One Week in Chicago
I’m sitting in a room in a Chicago church with 75 pastors from all over the world. It’s incredible! I just had lunch with five pastors from South Africa, sharing stories about the spiritual climate of each of our countries. I am getting an up close picture of a God who so loved the WORLD that he gave his only son, that whoever believes in him will not die but have everlasting life.
We live in a big world with an even bigger God. And when it comes right down to it, God has invited you and me to be a part of seeing that world respond to the Gospel. That’s what excites me about the church. That’s why I believe in the local church. That’s why I am so glad God has invited me to help lead the family at Kelowna Gospel Fellowship.
The Leadership Center / Willow Creek Canada has invited 10 young pastors to join this Prevailing Church Conference at Willow Creek Church in Chicago. A donor paid our registration, and I am so grateful that KGF covered my flight to get here. I’m staying with a great family from the church, and immersing myself in a week of incredible, hands on learning.The timing couldn’t be better. It’s been two years since I finished my Masters. Since then I began working at KGF as Senior Pastor, and have a whole new set of questions. As I’ve sought to pour out into others, I know I need time to be poured back into. That’s what makes this week such a gift for me.
Our speakers are from within and beyond Willow Creek, and include topics such as community care in a church, operations & finances, self-leadership, youth & family ministry, worship services and church management. I’m also excited to spend a whole day with Bill Hybels, senior pastor at Willow Creek, and author of more than 20 books. Hybels has had a big impact on my life through the years, and it is a great chance to ask questions in this intimate setting.
Appreciate your prayers for my time here, that God would refresh my soul and speak into my life, both personally and for the church I get to be a part of. See you soon!