I have had a heard time blogging during the last few sessions because all the laptops have overloaded the wireless connection at the conference.
This morning it was cold here in San Diego--about 51 degrees. :) I started the morning with a prayer time on the beach. Now it is about 70 and sunny.
Session 2 was by Larry Osborne pastor of North Coast Church. What they do that is unique is that 
they have multiple venues meeting on the same campus all getting the same message through video teaching. One venue is Traditions (old-fashioned hymns); One is called The Edge (loud rock); One more of a Contemporary service.
The main thing that Larry said: Churches grow large through QUALITY and OPTIONS. They stay large through PERSONALIZATION. Multiple venues with different styles and ambiances have helped provide a personalization within our large congregation.
Larry also provided some great insight into the cultural changes that have happened in the past number of years that have shifted how we should see ministry.
- The Automobile - now the neighborhood is no longer based on location. People connect based on job, passion, and station in life.
- The Service Industry - people no longer see quality as an luxury, it is an expectation.
- FM Radio/Cable TV - The common experience has disappeared. People now expect to choose based on taste and preference.
- Mass Customization - We expect personalization (to design our own car, to design our own computer). This becomes a sticky-ness factor. People come for quality, but they stay because of personalization and relationship.
