Is Free Really Better?

“Radicalis is a unique hands-on, comprehensive experience that will enhance each member of your team’s role in your church and build and inspire them to serve God in your community and the world. Rick Warren, the Saddleback Team and leading national pastors will challenge, develop, and expand your vision to be a moving force for God in today’s world.”

I was able to listen to Rick’s first session before getting caught up in my daily workload. It was an excellent start to a conference that I am sure will help a lot of pastors. But something sticks out more than a conference that helps pastors. . .

FREE STUFF!

Conferences are expensive! Travel, food, registration, conference paraphernalia all costs money. And these days all of us: individuals, ministries & churches are strapped for cash, as a result any type of free stuff is awesome! Cue up Radicalis. A conference that costs money to attend that is being broadcast online for free! Last week the same was true for the Verge Conference on missional community thinking.

There is a down side to a free stuff. . . it does not have value. If you get something for free it does not have as much value as something you pay for. I read once that John Maxwell doesn’t give away comps or discounts for any of his conferences because people don’t show up when they get something for free. Free doesn’t always mean better.

However when it comes to free online conferences, I am a huge fan! It makes me wish that Whiteboard Sessions, Echo Conference, Catalyst & Story would all be broadcast online for free. It would save me tons of time on travel and money on expenses. Free might not always be better for some, but for me it is phenomenal resource that allows me to grow and learn without having to leave my desk. But what side of the camp are you on?

Is free stuff really better?