Just some quick thoughts on the Monday after Tulsa…
- People seemed to think that the level of teaching was high this year. (Not surprisingly, I heard this from people who didn’t attend my class) John Dobbs mentioned taking more notes this year than he had in a while.
- People also felt that attendance was down. I haven’t attended enough to know, nor do I get to participate in enough to get a feel for it.
- When attending a workshop as an exhibitor, it’s hard to attend many sessions. I heard Trey Morgan once, Amanda Sanders/Dusty Rush once and half of a Bobby Valentine class. That’s about it, as far as the Workshop goes.
- I’m wondering how many groups find exhibits to be beneficial. Frankly, Herald of Truth does not get its money’s worth out of exhibits. Tulsa is one of the better places, but I still find myself spending most of my time reconnecting with friends at the booth.
- Book sales at our booth were abysmal. The bigger book stores seemed to do better; I guess people like to do “one-stop shopping” when it comes to books. I do know that Boyd’s Books quickly sold out of Letters From The Lamb, so a few of those were sold.
- One of the greatest benefits of workshops and lectureships is the chance to connect with old friends. I’m not brave enough to try and start listing; I’ll just say that it was a pleasure to visit with so many dear Christians.
- I enjoyed visiting the Memorial Drive congregation on Sunday. I’d never been there before. Jim McGuiggan spoke. He’s a wonderful speaker, but I was especially taken by his gentle, loving nature as he spoke with people personally.
If anyone who was there wants to add anything, please feel free.
Thanks for the update. I’ve also wondered if exhibitors really get their money’s worth out of gatherings like the Tulsa Workshop. Definitely it’s a great event for reconnecting with old friends.
Tim, it was so nice to see you, even though our visits were brief.
This was only our second year and I do think attendance was down a bit from last year. We really enjoyed ourselves and heard some great lessons. We made all of the workshop except Saturday. We were just too tired out!
Hope to see you next year!
I have been going to the workshop like a lot of people since the 70’s and each year if can’t help but compare it with previous years. For me it has a lot to do with where I am as much as how things go with the workshop. Not sure how things will go in the future but for me this workshop has been a serious part of my life and efforts as a preacher for the last 35 years.
I am so grateful for the hard work of those who have made the workshop possible from the very beginning.
Already looking forward to next year! :-)
I was honored to have you in my class Tim. I really enjoyed visiting with you at HofT. I was reading on Terry Rush’s blog and he seemed to think that attendance overall was higher than last year … but I do not know. I thought the keynotes were well attended and my classes were, surprisingly, well attended given the competition offered at that hour. I found the book selection, as a whole, to be aweful. Where was ACU/Leafwood Press or College Press this year? Most of the books are fairly on a low level. Since I already have yours I did not get it but I did pick up Jerry Taylor … put it on your MUST have list.
It was good to see you, Janice. I’ll have to get all of your Panda Express recommendations for next time.
Bobby,
I really hated to leave your class early, but that was the last hour the exhibits were open and I needed to attend our booth. Any H.S. books in your future?
Mark,
I know a lot of people who feel as you do. I haven’t had the chance to attend many workshops. Only one as a participant only. I envy you your experiences.
Grace and peace,
Tim Archer