For all BCC events at Brunstad Christian Conference Center, different church locations are invited to contribute. Historically, it has been mostly churches in Norway who organize and implement international conferences, due to their close proximity to Brunstad. However, in the past few years, with technological advances, and greater ease in communicating remotely, it is now possible for many more to contribute.
And now, for the first time ever, the east coast churches of North America – consisting of seven locations in Canada and the United States – have been invited to contribute! Read on to hear about their experience in planning a theme, decor, and weekend activities for about 8,000 members at the BCC Brothers Conference.
Written by Heather Crawford
Recently, I sat down with Phil Lee who is the lead project manager on the North American side of the planning committee and Rob Cheetham, who has responsibility for the feast content. Both are from Ottawa, Canada, and they are communicating both remotely and in person with other volunteers from the seven churches that are involved in planning.
Phil, what was your reaction when you learned that North America was being offered the opportunity to contribute and plan for the Brothers Conference?
“I initially had mixed feelings of anticipation, excitement, but I think most of all, thankfulness. We from North America have traveled to Brunstad so many times over the years. However we are always there as ‘guests,’ with others doing most of the planning, and organizing of the many tasks that make such a large event run smoothly.
To have an opportunity to work with many people from different countries, cultures and languages at Brunstad and contribute in a tangible way to an event is very special. As we began the project, I realized how much work it takes. This gave me such a greater appreciation for the effort that goes into making these events the best possible for our friends.”
Event planning for BCC events begins six months before the event date. This is an important aspect for the North American team, because they are planning the event entirely remotely in collaboration with two guides who work for BCC Event. This must present some unique challenges.
“I think we all understood from the beginning that the international aspect of this was going to present a unique set of circumstances and challenges. However, everyone just dove in and worked. We were determined and confident that there was nothing too challenging to overcome.
One challenge that is actually quite significant is that the team in North America is spread all over the east coast from Connecticut to Delaware, Ohio, Michigan, New York, Ontario, and as far west as Manitoba. These events are usually managed by a team in one location, but we are spread all over. Endless early morning Zoom calls and a myriad of messenger chats resulted. There are many times that it would have been so much easier to have been together in person but we leverage technology for what we could. We do enjoy the few times we can meet as a team during conferences at Victory (in New York State). It is always special to see our ‘Zoom buddies’ and to have the chance to plan in person!”
Phil, did the event staff at BCC have any guidelines for you as you went through the process?
“To begin with, we met with the representatives of the organizing team from BCC Events that we would be liaise with. This was the producer and the project manager. We were provided a framework for the organization we had to put in place locally here. The various roles and the general associated responsibilities were described to us in general level detail: Vision, Concept, Production, and Execution.
Of course, technology plays a large part in this type of project. Early in the process we realized that the organization at BCC Events was also very much still under development. At one point, it became painfully clear that we were really off track and to be honest, quite, quite lost. However, with really good communications, the teams on both sides of the ocean were able to identify the gaps in the process, and within one week the Miro template we were working on was overhauled and relaunched. Immediately, things worked so much better and we again found our way. That was an interesting experience of problem solving and teamwork.”
Phil, in the past few years at Brunstad, there has been a noticeable effort by BCC to encourage diversity and to celebrate the many cultures that make up the members of BCC. Through food, and activities the participants are able to experience and share other cultures and to gain an appreciation and understanding of unique aspects of their international members. How will you be choosing to share North American culture at Brunstad?
“We are unique as people, and as lands. We all have so many different life’s experiences and these perspectives can bring out a totally unique flavor to an organization. This year, we will have a giant outdoor rib fest followed by a corn hole tournament. Though, I have to say, finding good quality ribs in Norway is a bit more of a challenge than it is here in Canada!”
Rob Cheetham was responsible for overseeing the organization and content for a feast meeting that took place during the event. During these feasts, the entire group gathers for edifying messages delivered through sermons and testimonies, music and songs and multimedia content.
Rob, what was the theme for the feast? How did this become the theme (what was the process)?
“The theme chosen was ‘Hammerslag og Lovsang’ (‘Hammer blows and songs of praise’ in English). The first step in the process was initiated by a video message sent to all the local congregations in which one of the church elders asked for ideas from all members, both male and female. The goal in doing this was to encourage participation in the brainstorming period and to gather many different ideas before choosing the final theme.
The theme we chose was a representation of the whole work we did together to plan this event. The sense was very clear to urge the congregation to offer ‘sacrifices:’ their time, body and thoughts to serve the others. The hammer blows represent the work that is being done wholeheartedly and joyfully, so that each person can participate in the blessing that comes from being part of the work (the songs of praise that result from such a life).”
When you were planning for the feast, how did you take the theme into consideration?
“The theme affected many aspects. The film subject and the questions we prepared for the brothers to answer were of course in connection with the theme. The songs that were selected for the choirs to sing were related to the theme. And even the color scheme and font and the graphics selected were done with the theme in mind.”
How did the planning and execution go during the event?
“There are always challenges and unexpected things to deal with when planning for a event like this. We had a schedule and a timeline in mind – but we also needed to be flexible, and be willing to change things with little notice. When everyone working on such a project is focussed on fulfilling their responsibilities and working together to overcome challenges that arise then it creates a good environment and the participants notice this.”
Following the event, I caught up with both Phil and Rob. Back from Norway now, they both agreed that overall, the event went really well, despite some challenges with planning an international event from afar.
They reported that participants really enjoyed the classic American steak and ribfest, the American style games, and especially the theme evening. And while they are looking forward to perhaps being a little less busy for awhile, both are also excited for the next time they can contribute to events in the future.
