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Reflections From Exponential '09

I got home last night from Exponential, the National New Church Conference in Orlando, FL. It was the biggest crowd ever, probably in the 2,000 range. There were more church planting resources and organizations there than I've ever seen in my entire life. Ed Stetzer was right when he wrote about energy and enthusiasm surrounding church planting in North America. It truly is at an unprecedented high! The conference was a huge success in everyway. Congratulations to Todd Wilson and crew for an exceptional line up of speakers and a phenomenal event.

I'm very encouraged that so many denominations and churches are so passionate about church planting. More churches are being planted every year in the U.S. than probably ever before. There is a lot to be grateful for. There are more resources available today than ever before. There's no excuse for someone not educating themself thoroughly before planting. There are more coaching organizations than ever before - everyone eager to provide coaching to church planters. How can anyone not have dramatic success?

Francis Chan brought it all home at the end reminding us that this is really a work of God and we must be utterly dependent upon Him. A huge thank you to everyone who made this an incredible experience.

2008 Was The Year That Man-Made Global Warming Was Disproved

Being a pilot and having an avid interest in meterology, I have been following the politically charged theories about man-made global warming for some time. The following article helps everyone see how we have been suckered by the polititians to believe something that is totally unscientific. Click here.

I'm also happy to see my good friend Ed Stetzer speaking up about this as well, see his "tweet" today @edstetzer.

Exponential: The National New Church Conference

I fly out early Monday morning for Orlando to be at Exponential. I hope you will be with us. This is the largest gathering of church planting leaders in North America. We are also working to schedule our next Essentials Training here in Houston for June. I'll have more details soon.

Church Planting can be very lonely and discouraging. Let me encourage you to work at staying connected to other planters, coaches, mentors, and advisors. Don't let yourself become isolated. It can happen before you know it. Isolation is the first step down a bad road. Stay connected and work to keep your heart encouraged.

Jesus Blood Never Failed Me Yet

Gavin Bryars composed this orchestral arrangement for the voice of a hobo singing, in London in 1971. His friend was making a movie about down and out sort of people, many who would break into drunken song while they were filming them. This particular man was not drunk. Later..."When I copied the loop onto the continuous reel in Leicester, I left the door of the recording studio open (it opened onto one of the large painting studios) while I went to get a cup of coffee. When I came back I found the normally lively room unnaturally subdued. People were moving about much more slowly than usual, and a few were sitting alone, quietly weeping. I was puzzled until I realized that the tape was still playing and that they had been overcome by the old man's unaccompained singing."