David Stroud: Why the Everything Conference?
So what's the Everything Conference all about? What is the thinking behind it?
This nation should be a better place to live because of the contribution that the Church has made. We should be helping communities flourish, solving society's most intractable problems and doing good wherever we are found.
The Everything Conference seeks to equip believers to do just that!
God is interested in all that we do. He does not simply have an agenda for our church life, but for our work, our relationships, and our involvement in our neighbourhoods. As Psalm 24:1 puts it, 'The Earth is the Lord's and everything in it.'
So the Everything Conference aims to encourage and equip people to bring out the best in culture in such a way that everyone, Christian or not, will benefit.
Andy Crouch is the keynote speaker on the day, and he is also speaking at the Everything Dinner on Friday night. Why have you invited Andy to come?
Andy's basic message is this: Instead of complaining about the way our culture is going we should get involved in creating great culture. That includes everything from writing novels and blogs to helping colleagues get on better at work or making your street a better place to live by clearing rubbish or graffiti.
He is a terrific speaker and his book, Culture Making, has been formative for many of us in thinking through questions about how Christians should engage with every part of life.
The conference will help us get in on the action when it comes to creating culture that promotes love, truth, beauty and justice.
All of us, whatever area of the world we are involved in, have the opportunity to do this. This goes for filmmakers and homemakers, academics and businessmen. Whether you are influencing policies in the upper echelons of the media, at home with children or working with the poor in a disadvantaged neighbourhood, we can all be 'salt and light': bringing out the best in our environment.
I believe that as we become known for 'making goodness fashionable' again, it will also win us a new hearing with those who would not normally take notice of the gospel.
On the event website there are opportunities for people to submit photos, questions and topics for discussion. Can you explain a bit more about how you are trying to make this conference interactive?
Interactivity is vital to keep things fresh and relevant. There are so many talented people with inspirational stories, fresh perspectives, and incisive questions and we want them to be seen and heard. Allowing people to comment and ask questions helps us to scratch where people are itching.
The day itself will be an inspirational mixture of talks, interviews and video presentations, as well as worship and prayer. When the conference finishes, we will be running an 'after party'. This will be an opportunity for people to unwind and make new friends with others who share a similar vision. There will be an art exhibition, discussion groups, networking opportunities, and a stage where we will showcase a number of entertainers, who will perform and speak about how they are seeking to make a difference through their art.
Why should leaders in particular attend the Everything Conference?
Leaders make things happen! They are able to enthuse and catch up many others in the things that they feel God is speaking about. That is why I believe this nation could benefit hugely from having lots of leaders at this conference.
Church leaders will benefit from being there because it will help them see how creating culture opens doors to sharing the gospel and building the Church as well. But it is really important that we have leaders from every area of life. Often people with significant responsibility in the secular world don't know how their job fits with the mission of the church. I want to get those kinds of leaders at this conference, because God values their unique skills and vocation, and they have a vital role to play in ensuring the Church is able to reach into every sector of society.
What do you hope will be achieved by this conference? Where will it lead? What do you hope is the "takeaway" for the Church?
I trust that it will be a catalyst for many hundreds of people to create culture. I hope that new initiatives will be birthed, partnerships formed, and people will be able to envision how they can make a difference in their workplace and community.
In the church I lead, I have seen many believers come alive in a new way as they have understood that they can see their work lives as part of the church's mission. We are really starting to see some exciting breakthrough in this regard, and I want that to be replicated across the UK. As I have had the opportunity to travel and minister in many churches I have found there to be a great excitement for this kind of message. Who knows what God might do as we get on and serve society, creating culture for His glory?
David Stroud is leader of Newfrontiers UK and ChristChurch London.
For more information and to book your place at the conference, visit the Everything 2011 website.
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