Shepherds' Conference

Some have wondered why I have not reviewed my first experience at the Shepherds' Conference. It was an amazing week that could comprise a month full of entries. However, I thought I would list the things that struck me the most from the week:

1. My amazing wife.

Not even 12 hours into the trip, my wife was battling a flu bug (and the subsiquent mess) in our oldest daughter. Not only did she deal with our ill child (at 2 am), but she cleaned everything up and cared for her through the rest of the night. Needless to say, she had a very long first night of what she knew was going to be a challenging week. Yet she did it, believing that I would benefit greatly from the trip.

2. Family

I can't give enough thank you's to those who helped by watching kids, driving up to our house, making dinners and providing piggy back rides for our kids while I was away. The way family and our church body supported Charity was a blessing for me, from many miles away.

3. Friends

The trip would not have been the same without Tim, David, Matt and Kelly. Not only are these brothers a tremendous support, they have quickly become good friends (not so quickly with Matt, we've been friends since high school) and are the kind of men a soldier needs supporting him in the battle field. It is a privilege to lock arms with these guys. (Incidently, this trip would not have been remotely possible if not for the generous financial support from these brothers!)

4. One Wise Brother

I had the privilege of gleaning wisdom from a man I had never before met. David encouraged a meeting with this brother, who guided us both through his thoughts on faithful ministry in the midst of a pragmatic culture. He provided much food for thought and was very candid. This alone, may have done the most to reinvigorate me as to the need for Biblical exposition. Personally, unbeknownst to him, he gave me some terrific personal advice. (Which I'll be sharing in my next post.)

5. The Main Sessions

No speaker disappointed, though some stood out more than others. Perhaps later, I'll review the messages, presenting my thoughts on their content as well as my impressions. But for now, you can find a review here. All I will say for now is that the preaching was truly refreshing. (Of course, it probably didn't hurt that it typically followed an insane amount of special music, making even the musings of Gilbert Godfrey seem soothing.)

6. Fellow GBC Shepherds

Though the food was the worst of the week (Denny's), the company was outstanding. Nearly 15 Grace Brethern men gathered together to discuss the conference, our ministries and our love for the Grace Brethren Fellowship. It's good to know there are like minded men throughout the country, even if some are considered "flaky whackballs."

7. Books.

Read here.

8. Shepherds' Soapbox

Apparently, this was a first. From the response, I assume it's not the last. After the very last session, the speakers were spread out among the Grace Community campus. Each was then interviewed by a host. This segment was not recorded so the speakers could be a lot more personal, candid (and funny). I'd tell you what Mark Dever had to say, but I'd have to kill you.

9. Seminars

I enjoyed a very enlightening children's ministry seminar, and was enjoying an amazing seminar by Phil Johnson when my cell phone called me out of the room. (At least it was worthwhile, an invitation to be on a panel to discuss the emerging church. [Tongue planted firmly in cheek as I realize I gave up the chance to finish hearing Johnson speak on Calvinism so I could say yes to being executed in front of my district!])

10. In-n-Out

That's not a typo. Though it may possibly be the best option ever for cattle placed between wheat, it paled in comparrison to the other ways which blessed my socks off during the week.

[Not making the list: an encounter with a man named Chris, flying first class on the way out, being told "go back to work, Daddy" by my son when I first arrived home.]