It’s Not About the Blooper Reel: The Inspiration Behind Linger Conference 2014

Do you stay for the roll of credits at the end of a movie? I do.

While other moviegoers herd into the aisles after the last frame, I hold steady in my seat. I’m compelled to linger because I know what it is to work in a creative industry. I figure Assistant #2 to the Props Master deserves to have his name read by somebody.

Often, my quiet acknowledgement comes with a reward. I get to see that unexpected, final bit of dialogue, the slapstick blooper reel or hear the full version of a song from the soundtrack. And even if there’s no hidden gems embedded into the movie’s credits, I’m granted a leisurely stroll out of the theater so I can peacefully ponder the story I’ve just experienced.

The same rule has applied for me at dinner parties, business outings—even in the grocery store checkout line. Through the simple act of not rushing off, I’ve been blessed by more meaningful connections, deeper conversations, one-to-one laughter...not to mention a few slices of pie to go and a couple of tips on upcoming sales.

If I’ve known the benefits of lingering in everyday circumstances, then I’ve most assuredly known the value of lingering in God’s presence. Anytime I move worship off the grid of time constraints and expected formulas, I am blessed with a deeper, more meaningful, one-to-one connection. And the reward of this kind of lingering leaves blooper reels, extra pie or sales tips in the dust. Lingering in God’s presence is life changing.

It’s this simple truth that sparked the genesis of Linger Conference.

Linger Conference is a unique event created to help all of us learn what it is to linger in God’s presence. In two amazing days in Dallas in February 2014, we will assemble some of the brightest speakers, teachers and artists to share in the disassembling of our preconceived notions about spending time in God’s presence. From moments of undiluted worship to sessions that bring us together with like-minded friends and colleagues, Linger Conference is a chance to rest, review and renew so that we can bring more intentional worship back to our churches across the country.

Bring your church staff, your worship team, your best friends...or just yourself...and join us for this special experience. See you at Linger!

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As much as we focus on “lingering,” there is one thing we need you to do quickly: reserve your event tickets! We’re offering significant savings for early bird reservations. Spaces are limited, so make plans today for you and your church group to join us in November!
Sign up now by clicking here.

p.s. - Stay in touch on Twitter and Facebook for ongoing Linger Conference news and announcements!

What To Expect At The Linger Conference

Can we be honest? It’s a little surreal to be led by God to start an event like this yet have to charge people to attend. Nonetheless, the reality is that conferences aren’t inexpensive to put on, and we’ve got to charge something. Our goal is to make the registration fee as affordable as possible for an amazingly high quality event. We want as many of you to attend as possible because this is going to be an incredible experience!

The Artists & Speakers You Want to Hear
Though we’re still building our roster of speakers/artists/teachers, you’ll see we’ve already assembled some of the most inspiring folks in the realms of ministry and Christian music for Linger Conference. John Piper, Phil Wickham, Jennie Riddle, Matt Chandler, Bethany Dillon, Ben Stuart, Todd Wagner, Lauren Chandler, Shane & Shane, Tullian Tchividjian… We’re excited to bring these wonderful folks to you for two days of undiluted learning, sharing and growing.

Breakout Sessions for Worship Leaders & Songwriters
Thursday, February 13, 2014
(Separately ticketed event, available only to Linger attendees)

Bloggers, poets, authors, comedians, Bible study leaders, teachers, songwriters, worship leaders - this day is for you.
The day will open and close with worship and a keynote from a nationally known artist/speaker.
Breakout and group sessions throughout the day will be led by Linger speakers and artists and others.
More details will be posted here soon, but tickets for this special event will sell out fast.
Closer to the conference date a full schedule will be published under the Schedule tab. Click HERE for Artists and Speakers.

Meaningful Worship
Worship is a core component of Linger Conference. We’ll gather for praise and worship times that will teach us all to defy expected time constraints and structure to truly come into God’s presences. We’ll hear keynotes from leading speakers who will help us expand our understanding of spending time with God. No matter where you are in your walk with Christ, you’ll be moved, involved and inspired.

Book Now for Best Prices!
The best way to get the best price for all this?  Book early. We’re offering early bird pricing to encourage immediate enrollment. Rates will increase, so register today by clicking here!

We’re hoping to make Linger Conference the affordable, high quality solution you’ve been looking for for your group’s fall retreat. Lock in great rates now for your group, and take “Fall Retreat planning” off your To Do list. Reserve your group’s tickets today by clicking here!

Need more details or information? Check out our speakers/artists bios, our vision statement and registration details. Stay in touch on Twitter and Facebook to learn about new speakers and artists being announced soon, and we’ll see you at Linger Conference in February 2014!

Make Plans for Linger Conference 2014:

“It is in the process of being worshiped that God communicates His presence to men.”

If we’re honest, we often think of worship as a structured activity designated “at church only” or maybe as an item on our weekly checklist—no more important than buying groceries or taking out the trash. It isn’t that we don’t love God and don’t want to spend quality time with Him; it’s just that life gets busy. As we juggle our jobs, our children and a million other commitments, we easily relegate spending time with God, only to notice something is missing over time and wonder when God is going to move in our lives. 

 “It is in the process of being worshiped that God communicates His presence to men.” - C.S. Lewis

The concept of lingering in God’s presence isn’t new. We see it throughout scripture, and we all know life makes more sense and we have more peace when we take the time to listen and worship. Worship changes us. It sculpts out a place for God, where He can be present in every aspect of our days. When we pause in His presence, He works miracles in our hearts. Monotony begins to fade and is replaced with a sense of joy and purpose that underlines our moments, our circumstances.

Linger Conference seeks to explore the concept of lingering in the presence of God as part of life-changing worship. 

If you feel drained or like you’re going through the motions without a purpose or an awareness of God’s hand in your life, Linger Conference is for you. 

If you’re energized by worship and learn and grow with likeminded Christians, Linger Conference is for you.

If you’re looking for a fall retreat that will impact the lives of your church group in a lasting, meaningful way, Linger Conference is for you. 

If you’re in church leadership and want to grow and learn so that you can inspire renewed worship with your congregation, Linger Conference is for you.

We’re praying that this conference will spark a hunger for the presence of God in your life—not just as a church-only task or a mundane, weekly To Do item—but a lifelong pursuit of beholding His glory.

For more information and to register, please click here. You’ll find early bird prices for a limited time and a line-up of speakers and artists that’s still growing each week.

Save the date—February 14-15, 2014—because you won’t want to miss the opportunity to hear from these amazing speakers and, well, linger, with other believers. We’re looking forward to seeing you at the 2014 Linger Conference in Dallas, Texas!



p.s. - Stay in touch on Twitter and Facebook for ongoing Linger Conference news and announcements!