Today was the first day of the 2010 EFCA Leadership Conference, at least the first day for me. Even though I’m a Buckeye by birth, it’s been a few years since I navigated downtown Columbus. So with the GPS on my cell phone navigating me I was able to get down to the Convention Center without any trouble.
After checking in I grabbed my seat for this year’s Forum on Expository Preaching. Dr. Tom Nelson first took us through Joshua 1:6-9. The obvious challenge from these verses is “be strong and courageous” but what does this really mean for us? Dr. Nelson reminded us with a variety of illustrations that we are now living in the “new normal” world. This was the world that Joshua was living in post-Moses, and this is the world we live in today, a world filled with fear.
But should we be afraid? No, not if do not turn to the right or to the left from God’s Word, for God’s Word when it’s obeyed builds courage in those who trust Him. The question we need to come to grips with is whether or not we will remain faithful in the places where God has put us?
An hour and a half was plenty to time to grab some lunch, to do some networking, and to stop by a number of information booths. I was pleased with many of the freebies being handed out including T.J. Addington’s book from NavPress, Leading from the Sandbox. Then it was back to the meeting room for the second half of the Forum.
Dr. Nelson pointed us to the New Testament and to a familiar passage of Scripture, one he warned might be too familiar to some. Dr. Nelson referred to Matthew 11:25-30 as “The Great Invitation.” In these verse we were challenged to rethink what it was that Jesus was inviting his hears to. Certainly Jesus isn’t calling us to “chill out” with him.
Jesus of Nazareth, the carpenter’s son invites us to throw off the yoke of religiosity and take his custom yoke upon our necks. His yoke might feel restrictive at first while we are still convinced that our own way is best. But as he shows us the better and causes us to cease from trying harder, that yoke of discipleship brings the transformation he promises. Lest we forget the extent of Jesus’ invitation, Dr. Nelson pointed us back to that word “all” which ought to be reflected in our churches and in our evangelism.
Were the Forum the the only event on the schedule I would have been satisfied that it alone was worth the price of admission. Throw in another freebie book, Dr. Nelson’s own Ekklesia: Rediscovering God’s Design for the Church from Cross Training Publishing and it sweetened the deal. But as every good pitch man will tell you, wait, there’s more!
After perusing some more exhibits and the NextStep Resources book table it was time to file into Battelle Hall for the Worship Service. The blend of old and new music was near perfect thanks to the band (led by a former member of PFR). Then some exciting news about not one but two church plants happening in the near future in Columbus, and a high school group who put everyone to shame for having run (yes, by foot) from Minneapolis to the conference site. This was no mere athletic feat (no pun intended), every mile was bathed in prayer.
Then EFCA President Dr. William (Bill) Hamel took the microphone (two actually). Taking us to Romans 1 and verses 16 and 17 in particular we were challenged to come back to the gospel. This gospel-centered attitude is no evangelical fad, it’s the power of God for salvation for everyone who believes. Amens peppered the audience; we who listened knew Dr. Hamel was hitting the nail on the proverbial head.
The session ended with some more great worship which unfortunately had to come to an end. I suppose we had to eat eventually. For me it meant calling it a day so I could could enjoy a meal with my in-laws. Sorry, no leftovers to share.
Wednesday will bring a new day. To some I will see you there, to others you’ll have to wade through tomorrow’s summary. That is unless I return too exhausted from the day’s events.
