July 24-26, 2008
Michigan Theological SeminaryPlymouth, MI
Have a question that you don't see answered here? Just Ask!
No Way! The first two days of this conference are designed especially for people who have no computer skills whatsoever. Those days will be talking all about what the new web technologies are and why they're beneficial for ministries...a perfect starter course on technology for your ministry. The third day will be a bit more 'hands on' and some computer skills will be required...but we'll do our best to help you through step by step.
Oh Yeah! It is our hope that many, many people will invite their pastors or other ministry leaders to this conference. We'll talk to those folks in a way they can understand and give them some ideas on how little steps towards using the modern web can enhance their ministry.
We're going to talk all about 4 basic Web 2.0 concepts: Podcasting, Blogging, Content Management Websites, and Online Communities. We'll walk through these topics step by step, taking questions as we go...making sure the mystery is removed from Web 2.0 technologies.
There are no break out sessions... This is the conference's premier year, so we're anticipating a more intimate group which will travel the journey together, start to finish. In following years, as the conference grows, we may consider adding break-out sessions.
Days 1 and 2 of the conference are very conceptual. We'll define the terms, talk about why they're important to understand, and talk about how you could implement them in your ministries. These days also include break times, which also serve as community building times...you can get to know the other folks who are taking this journey with you and pick their brains, sharing ministry ideas and encouraging each other.
Day 3 is a hands on day. See the next question for details:
On the third day we'll be walking you through, step by step, in creating your own website using the Drupal content management system. You'll be creating your OWN site (not a generic demo) so, in theory, you could walk away with a finished, usable site with blogs, podcasts, forums, and online communites all ready to go.
If you're attending the 3rd 'hands on' day, a laptop of your own is required! Each person will be building a site on their own machine and we can't supply one for everyone. So, please make sure to bring one with you. Can't get ahold of one, but want to come to the third day? Contact Us and we can arrange to have a laptop there for you to use.
For the other days, make sure you have something to take notes with...a laptop, notebook, etc. We'll be giving some handouts as well.
Beyond that, bring whatever makes you comfortable. The facility has wireless internet so make sure you bring your wireless adapter. Bring comfortable clothes and an eagerness to learn...and you'll be ready!
The Geeks and God Podcast is the sponsor and creator of the conference. We're just 2 guys with a passion for helping ministries with technology.
A local pastor, Fred Wright, along with Michigan Theological Seminary have been amazing in helping us put this together. It's a fully grass roots project not sponsored by any specific church or ministry.
This conference has very little expenses, which is why the tickets are so cheap. After paying for these expenses (totaling a mere $3500), all further proceeds will go to the Developing World Leadership mission project, training Christian pastors on the continent of Africa. If we have money left beyond that, we'll also be donating to Lutheran World Relief, supporting their efforts to fight global hunger and poverty.
Well, not really. We ARE the most violent city in America but don't let that detour you. The conference is actually not in Detroit, nor is it even near the city. It's nestled in a beautiful suburb outside of Detroit where open spaces and lots of shopping reign supreme. So never fear!
