship, Miami, co-author of "Simple Church"


• Jack Graham, Pastor, Prestonwood Baptist Church


• Mark DeYmaz ,Founder/Pastor, Mosaic Church of Central Arkansas


• Francis Chan, Pastor, Cornerstone Church of Simi Valley


• Ed Stetzer, Director, Missiologist of LifeWay / Research


• Perry Noble, Founder/Pastor, NewSpring Church


• Billy Hornsby, President, Association of Related Churches [ARC]


• Greg Surratt, Founder/Pastor, Seacoast Church


• Chris Hodges, Founder/Pastor, Church of the Highlands


• Lance Witt, Leadership Coach, Replenish Ministry


• Brian Bloye, Lead Pastor, West Ridge Church


• Matt Fry, Lead pastor, C3

Jonathan Falwell is doing an amazing job-- Thomas Road is one of the fastest growing churches in the country right now. And, this is a conference you will not want to miss.

Jonathan Fallwell sent me a note:

As the host of the innovatechurch Conference, I have invited some of America's cutting-edge pastors and church innovators to inspire and motivate our attendees to return to their own churches with a new and fresh commitment for reaching lost souls for Christ...

A TIME OF SPIRITUAL RESTORATION

All of us need a time of renewal--especially pastors. Everyone depends on pastors to: know everything; fix all the churches' problems; and be forever "on call."

The innovatechurch Conference is specifically designed to uplift and encourage pastors--from a mega-church to those shepherding smaller congregations.

Last year, we had more than 1,100 people join us for the innovatechurch Conference. This year we are expecting 2,000 pastors and staff members. We are excited about this great opportunity to jointly share our insights on: church growth; church planting; 21st century evangelism; pastoral counseling; the Christian family; personal integrity; and much more.

A SENSIBLE PRICE

The cost for attending this ground-breaking three-day conference is only $59.00. My team and I have done our best to make this conference affordable so that pastors can bring their entire staffs for a special time of learning, inspiration, spiritual renewal, and praise and worship.

To learn more about this year's conference and our great line-up of speakers, please visit our website: www.innovatechurch.us. You may also register at the website. If you prefer to register by phone, please call toll free (800-424-9592).

Should be a great conference. I am appreciative of Jonathan, their church, and the fact that this is such an affordable conference.

Hope to see you there!

Next conference spotlight: The Exponential Conference in Orlando.