12 Reasons to Come to Unite
Life stays busy and, if we’re honest, most of us have a measure of conference fatigue. It takes a great deal of effort to book flights, reserve hotels, break free from life demands, adjust your schedule, and be away from your family in order to attend a conference—especially when it’s so easy to download sermons and workshops from the comfort of your office. Why should a pastor take time to attend Unite? And why should you bring your team with you when you come?
1. QUALITY RELATIONSHIPS ENCOURAGE PERSEVERANCE
Unite functions more like a big family reunion than a typical conference. We get to see old friends, and develop new ones, who remind us of what God is doing around the world. Not only do these relationships strengthen our faith, but we find that we lean on these friendships throughout the year when we need someone to help us not lose heart when the pastoral ministry is a grind.
2. TIME AWAY REINVIGORATES THE SOUL
It takes work to rest, but we need rest more than we think we do. Of course, the time away will mean extra work before and after the conference to break free from the demands of life, but the refreshment that comes from short breaks can send us back into the work with greater zeal.
3. QUALITY PREACHING STIRS THE HEART
We often are on the giving end of preaching. We study, prepare, and deliver sermons that God uses to serve His people in His church. Unite allows us to be on the receiving end. Over two days in both plenary talks and workshops we feast on God’s Word through proven, faithful pastors who remind us of the glories of the gospel and the beauty of the church.
4. SINGING REMINDS US OF TRUTH
One of the richest blessings of conferences like Unite is to sing together as church leaders. We hear others around us celebrate gospel truth in song and we are reminded of the gospel. The voices of peers—especially of other faithful pastors and church leaders—unites us around God’s throne in a foreshadowing of the heavenly chorus that awaits.
5. NEW PLANTERS AND REVITALIZERS NEED HELP
Each year the churches that make up the Pillar Network send dozens of pastors to start and revitalize churches. It can be difficult for the churches to meet these planters and learn about their work without some face-to-face opportunities. Unite allows us to meet new planters and revitalizers, form meaningful partnerships, and come alongside of these like-minded brothers to see the church established in new places and renewed health.
6. FRUITFUL MINISTRY REMINDS US OF A FAITHFUL GOD
What a joy to see and hear testimonies of how God is using Pillar Network churches to see people come to faith in Jesus and grow up in the local church. Both from the stage and through informal conversations, Unite provides a front row seat to hear testimonies of God’s faithfulness to build His church.
7. LAUGHTER IS GOOD MEDICINE
Not only do we feast on God’s Word, but we get to enjoy unhurried time catching up with friends and being normal for a while. Pastors are constantly “on,” especially in the context of their local ministries. At times this means it’s hard to chill out and relax. Unite allows space for pastors do just that—often with the added benefit of meat, mac and cheese, and banana puddin’ to enliven the fellowship.
8. TEAM BUILDING IS A NATURAL BYPRODUCT
Whether you fly or drive to Unite, share hotel rooms or rent an Airbnb, if you come with others from your church you are going to get a chunk of time together to catch up, talk about life and ministry, and develop relationships. Those who’ve done church life for long know that more can be accomplished in these informal spaces than can often happen in hours of formal meetings.
9. PRAYER AND SERVICE COME NATURALLY
Hang out at Unite for more than an hour and you’ll surely hear about many ways that you should pray for the work of others or ways that you can come alongside them in the work. Honestly, you’d have to work really hard to walk away from a relational event like Unite and not see myriad ways that your church can partner with other churches around the world.
10. OTHERS ARE HURTING
Two years ago, Unite was the first event I attended after my dad tragically died. I still remember a couple of the hugs I got in front of the chapel at Unite. In a tough season of life, I needed these friends to notice my pain and demonstrate care. They did! And I was held up. I’m not the only one. Each year, many pastors limp into Unite needing help to navigate hard seasons—and they find it.
11. WOMEN RECEIVE CONNECTION AND CARE
My wife, Sarah, designs environments for women to connect with other pastors’ wives or women’s ministry leaders. Many times the ladies are an afterthought, but the intention of these women’s events and workshops is to highlight the vital role that women play in our churches and strength them for the unique needs of those to whom they minister.
12. WE NEED REMINDERS THAT THE WORK DOESN’T DEPEND ON US
Sometimes we can falsely assume that if we step away from our churches or ask someone else to preach on a Sunday then the ship is going to sink. We’d not say that, of course, but the fact remains that we can be tempted to overthink our importance. When we travel to a conference we’re reminded that God is at work through other faithful leaders who are often capable of stepping up and carrying more weight than we think. We also see God’s faithfulness to build His church in weeks when we are not present to lead.
I imagine if I took the time, I could double this list of tangible benefits that I see and that I’ve experienced from the Unite conference through the years. I trust this year will be no exception. I hope to see you at this year’s Unite!
