After having blogged about the LeadNOW 2008 conference in November, and wondering whether or not it would be a bunch of guys with new marketing schemes, brighter lights, newer toys, etc. "all in the name of Jesus".....I have to say I could not have been more impressed with some of the pastors and leaders at the conference.
This was my first time to hear anything by Francis Chan. Doug Whitaker had told me a little about his vision and his ministry in CA, wanting to build an amphitheater as opposed to a multi-million dollar facility for his church to meet at and worship. He was very impressive and greatly challenged myself and many of our leaders at hpbc.org to consider what it means to be a sold out follower of Christ.
Todd Wagner from Watermark Community Church was also very motivational, inspiring, and direct (as always) about how to live authentic lives in a Christ centered community. Many of our conversations in the ministry over the last month have come back to the question of authenticity, accountability, community, and living lives that are following hard after God! Thanks Todd.
Also Matt Chandler from The Village Church in Dallas was quite challenging. If you haven’t heard Chandler speak you ought to check him out. Although I’ve never met the guy, since he spent several years in Abilene doing ministry I have some feeling of “empathy” with/for him, as one who grew up in Abilene, TX for 18 years! I keep wanting to write a slow, sad, country song entitled, “18 Years in Abilene” but it just hasn’t happened yet…Chandler has an incredibly accurate perspective on life, culture, and living out our faith.
A few other guys I enjoyed getting to hear for the first time included Todd Phillips, Patrick Ryan Clark, and Brickhouse Choir.
Thanks Rightnow Campaign for putting on a great conference and for challenging Christian leaders to follow hard after God! Looking forward to LeadNOW 2009.
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