RCMA STORIES: Dean Jones

DEAN JONES
RCMA Director of Conferences & Events

My first job out of college was planning our denomination's big youth conference every year. In my new office, I found a magazine inside the desk drawer. It was titled The Religious Conference Manager, RCMA's magazine at that time. As I started flipping through it, I suddenly realized that this was a legitimate job I was hired to do! I also realized that a group of people like me gathered as a part of an association to learn more about perfecting their craft and trade.

Soon after I began this new job, I attended my first RCMA Conference in Phoenix in 1990. One of the most meaningful memories was a few years later when I was asked by Dr. Woodring, the RCMA Director, to lead a breakout session at the conference. I felt somewhat legitimized for the first time in my young, inexperienced career! I was surprised he felt I knew something worthy of sharing with others. That moment helped seal in me that what I was doing was the right thing I was supposed to be doing.

Now I'm able to provide those opportunities to those who can share their knowledge with others. My favorite part of this job is interacting with faith-based planners–knowing they are all communally working together to create life-changing events.

RCMA's impact on me has been profound. Through RCMA, I have met many of my best friends, closest connections and colleagues. A disaster struck my family a few years ago when we lost most of our possessions
in a city-wide flood. Some of the very first phone calls I received were from RCMA friends and family checking on our well-being and offering assistance. They are who have been instrumental in shaping who I am today. It has been such a great benefit to be a part of a community of peers who care for each other and are helping to learn and improve for the benefit of others.

RCMA's future is very bright. As an organization, we have a lot of momentum. We've got 50 years of legacy, but we also have the next 50 years to grow and learn from each other. We still have a story to tell that's worth telling! The hope is that faith-based planners from around the world will want to be a part of RCMA.