Questions about state conferences, campmeetings, etc.

Our state has several events throughout the year, a prayer conference, campmeeting, women's meetings, men's meetings, youth rallies, state elections every two years, and trainings. That is a lot, and they all generally require traveling several hours from where I live. I am also bi-vocational. Recently the AB reached out and mentioned he hadn't seen us in meetings in a while. He wasn't rude about, it was just an encouragement to come. That wasn't entirely accurate, as I had been to the state business meeting and did attend a training at the end of prayer conference last year, but to be fair, I have not been in state church services for over a year. We attempted to attend one night of campmeeting 3 hours away, but I got part way there and just didn't feel well and went home. I just find it hard with a full time job, large family, and a pastorate to make it to meetings. I do have a flexible job, but only a certain amount of time off every year, and I like to conserve the time off for family to spend the time with my children who are getting older. I could bring my whole family, but that requires a bigger rental, two hotel rooms or a house. I could go alone, or just bring a couple of children, but I typically don't like to travel overnight without my wife. Given its a large family, it isn't easy to find someone who can watch them all for a night or two so just my wife and I can go. What I normally do is drive down, have church, and then drive back at night. I am already burning the candle at both ends, it just seems like a lot to do that. It isn't a money issue, the church I pastor can afford to pay the expenses for at least one night.

When my AB has held district events, I am much more able to attend those, and fully support them. I do think getting ministered to is important, and with a growing number of bi-vocational pastors, events closer to home might be the shift that the CoG needs to make.

My questions are; does any one else experience what I am saying and find it hard to go to state events? Should I make a better effort? Does anyone else get pressure internally and externally to go state meetings? What is your experience with your state?