Convention and Devotion

Having spent over twenty years in ministry, I've seen more than my share of conventions. From statewide youth conventions to youth minister gatherings and most recently Passion conferences, I've experienced a wide variety. The goal of each of these gatherings is ostensibly both to help people be refreshed and to encourage spiritual growth.

I just returned from Passion 2010, which was an excellent conference as such things go. But I have again noticed something which I've found is true of nearly every convention. The nights are so late and the mornings early enough that it is very difficult to spend time in personal devotion. At the morning session on the second day, Andy Stanley spoke. In his message, he made reference to Daniel 6, and I thought surely he was going to address this issue as he talked about Daniel's character. But he only read verses 3-5, placing emphasis on what his peers thought of him. Although there was nothing wrong with this, I felt this was a tragic missed opportunity.

Just a little later in the chapter, Daniel responds to an edict railroaded by Darius that prohibited prayer to anyone but the king. Daniel's response?

"Now when Daniel learned that the decree had been published, he went home to his upstairs room where the windows opened toward Jerusalem. Three times a day he got down on his knees and prayed, giving thanks to his God, just as he had done before."

We may be inspired and moved by great sermons. We may be filled with joy and passion by great worship. But real roots and depth in our faith begins with a deeply personal walk with Christ that is then integrated into community. The people who most often go to these conventions -- youth, college, young adults -- need the encouragement and model of quiet time. Yes, we may have to shorten some other things. But I heartily contend it is worth it. We can handle 2-3 fewer songs each day to spend 15 minutes hearing from the Lord.

As it is, the schedule is so full, that its very difficult even for people who already have a devotional habit to practice it in these settings. We need to address and fix this. The long-term results of these conventions may depend upon these spiritual disciplines sticking once we all go home.