The Real Deal: An Outsider's Inside View

Mike Childress

I attended the Spark Conference last year.

To be honest, I really didn't know what to expect when I purchased my ticket.

And though I didn't know what to expect, when I walked through the doors, I was outfitted with my full-on consumer, Christian-Conférencier attitude. I was hoping to be entertained, hear some inspiring speakers, and perhaps touch the hem of Bob Goff's tunic. He wasn't wearing a tunic, but this is just hyperbole anyway. I wish you'd just read this and stop tearing apart my writing.

Sorry to get so mad. It is not you, it's me. Anyway, I was immediately struck by the depth and focus of the Spark Conference. As Spark kicked off, my self-focus rapidly re-aligned on my Savior and Creator. The worship wasn't canned...it was free and heartfelt. The speakers dove deeply into the unchanging-truth of the Bible and challenged us to take our role as Christ followers seriously. There was no Christian jargon. It was just, well, practical. The ministry partners at Spark were spearheading powerful ministry all around the world. I was also struck, once again, by the level of attractiveness of the leadership team here at Spark. I really just can't stress that part enough.

This year, I have had the great privilege to help, behind the scenes, with the conference. I have been allowed an inside view of how the conference is planned and executed. I am inspired. You should see the faith, prayer, and faithful-hard-work that goes into this conference. They'd be super braggy if they said that, but I can say it for them.

We live in a world where so much of what we see and believe is an illusion. I mean, how many of us thought fast-food hamburgers were made of actual, untainted meat? Too many of us. We were naive, and we ate that pink slime like it was the real deal. Once you see "behind the scenes," it is often easy to be saddened by what you see. Not so with Spark. Spark is the real deal, and I am inspired.