“Just what is the re:create Conference all about?”

“What are the reasons you started it?

“Why another conference? Why re:create?”

“What do you want people to walk away with?”

These unexpected but timely questions came at lunch yesterday from (of all people) Melissa Greene, a long-time friend and mentee (22 years), who now serves as the re:create experience director.

I could not help but think, if Melissa needs these questions clarified, EVERYONE needs clarification.

Over 20 years ago, while serving as the Pastor of Arts at a South Florida mega-church, I was invited to an invitation only, denominational exclusive, small gathering of fellow ministers of music. Even though it was a wonderful experience, each year I felt a growing desire for more.

In 1999, as I sat at that conference listening to a famous urban pastor browbeat and shame us about our rich, elitist churches, and criticize methodologies different than his own, I realized I did not want to spend my entire conference budget and often a portion of my resource budget, just to go back home more tired than when I came.

I dreamed of a gathering:

—That welcomes creatives and artists from all denominations and walks of life

—That is not gender exclusive

—That is small enough to be intimate, but large enough to attract sponsors/partners

—That has no affiliation with a specific church

—That is not about any one personality, but about the tribe as a whole

—That values the power of collaboration

—That focuses on BEING, not DOING

—That provides refreshment and encouragement, not bully pulpits

—That features an extended time of dialogue with each speaker

—That celebrates grace not judgement

—That features speakers from the real world, not from the usual religious circuit

—That attracts a global tribe

—That celebrates the spread (diffusion) of new and innovative ideas

—That has extended, uninterrupted meal times over which to dialogue with each other

—That believes excellence comes at the intersection of passion and precision

—That is more about each other than even the content

—That focuses on laid back authenticity, not hype and glitz

—That celebrates all genres of art, not just music

—That celebrates wonder, beauty, and surprises

I could go on. But the above statements help sum up the values of re:create from the very beginning way back in 1999.

During the past fourteen years, in 1999 as Beyond 2K, and from 2001 until this very day at 4 pm, when re:create 2013 Nashville begins, we have stayed true to those ideals. They have been encapsulated into three words:

Refresh. Encourage. Diffuse.

And that is why a tribe was born and still lives today. A global tribe called…

re:create

And we need more of you to join this tribe. If these ideals and values make your heart beat a bit faster, perhaps you should consider joining us…

Question: If you have attended re:create, what are your thoughts?