RightNow Conference

I attended another conference today.

I thought I’d post some of the better quotes and ideas from it.  I will probably write more on some of the ideas given at this conference, but it was well worth the drive to Detroit.  So without further ado:

Francis Chan

Topics:  Leading with Grace, Walking as Jesus Walked, Being Restored When We are Down.

Francis Chan is not afraid to speak things as he sees them.  I appreciate this about Chan only because he speaks about his personal struggles as well.  I believe that we give ourselves the green light to speak about harder topics when we ourselves choose to be transparent with our audience or sphere of influence.  Chan opened with a discussion on what a daunting task advancing the gospel can be.  He has struggled with this himself even recently as he almost left his home church in California.  He admitted of growing tired of the complaints and adversities that come along with working in the church.  However, he sighted 1 Peter 4:12-19 as a source for his renewal.

“Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed.”

I really enjoyed the encouragement through the text that was given from Chan, and it challenged me to remember that all over the world brothers and sisters in Christ are suffering for the sake of the gospel.  My journey has really just started, but there are good days and bad days even now.  This may be somewhat sick, but seeing a guy I respect like Chan still struggling through this, helped me see that we are all in this for the same cause and that cause is not easy:  “Advancing the Gospel!”  The Lord calls us all to this gut-wrenching and very rewarding mission that I’m honored to be a part of.

Donald Miller

Topics:  The Mentoring Project - http://www.thementoringproject.org

Donald Miller discussed some of the issues we face today as the church.  One of our calls is to engage fatherless families with love and the gospel.  This ministry is very near and dear to my heart, and it’s definitely worth checking out.  Don’s writings and discussions on growing up fatherless have really helped me put words to my emotions and struggles over the years.

Here are some statistics on “Fatherless Boys” he gave:

94% of prisoners are male
85% of those males are fatherless
70% more likely to commit suicide or drop out of school, then kids with fathers at home

*One quote on “sin” that I liked was that sin “kidnapped us from our Father and we have been brought back through Jesus Christ.”  I don’t always agree with Don’s writings, but I do appreciate his heart and desire for fatherless boys to know God as their Father.  If you grew up without a father and are struggling through this, I would love the opportunity to speak with you.

Matt Chandler

Topic:  Behavioral Modification vs The Gospel

As usual Matt hit the nail on the head when discussing what the gospel is and isn’t.  There is far too much to write about on his portion of the conference.  I found it interesting to see him go back to something Larry has discussed lately with the 5 C’s, or Moral Therapeutic Deism.  Matt continually brings in to question whether we are preaching and believing the true gospel or if we’re serving a gospel that we’ve just made up.

Quote/Challenge - “Do you really have any affection for Jesus Christ or is this just a niche in your life?”

That Chandler guy, I tell yah.

Overview

The challenge of the RightNow conference was to become a “trader.”  A “trader” is one who exchanges the lifestyle they have always desired for one that God calls them to.  They are people with a common goal that is focused soley on their mission from God.

Count me in as a trader…How about you?