I would be interested in seeing (and coordinating) a deeper level of conversation surrounding arts, worship, spiritual formation, and theology. Perhaps some pre-reading and online discussion would help.

I would also be interested creating space for those who might be considered “outsiders” to share observations, hopes, and critiques of church, Americanized Christianity, and Christianity in general.

I have ideas about people who might be able to do this.

Lastly, a question: I’d be interested thoughts and ideas about an arts festival ala Greenbelt. you can email directly: seanwitty[at]gmail.com

Who I’d like to see there:

Speakers –
Phil Cooke
Tim Stevens
Seth Godin
Ken Mansfield

Performers –
Everlife
Matthew West
Natalie Grant

creative ideas?
representation of other art forms, like drama, dance, visual arts, storytelling, cooking

repeat from this year?
- consistent worship leaders each morning. LOVED the combination of Audrey, Matt, and Ian, and would LOVE for them to come back! If that’s not possible, would appreciate leaders with a similar combination of ability, sensitivity, and humility.

- Ian’s leadership for the Eucharist. always.

most valuable parts of recreate?
- opportunity to interact with other attenders
- diversity in what is experienced together
- Randy’s thoughtful leadership

I would love to see more breakout sessions where we are able to discuss different creative tools and ideas that work and don’t work and why. I also like Abbye’s idea of spotlighting a few attendees too.

I think Stephen Mansfield brought a great perspective as well. While I have a creative and understanding senior pastor, it sounds as if some others don’t have that. Stephen shared a lot of great ideas for how to better communicate with senior staff.

Adding twitter names to the name badges. This was my first year attending and it was because of twitter that I even found out about the conference.

Definitely keeping it small lends to the intimacy and relationship building that I think we are all looking for.

Vendors – it was great to be able to meet with CTS, Dan Whitt from Worship Training and Doorpost films. It would be nice to have additional vendors that supply resources for the creative planning element (such as iStock Photo, Worship House Media, etc.)

Music: Hillsong, Chris Tomlin, Travis Cottrell, and Audrey and Matt for sure!

Pastor: Ian ( though it wasn’t always clear when he was available) I missed the opportunity to meet with him. Perhaps a sign up schedule.

Creativity: More hands on stuff–I missed JVO’s touch and invitation to be creative this week. I liked the off site visit to places of creativity a couple of years ago.

Afterwards–maybe a message board where get togethers afterwards are known.

As it grows bigger (which is a good thing) we have to maintain the intimacy of RECREATE which has always been it’s Hallmark–elsewise it becomes another CONFERENCE that you attend and not experience.

I think more discussion with breakout groups and speakers would be a big deal for conversation… it helps to keep it more intimate.

Song writing workshop with us… have those who are song writers collaborate together… this could be so GOOD! maybe even do a show case of our songs, sung by us… maybe hook up with Belmont and use their writing labs.

Must return –
Having Matt & Audrey lead worship for the week was incredible but having Ian give spiritual direction was priceless

Most valuable thing –
Relationships and extended opportunities to connect in environments that facilitate this. That really sums up why I come to recreate every year – the relational development that happens which allows for communication and connection throughout the year.

For must returns, I would say Matt and Audrey and Ian. The did a remarkable job leading worship. And it would be great to make sure that all of the same people attended next year. The personal connections and conversations were the most important and wonderful element for me.

Who would I love to see? Brennan Manning, Dallas Willard, Kurt Sutter (Creator of The Shield and Sons of Anarchy), Chris Brogan, Dave Rendall,- and my number one suggestion – Stephen Pressfield. His book The War of Art is kicking my butt.

And since we’re shooting for the moon, how about Anne Lamott?

I think dance would be an amazing addition to the conference next year – I am the creative director for a professional dance company so that area is always inspiring for me.

It would be cool to spotlight a few of the conference attendees throughout the week and talk about what they are doing in their churches and their personal creative expressions.

Some speakers/artists I would love to hear next year:
Donald Miller
Cameron Strang
Matthew Paul Turner
Gungor – cause he was freaking amazing this year – I’d like to hear about his creative process
Carlos Whittaker

Thanks again for an incredible week!