This year has been a good and busy year for ministry. I have probably been to more conferences and involved in more learning cohorts than I have my whole ministry career. When describing what is witnessed in these meetings, a lot of people like to use the term, “drinking from a fire hose.” In other words, there is so much to learn and take in that you cannot possibly grasp it all. These meetings are filled with early mornings and late nights, you have to do your best to make each one beneficial. With all the travel and new places to see and people to meet, these are some of the best times for me.
With that said, there is a way that I have mastered to benefit from every gathering. The secret I’ve learned is to be realistic about what it is that you are learning. You can’t use it all. At the end of the day, it’s still the Lord’s work and He makes it all happen. Then, take whatever it is that resonates deeply with you and speaks directly to your context. This way you prevent brain overload. One of the things that God uses most is your personality and how you are wired. He gave you something special that no one else has… you. Learn yourself before you learn anything else. That’s the secret to attending conferences and learning cohorts.
From church planting to multi-ethnic church, this year has been an exciting one for learning and teaching. With all the people travel involved, I’m grateful for one conference in particular. In April of this year I had the opportunity of attending the Day of Peace at San Quentin State Prison. This is a conference that is conceived, planned and carried out by the inmates. I was invited by two of the men in my TUMI class (Ray and Steve) and worked as a volunteer at the event. This meeting unlike others. I walked the yard of the prison with my brothers meeting new people and sharing stories. There I was able to get a glimpse of the future of urban church planting. I was able to meet with brothers that God has called, gifted and trained to be future church leaders. I’ll never forget that day… It was like drinking from a fire hose. Now I wait patiently for the return home of these soldiers.