Reflections from the National Pastors Conference

I spent last week at the every-other-year pastors' conference for all the Vineyard churches, held this year in Galveston, Texas, which not that long ago got creamed by a hurricane and which is still working hard to turn itself back into a welcoming tourist destination and port. It is a precious thing to be able to have a whole week with other pastors and leaders and spouses that are often only email and Facebook companions. I doubt I was the only one who felt like I talked nonstop for days without pausing to breathe.

One of the many highlights was the morning that our beautiful Rebeca Alvarez co-led worship and then Cherith Fee Nordling gave a stunning talk on suffering which is a must-hear. She challenged us as a movement to stop sidestepping death, face up to the inevitability of humiliation, and care more for the Father's agenda than whether people like who I am or what I say. This was not just a really good talk; it had the impact of a word from God for us.

I encourage you to listen to this talk online and then reply to this blog. What stood out to you? How do you respond to what she was saying to us?