Just got back from a recent SAD.
After most talks, the applause was, at most, tepid.
It was striking in its tepidity, if that is possible (and if that is a word).
Affter most talks, applause lasted literally no more than 5 seconds. Its volume was scarcely above a whisper.
It wasn't acoustics - the Bethel speaker was technically a polished speaker (although presenting the same old boring info), and his talks generated noticeably louder applause. But even still - that applause was maybe 10 seconds, and about normal-conversation level.
But local speakers - the applause was not much more loud than the hum coming from your refrigerator.
There were 1300+ people there.
It was just so weird - my previous large-group experience was at the AGM, where people were nearly apoplectic & drooling with delight over their new "silver Bibles" (which very few have read, I'd wager).
These guys were just "zombified".
Speaking of Bibles - Bethel dude called it a "platinum Bible".
Oh, by the way - 1 guy baptized. Looked about middle-aged.
1300 in attendance - 1 baptized.
The talk was really awkward. The speaker kept referring to "our baptismal candidate" (singular - not plural). It really stood out and just emphasized the pathetic-ness of the situation. Then the poor guy had to stand up all alone and shout out his answers to the "2 questions".
...OUTLAW