Annual Conference 08

Well,
I spent the whole first morning in Chicago at the Willow Creek conference distracted.
Because I could not stop thinking about our experience on Tuesday.

A room full of pastors from Methodist churches, some that are growing, some that are shrinking, some that are 6 months old, some that are 100 years old . . . .
A room full of new deacons, new pastors, and new lay leaders.
A room full of ready to retire deacons, pastors and lay leaders.
A room full of people who had been to 25 annual conferences, and some for whom this was the first.
A room full open and closed minds
A room full of people . .. Some fully surrendered, some partially surrendered.

All coming together to do the work of the denomination . .. And believe me, it was denomination driven work.

And for two brief moments, that work stopped and worship bgan.
I know looking out and seeing tears, raised hands, blank stares,smiling faces, bowed heads, open mouths . . . That room full of people praised God as one body of believers.

And God saw it fit to put us there to lead it, to participate in it, to plan it, to serve Him by serving those people in that room. Thank You God for that honor and blessing. Thank You for allowing us to serve You in this way.

Thanks to all who served. It was a blast to hang out with you all.

The God moments for me were:
The story of the girl and the mosquito bite
The offering being tossed into the net onstage, and John Wagner throwing in the first dollar
The song THE STAND – looking out and seeing a room full of pastors and lay people standing with arms raised and hearts abandoned.
Yes, you can play the grand piano (may be a self centered God moment, but I was so thrilled)
Keison playing basketball with the kids
Standing on the dock looking at the water
The time in the cabin with the group – maybe the conversation was not God focused all the time, but the fellowship was spiritual.


We are starting the planning for an extended tour either in late 08 or early 09. We have to do it.

Thanks again.

Peace