Some time ago, I tried to talk about The Next Big Thing(TM). Now, instead of getting into endless digressions, I wanted to show an example of what I had in mind. It’s the Unconference II as noted by Kelcy on his site.
Oddly enough, I know one of the speakers. He is a young man with a great story and many things to say. He also happens to have two degrees from Reformed Theology schools. in his mid-twenties, he is more qualified to present at a conference than almost all the leaders of the ICoC, including his own minister. He is still a part of the ICoC (as this is an ICoC event), but he has much needed insight worth hearing.
Back to the topic, there are several reasons why this is a good example for The Next Big Thing (TM).
- The cost is very low.
- Housing is personal (in homes) as opposed to hotels.
- The material respects an 18+ year old’s intelligence.
- No self-promotion.
I would go to this conference if I could, despite the presence of some I may wish to avoid (not the speakers). The reason is simple, it’s a meaningful event to me that engages the mind and the soul.
Granted, some of the material may not appeal to some. Some may think it is too intellectual. Maybe so, I don’t fault anyone for thinking that. I believe the same type of thing could be for different content. A skeletong outline of how this conference was set up would be:
Find a location, cap the size to meet the location (150), charge to cover the cost of the facility, have meaningful content. How simple is that?
Since it is Facebook, here is the proposed schedule thus far:
Unconference II
Dates: Feb. 22-24, 2008
Location: Milwaukee, WI
Registration Deadline: TBA
PLEASE INVITE ALL CAMPUS STUDENTS, LEADERS, AND H.S. SENIORS IN THE MID-AMERICAN STATES THAT YOU KNOW TO JOIN THIS GROUP ON FACEBOOK
Registration Cost: $10
Registration will begin in January and will be done primarily through campus ministers.
Lodging: Will be provided free by the Milwaukee Church of Christ at no cost for the first 150 people who register
Tentative Teaching Tracks:
The Hebraic roots of the Christian Faith
Teacher: Kirk Stevens (Madison)
Resurrection and the New Creation
Teacher: Dustin Bosscher (Minneapolis)
Predestination, election, and free will
Teacher: Michael Burns (Fox Valley)
Jesus foreshadowed in the Jewish festivals
Teacher: Drew Prociuk (Milwaukee)
Homosexuality and the Bible: A Christian Response
Teacher: Kris Boyer (Minneapolis)
Class for Women Only: TBA
Teacher: MyCresha Burns (Fox Valley)
Class: TBA
Teacher: Jeff Mannel (Madison)