NYWC ‘07 Day 2: Mixed feelings
November 2nd, 2007 | 
*dcb - wholly yours, originally uploaded by jakebouma on flickr.
To be totally honest, I’m not quite sure how to approach blogging about the event thus far, because some things I have totally enjoyed and others I haven’t. Now, I know it’s only the second day and I have a lot more great things left to do and experience, but some things have rubbed me the wrong way. Let me explain.
First, I will go on the record and say I didn’t appreciate (understand?) Chris Hill’s message. I appreciated his passion and conviction, just not his conclusions. For those who aren’t here at the conference, he spoke about the story of Absalom in 2 Samuel, and through a series of verbal gymnastics made it (kind of) relate to youth workers. I think we were all supposed to feel encouraged and empowered by it, but I just felt deflated and saddened that people actually were encouraged and empowered.
Second, I feel like this conference in a lot of ways is like a mirror image of the very culture that many people here feel compelled to damn. When I walk into the exhibit hall, I am pretty much seen only as a subscriber, a buyer, a consumer of whatever this or that company is marketing. Of course there are resources and companies and products here that I find extremely useful, and indeed have used in my own ministry, but something definitely smells fishy.
Now, those things being said, I am actually still having an enjoyable and enlightening time. YS has brought in an artist by the name of Joe Castillo who creates mind-blowing (seriously, my mind was blown at one point), constantly-changing pieces of art out of sand that he calls SandStories. I have personally found this to be one of the most worshipful aspects of the event thus far.
My interest in theology got the better of me today. I went to Tony Jones’ seminar “Theological Tools for Your Youth Ministry Toolbox” and later went to an informal discussion on theology that were both great. More than once in both sessions I thought to myself, “Dude, you have to go to seminary.” Seriously.
Finally, they screened the newest Nooma video. Of course it was good, but I’m eagerly anticipating the screening of other new DVD, Everything Is Spiritual, tomorrow night.
Busy day tomorrow, but before I go I’ll leave you with the “quote of the day”:
“I’m not trying to say that subjectivity is good, I’m saying it’s all there is.” - Tony Jones
Chew on that.
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![Another world. [edit]](http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3138/2426374093_1c9b676580_t.jpg)
Jake,
The exhibit hall is like the side show at the circus. The performers may seem really strange, but you cannot help but go and watch. As far as general session speakers, YS is a group of folks known for experimentation and taking big risks. They do the same with the invitations to general sessions. You also will always get the good with the bad when pulpit preaching is the model on which these mini revivals are built.
If you continue to attend, over the years you will see a pattern, there will be many more good speakers than bad, but the bad, are very bad.
Stop trying to gain spiritual insight in the general sessions…just have fun!
Thanks for the advice, Jimmy… I appreciate it.
Jake:
So sorry I didn’t get to call you back. I was a bit hindered in getting beers and talking theology after hours since I had Lily.
Next time. I promise.
Great comments on Friday night.
Peace.
Well said:
When I walk into the exhibit hall, I am pretty much seen only as a subscriber, a buyer, a consumer of whatever this or that company is marketing.
Scary indeed. As a person who doesn’t make my bread and butter off of the products sold at conferences I have mixed feelings about criticizing. On the flip side. Its out of control, especially when conference are sooo expensive already.
Yeah, unfortunately those can be a circus (I haven’t been to YS, but it is the same at every conference).
With respect to Tony - I can’t say that I agree with his statement (without knowing the context however), but he does get you to think.
You think it smells fishy here? Spend some time with those Acquire the Fire boys… Call Jessica Simpson, it’s Chicken of the Sea time baby.
I’m totally agreeing with the whole: “I feel like this conference in a lot of ways is like a mirror image of the very culture that many people here feel compelled to damn.”
You’re right on man.