For the next three days I’ll be at the Ecclesia 2010 National Gathering in Maryland. Why, you might ask, am I going to a church planting conference? That would be a good question.

The first, and easy answer is because for the last year plus, I’ve been working with WMUV and the Spence Network to put together a leadership group for women in ministry, and this is one of the events the Uptick group is attending. Actually, both the men’s and women’s Uptick groups will be together for this event, which is expected to draw hundreds of people (800 or so is the number that sticks out in my mind, but I have no idea if that is based in reality or just some random number pulled from the recesses of my brain) from throughout the United States and beyond.

Here are at least four other reasons I’m attending the Ecclesia 2010 National Gathering:

1. Nurture existing relationships. Over the last year, I’ve had the privilege to work with and meet some incredibly sharp people in Virginia Baptist life. I’m looking forward to reconnecting with those folks.

2. Learn something useful. My church is in a time of transition. Being with the best and brightest minds in missional churches today will surely give me at least one or two ideas that I can take home to share with my own church leadership. I’m sure they’ll be some business and social media implications as well.

3. Make great connections. I love meeting new people and seeing how I can connect those people with others who can help accomplish their goals. If you’re attending Ecclesia, be sure to look me up and say hi. (That reminds me. I must pack business more business cards.)

4. Do a little scouting. As I mentioned, our church is in a time of transition. I’ll be on the lookout for the names of potential ministers whose names I can pass along to our Pastor Search Committee.

Are you attending the Ecclesia 2010 National Gathering?
If so, tell me what you’re hoping to get out of the gathering. What focused sessions are on your radar screen?

Creative Commons photo by 917press on Flickr.