conference x2

two conferences in two weeks... usually not recommended. but this time it was a huge blessing! gonna try and articulate what i gained from each...

josiah venture fall conference 2012
"search and rescue"
this years fall conference focused on evangelism and God as The Divine Seeker. we can find many examples of this from Scripture. God sought out Adam and Eve at the fruit in the garden (Genesis 3:9). He is the Good Shepherd  (John 10:1-18) who goes after His lost sheep (Luke 15:1-7). He is a Father who runs out to His lost son (Luke 15:11-32). He is the Father that sent His Son (John 3:16-17) to "seek and save" those who are lost (Luke 19:10). the list goes on... He seeks us. Not the other way around (Psalm 14:2-3, 53:2-3; Romans 3:10-12). if we seek after God, it is only because He first sought after us! He is always the Initiator (1 John 4:19). What a beautiful picture of who God is!
this foundational truth of God has gradually shifted my perspective in evangelism. i used to think that i am making something happen when i evangelize; but in reality, i am only stepping into a bigger story of God drawing men to Himself. i can play a small (and very important) role in that story. but in order to play that role i must first acknowledge that i am not the seeker. God is. this basic truth sets me free and also challenges me to share the Gospel wherever i am. this may mean talking with strangers on the streets, or it may mean sharing the Best News with people that God has already put in my life. at conference i was challenged to notice the people that God brings across my path and some practical ways to share the Gospel with them. i cannot save them, i can only point to what Jesus has done to save them. when i fill my role, i can stand by and watch how God draws men to Himself. what a beautiful privilege!


m4
discipling a whole europe

before i left for jv conference, one of the leaders in our church asked me to come with him to m4. this is a church planting network out of norway that focuses on facilitating learning communities for new churches and church plant teams. they meet quarterly for prayer, teaching, sharing of ideas and to check-in on goals that have been set in previous meetings. over the two days, i saw God working in ways that i had never experienced before. i saw God answering prayers instantly. i was most encouraged by seeing my norwegian brothers passion for Jesus and His Church. their faith was contagious! our team left the conference with clear "next steps" and direction for our church. it was an awesome two days! you can read more about m4 here.