It's been a traveling week. Monday - Friday was Louisville, Kentucky for the North American Christian Convention. Saturday and Sunday was Long Beach for the 30th anniversary of my home congregation - the Los Altos Church of Christ. I must confess...I'm spiritually full :)
In Louisville, I got to catch up with old friends, have my vision expanded, hear some of America's greatest preachers, and see how some of America's greatest church leaders are doing things. Those of you who know me well understand that this is virtually heaven for me.
In addition to Tim Woodruff's tremendous session on preaching, two of my buddies get hyper-kudos for hitting the extra-long ball this week:
- Jeff Walling taught a typically awesome 3-day class on church simplicity and discipleship. However, it was his side-busting storytelling class with Wayne Smith and his impromptu session on preaching that were particularly great. When a presenter didn't show up, NACC staff grabbed Jeff and asked him to talk about preaching to a room full of preachers off the cuff. It was terrific.
- The sermon of the week had to go to Matt Proctor (President of Ozark Christian College). It was bible-based, humorous, substantive...and homiletically tight. Matt is not only a great guy and a father of six...he made us all want to be better preachers with that one.
Next year's convention will be in Indianapolis. Can't wait.
This week, North County starts a new sermon series from Joshua entitled, Stand and Shout. I've never preached through Joshua, but am really looking forward to it. I get to kick it off this coming Sunday. Hope to see you at 9 or 10:30 in English or 10:30 en Espanol.
I love these verses:
This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:8-9
If you don't want to preach on a passage like that...turn in your preacher card :)
