How the Orange Conference Gives Us Encouragement

The fall is a great start of my ministry year for me. There is tons of engagement and excitement that goes along the fall. Then, as we transition into the winter months those are great months as we focus on the holidays and birth of Christ. There is just so much Ministry to be had then that it gets me through the sometimes bitter cold.

But then there is springtime. On a personal note spring is great because you have the warmer weather, the baseball season is starting and it’s just great to be outside. However, from a ministry perspective it is always a hard time. Students are more busy which means attendance is down a little. In addition, spring time is when I start getting mentally exhausted doing ministry. I’ve been going hard for many months and spring time it starts to catch up with me. Can anyone relate?!?

That is why I love going to the Orange Conference every year. The Orange Conference is truly a gift of encouragement every single year. How does it encourage me?

• Gives me strategies to think differently in my ministry.
• Connects me with other ministers and share war stories (struggles and victories).
• It encourages me to not settle for “how it has to be” and fight the rest of the year.

Overall, the biggest encouragement is that I come back jazzed to finish the year strong. I have fresh thoughts from a variety of different voices which encourages me greatly. It is really just what the ministry doctors order as it comes at just the right time. Everything that the Orange Conference offers – breakouts, main sessions, resources and connections, recharges me and gets me ready to finish the year with momentum. You can read my notes and reflections from previous Orange Conferences here.

Whether you have been to this conference before or not, I would strongly encourage you to go this year. The theme is different every year, but each year I the theme seems so appropriate for where I am at. You can find out more information on it here. Check it out and see who is speaking and what some of the breakout focuses are (it is constantly being updated leading up the conference so if you need more information, keep checking back to the site). It really brings encouragement at the perfect time of year! I know I will be there. Will you?

What do you think? How has the Orange Conference encouraged you in the past? What are you most looking forward to this coming conference?  Share your experiences below or on social media using #ymsidekick when you share.

Want to learn digital tools to expand your reach in ministry? Join the Digital Bootcamp Facebook Group!