Still at the SBC

It’s hard to believe that I’ve been here a week.  I really don’t want this blog to become a travel-log…but I want to share what’s on my heart and I’ve been here since last Wednesday so I’ve been thinking about this a lot.

Resolutions:  We presented our resolutions today and they were well-received by the “messengers” (SBC calls them messengers and not delegates).  The Resolutions are online and you can read them in their entirety—and, I’d recommend you do that and not just read the summaries that will be given in some news outlets! Here they are: 

http://www.sbc.net/resolutions/AMResSearchYear.asp?SearchBy=Year&frmData=2009&Search2=Search

GCR: It seemed that the focus of the SBC was the call for a “Great Commission Resurgence.”  You can see (and sign) the guiding document at  http://www.greatcommissionresurgence.com  This document has helped to focus a movement that is issuing a call to Southern Baptists.

The convention is over now and we all head out in the morning (finally)!  While we travel, join us in praying for our Sr. High Choir (Vertical Generation). They are in Baltimore this week supporting Aaron & Malita Pankey and their church-planting efforts.  Why not stop and pray for them right now?

What’s this blog about?

There are so many good people writing blogs that I gave up trying to keep up. But a lot of folks are pushing me to carve out some time to blog…so, here I am!

I’m not comfortable writing like I’m some guru that can deliver the spiritual or intellectual vitamin you need every day. I would like to present some random stuff about our lives and open up our lives to share what God is doing to remind us of our Identity in Christ.

So…this blog will not take the same approach every time. At this point I’m just trying to learn how and I’ve been encouraged by the large volume of hits in these first few days.

A few minutes ago I talked with my friend Randall James–he is an Associate Pastor at the FBC Orlando.  Randall’s been battling cancer for over 23 years.  He’s had some problems recently but his comment to me was…everything that touches me is “Father-filtered.” His confidence in God was a fresh reminder of our Identity in Christ.

Talking to Randall was great encouragement and we just recieved great news that Katy arrived safely in the Middle East.  She’s staying with a friend until she can find more permanent housing.  Thanks for praying for her yesterday.

Happy Father’s Day

We worshiped this morning at the East Campus of the Highview Baptist Church in Louisville. We’ve learned a lot from Highview.  While we were praying through our vision for a second campus, we discovered their model and ran to Louisville to talk about it.  But we discovered more than a model—we made some great friends! 

Dr. Kevin Ezell is the Sr. Pastor at Highview and he is an authentic humble man of God.  His easy going (and funny) manner makes him easy to love.  Kevin is a great leader of leaders and weekly pours out his life to serve the campus pastors (7 campuses) and teaching pastors on the Highview team.  http://www.highviewbaptist.org

Highview has entered into partnership with our son Josh and his church-plant in Boise, ID.  They are part of his regular support team and we are grateful for their investment.

But, the big event of the day is (our daughter) Katy’s departure for the Middle East.  It’s been fun having her around for the last few months. She is boarding a plane right now with a strategic plan and a heart full of dreams.

Consider this….

We’ve been reading Keller’s book, The Prodigal God .  Wow!  It has reminded me of Identity truths that God hammered me with years ago.  Every time I think I understand my Identity in Christ, God reminds me of more ways that I don’t!

It has also reminded me that I don’t preach it often enough and clearly enough.  Big time conviction!

I probably shouldn’t tell you about this book because I think I see a series based on Luke 15 on the horizon.  If you remember this post, and make the connection, remember we are preaching Bible truths and not just copying Keller!

Get the book!  It’s worth the read!

Early meetings in Louisville

The Southern Baptist Convention is next week and I am serving on the Resolutions Committee. So, I had to arrive in Louisville on Wednesday to start work on Thursday morning. By charter, we cannot talk about the work outside of the committee meetings but I have enjoyed being locked up with some great folks from around the country.

Tonight, I am going to dinner with Jeremy and Christina, students at Southern Seminary. I’ve known Jeremy since he was little boy and his Dad (Terry) joined our staff in Virginia.

Tomorrow, everything changes because KK arrives at about noon! Can’t wait to see her!