From One Degree to Another

Well, we are finished with the 2009 Desiring God Conference for Pastors and making the final 3 hour journey home. Our time of fellowship last night was rich and had good reminders of the highlights many of us experienced. Here are some personal things I am taking away from each of the sessions…

From Dever’s first talk, I was encouraged to keep hammering out the precise nature of the Gospel week in and week out. This should be the continual conversation of our people. Can you tell the gospel in 60 seconds or less?

From Chandler’s talk, I need to exemplify a life that is shaped by the Gospel for my people–this is the brunt of the charge from 1 Timothy 4.

From Dever’s second talk, I have a role to fulfill as a pastor leading my people in evangelism. This means both in my teaching and modeling this as an example for them.

From Piper’s bio of Whitefield, I take away a profound challenge to mend heart and mind in preaching. Deep truth should be presented (especially in preaching) in a ho-hum way.

From Dever’s last talk, I need to lead my church into a culture of evangelism. This is more than programs and has many far-reaching applications.

And from Oh’s talk, there was much to think about. I think fasting needs to be a more continual discipline in my life. Furthermore, there is a distinction between all people in my church being missionaries and the people we actually send. I need to show what the distinction is. This has ramifications in missional discussions as well.

I come home stuffed spiritually and am anxious to get back to the good labor to which I have been called. I am humbled that I got to participate in this conference with men from our church. Now, I only hope that I can be a good steward of what God has entrusted to me in this.

Well, we are in the van and on our way to Kansas City (we’re driving into KC tonight and will enjoy good fellowship and “conference detoxification”/wrap up, then get into Hutch tomorrow). Here’s what’s happened since I last posted:

Tues Night’s session was a good finale from Dever. In session 1, he had defined the Gospel and briefly discussed why we share that message. Then, in the Tues AM session he taught, he urged pastors to lead a certain way. In this final session, he came full circle with how we can create “cultures of evangelism” within our churches. It was chocked full of good application.

After this session, our group got together and had profitable fellowship, prayer and discussion.

This morning was hurried and crazy, getting packed and loaded up. But the session was outstanding. Michael Oh was the missions speaker and he emphasized fasting and missions. He dealt with some questions that really made me think a lot about where I am at as a pastor sending money to the missions field.

We ended with a Q & A with all the speakers.

We are full, like we have just experienced a spiritual buffet. There is much to think and about weigh, so we are hoping for good discussion and fellowship on our return home. Pray to that end.

Well, we are officially in the dinner break for the busiest day of the conference.

Our day got rolling early. Conor headed to an incredible breakout session on family ministry. He said it gave us a lot to think about, so I am anxious to talk with him about it.

As the AM session began, we started with singing. It really is awesome to experience 1500 men singing at the top of their lungs. We sang “Holy, Holy, Holy” and other songs. Matt Chandler gave the message on how we can help ensure the salvation of our hearers from 1 Timothy 4. It was an excellent talk.

After an AM break, Dever came back for his second (of 3) message outlining how pastors can lead their people in evangelism as well as defining what evangelism is not.

After the lunch break, Piper gave his bio of Whitefield. Piper presented a wonderful picture of this incredible servant of God.

It’s been a full day, but there is more to come tonight.

After yesterday, pretty beat last night, but ready for another day. After the post, I headed to Mall of America with Bob L and Benjamin. We had a fun time there and yes, Benjamin and I, covered the entire mall in under 3 hours. Once back, we went through registration (and got free books) then checked out the bookstore and headed to supper with our guys.

The first session featured Mark Dever and a conference staple–good music. Dever’s message sought to define the gospel and then give 3 reasons we should share it. You can read or listen to the sermon at the DG website. After the session, we got together and reviewed the session (a very helpful exercise) and came back to hotel for night. Good day and we plan on a pretty full Tuesday.

I’m back at my second office, and thought I would give an update. We enjoyed watching the game last night. Arizona really turned it into a great game in the 4th Quarter. Most of the people where we watched it were cheering for Arizona. But Pittsburgh did a great job in that winning drive, perfect pass and catch for the win. That was an enjoyable time, though. I also would agree with what USA Today said this AM – the Doritos commercial was the best.

I got up and after some quiet time, got down to the workout room, listening to David Platt‘s latest sermon. After this, we all met together and ate at Hell’s Kitchen. Guys are presently walking around downtown and some might end up on a quick trip to Mall of America.

As for the conference, they have released a bookstore list and things get rolling later today. I’ll post an update later.