BRANSON – Events and conferences are a dime a dozen, but Neil Franks, pastor of First Baptist, Branson and current president of the Missouri Baptist Convention, hopes the Collaborate Gathering Sept. 19 and 20 will be something different.
“I believe the most powerful church strategy and learning I have experienced is in the setting of other pastors who are in similar size churches with similar needs and challenges,” Franks said. ”The dialogue and listening to heart, passion as well as strategy have been incredibly inspirational and practical. As you know, the fellowship and insights from other leaders can give fuel and encouragement both to you and from you to others.”
So while the Collaborate Gathering will be organized, it won’t simply be one speaker after another. Attendees will be grouped according to church size, and participate in mediated discussions about struggles, successes, frustrations and insights.
”Jesus spent a lot of time ‘with’ his disciples literally living and engaging side by side,” Franks said.
The event at First Baptist, Branson begins Sept. 19 at 12:30, runs to 4:30, then resumes Sept. 20 at 8:30 and runs through 12:30. Cost is $29, which includes materials and lunch on day two.
For more information or to register, go to www.churchcollaborate.com. The site also includes information for Branson shows and hotels.