Perhaps no better theme could be given for this year’s IF:Gathering than the one selected by Jennie Allen and the IF: Team: Jesus.
I’m so humbled and excited to be part of this year’s global gathering, is February 5-6, in Austin, Texas, an event that will be experienced around the globe through IF:Local.
Here are 7 tips to prepare for this for this year’s IF:Gathering:
1. Be present.
Each session builds on the next, so if you miss a session, you can miss a lot more than you realize.
2. Come to share.
Throughout the gathering, conversation breaks are built in. IF:Gathering isn’t just sharing ideas but exchanging them. These breaks are some of the most meaningful and carry an essential relationship building opportunity.
3. Be flexible.
The schedule isn’t exact. One of the beloved qualities of Jennie is that she always leaves room for God to meet us and surprise us. Last year at IF:Gathering she literally had no idea how the event was going to end until midway through the event. This is terrifying for any event planner or person with a high need for structure, but the closing moments IF:Gathering were powerful and God met us in the unknowing.
So leave your watches at home and put your clocks on military time (harder to count) and give yourself fully to being present.
4. Enjoy the fancy buffet.
Over the course of the IF:Gathering you will hear from many voices. Different perspectives. Different generations. Different topics. Not every talk, every presentation, every word spoke is for you. But nestled into all that is communicated and exchanged, you’ll find something meaningful and timely that’s just right for you. Hold that close to your heart. Invite God to bring those words alive and breath on them. Expect God to meet you—and everyone around you—during this time of gathering.
5. Pack a journal.
Since you’ll hear so many great songs and conversations and teachings, grab a journal and pack of pens. Bring your printed Bible. Toss in some sharable snacks.
6. Extend grace.
This is a monumental undertaking for the entire team behind IF. They’ve been working, preparing, scheduling, and much more. Attempting to host a global gathering is no small (or inexpensive feat). So double check your internet speeds. And if something doesn’t go just right, extend grace by demonstrating grace to everyone around you.
7. Pray big.
Ask God to move in ways that are so much bigger than we could hope or imagine on February 5-6.
If you are coming Austin, I can’t wait to hug your neck. You won’t want to miss Lindsey Nobles awesome list of must-see-and-must-do’s in Austin. For the record, she had me at Torchy’s Tacos. Just sayin’.
