I jest. It is a gracious thing for the Board of Studies to agree to, and I would love to go. However, I'm not sure if us Bible College students need refreshing in the way that the conference is aiming for. After all, most of us are pretty much just starting out. We should ideally be bright-eyed and bushy-tailed about vocational ministry, not disillusioned, exhausted, and in need of an oxygen hit (Note: If it happened to be around exam time, this would change things completely). For those who want the Christian celeb experience, I assume Piper will be speaking at college at some stage, like most visitors, as well as at ENGAGE where many college students will attend, plus there is the big evangelistic rally too.
As for why I'm not going: at a student price of $295 for 3 days non-residential it is out of my budget. And I'm not sure how many other students will be able to justify the expense as well.
I'd be interested to know if you are planning on going along, especially if you're a student or from interstate. I anticipate it will be be a really encouraging, Jesus-focused time of refreshment.
He's coming to Brisbane too. So why would interstate people from Queensland pay that much (plus flights) to come down when we'll get a smaller crowd for $30 (for a day session about preaching and stuff) and $30 for a night session (a Don't Waste Your Life extravaganza).
ReplyDeleteFinancially, you'd be better off flying to Brisbane (though you get less days).
ReplyDeleteIs there a different conference every day in Sydney?
ReplyDeleteI assume the attraction will be from states other than Queensland. I'm not sure how much wider he is travelling than NSW and QLD. Maybe VIC as well? I guess the hope of longer time together is you get more than the introductory framework for which he is known, but a bit more time to get the off-the-cuff wisdom.
ReplyDeleteIt does feel like there are lots of conferences in Sydney, but there are lots of Christians too. The idea for OXYGEN is great. But I imagine they've chosen an inner city site because of its proximity to the airport and the abundance of accommodation, rather than at the site KCC own which is up in the mountains, and smaller. It's not that the price is unreasonable for what it no doubt costs to run, but unlike most ministers whose congregations might pay the bill, Sarah and I rely on our trusty fortnightly Austudy payment to pay rent and eat. I like John Piper, but I also like to eat.
I'm not going, and also surprised that lectures are being cancelled for the few who will.
ReplyDeleteI guess John Piper doesn't come to Sydney every day though...
That's true, and KCC is trying to make the most from his visit.
ReplyDeleteDid you qualify yourself for an 'interstate' discount though?