Wow…just came from church with my family online (and my neighbor who let me use his laptop since I left mine in Tom’s car…) @ lifechurch.tv–they do an amazing job and have a huge vision.
We decided to stay in today after being gone for a week in cold, cold Florida…well, OK, it wasn’t cold, but I didn’t want you to experience the sin of envy…cause we are now back to reality. What a refreshing time connecting with other Large Church Pastors who can network and bounce new ideas and talk about the future of the church. It was one of the most profitable times as a Pastor I have had in a long time. And yes, our kids were really ticked…the magic for them will have to wait until the magic of our budget gets a boost @ home.
I am really pumped about the HUGE VISION that we are praying about at New Hope for the next 5 years. All I can say is that it is HUGE. Did I mention it was pretty big?
It is so HUGE that we are changing our next series to reflect the need to talk about all the vision and life change the Lord is calling us to as a ministry. I can tell you that what we feel led to do is rare and it is only by the hand of God will we be able to accomplish it. But then again…what other vision would you want to follow after? Stay tuned for some of the details.
We will be having a NH Pastor’s retreat this week to put shape on the whole thing and to assess, strategize, pray and fellowship as a group of Pator’s dedicated to our God, our families, each other and this mission. Pray for our time Wednesday-Thursday if you could…
Also…just a little heads up on something else HUGE…Mark Batterson is considering joining us for our Big Church, Small Town conference this fall. Man…that would be way cool. Still kicking around a name…ANY SUGGESTIONS? I have considered re:gurge (but that is kind of gross). Leave comments if you have a cool name and if we use it…I will send you an amazing gift. NO, really…I will…if you come up with the winning name.
i pray blessings and peace to you all this week.
What is your goal or purpose of the conference?
Great Question…we are still developing all the themes with people like you and our speakers, but the goals are:1) Being in a small town with a small budget is no excuse to do ministry with creativity and excellence.2) The church is not just having a great service. It’s also about being missional. But it’s not just about being missional, it’s about a great service too…you know that whole tension.3) Teaching practical hands-on tools for people in ministry. How to really do what many churches want to do with little money.4) Leadership5) And other great topics that will be named as we develop the content.Hope that helps a bit…
Wide range of topics, but I’ll do my best.I’m still thinking, but are my first thoughts/suggestions…Since has Mark has agreed to speak you could help him sell some books with some thing like…- Chase [or catch] A Lion- How to Catch A Lion – Chase the Goose- Wild Goose Chasemore suggestions to come…