Exponential Conference Resources

We sent some our East Campus launch staff to the Exponential Conference last week.  I could feel the buzz from Orlando all the way up here in Chicago.

Doug Gamble gave us an update in staff meeting yesterday and I’m trying to figure out how we can send a leadership group next year.  It was inspiring to hear Doug describe the energy from a movement that is growing (and growing exponentially!) to launch new churches and new campuses of existing churches.

Suncrest actually hosted this conference 4 years ago and had a few hundred people here.  This year…2800!

One of the things I’m most proud of from guys/leaders in my generation is that it seems there is a real spirit of sharing as many resources as possible with one another for as cheaply as possible.  Much of it is even open-sourced for free.  People could get rich off selling this stuff if they wanted to, but they don’t.  They want to share what they are learning and developing with as many people as possible so all churches and leaders will benefit.

In addition to being free, these leaders teach both formally in leading conference sessions, but are also willing to be informal and candid behind the scenes.  The authenticity is powerful.  Below is a link from Dave Ferguson’s blog with some of that FREE video.

Click here for links to some really candid interviews with leaders in the church planting world.

 

On the road again

This week has felt like a month to me.  I had lunch with Jenny, Jack, and Abby Sunday after church and then headed for the airport. 

On Monday, I was with our church plant in Boston to meet with their management team and I just have to tell you how incredible this church is.  They set new attendance records every week.  They had a higher attendance on Sunday than they even did on Easter…317 people!  What they are doing is unheard of in urban church planting circles.  Your generosity has made this possible.  Most of you know our church “tithes” 10% to give to causes beyond ourselves and out of that we have committed $50,000 over 5 years to launch this church.  God is using your gifts here…and beyond.

On Tuesday, I was in the office and had my usual Tuesday of meetings before heading out to coach Jack’s first soccer practice.  That was a blast!

On Wednesday I was in Dallas (where I’m typing this from here Friday morning) for an opportunity I don’t deserve.  I was invited to gather with 12 pastors from around the country who are (1) leading large churches and (2) are under a certain age.  It’s called Next Generation Leadership Community and is hosted by Leadership Network.  It was 48 hours of insightful and challenging conversations.  I’ll reflect more on it over the next couple weeks here if you want details.

The best part and worse part of my trip – I left my cell phone in my car at Midway!!!  It was a sick feeling for the first few hours, but I have actually quite enjoyed it.  Since I am experiencing some signs of withdrawal at this stage, I’ll be glad to get it this afternoon when I land back in Chicago.

A quiet entrance to blogging

I’m giving in to the pressure…to begin blogging.  But I’m not announcing it.  I probably will at some stage, but I first need to see how it really will go and if I actually do it with consistency.

 A lot of people have suggestted I do it…as a way to stay connected with Suncrest (as it grows), other leaders (as we collaborate). 

Some friends and family can stay in touch better too. 

So, we’ll see…