I would like to thank Vance Pitman for the work he did putting together this year’s Pastor’s Conference. Originally, we were going to be part of the promotion for this event, but after all the controversy about Jamar Jones and TD Jakes, which we participated in here, we did not continue that partnership.
And some of our contributors and commenters were dissatisfied with some of the choices made about speakers.
But I wish to express my opinion that the Conference was one of the best managed I have seen and that it was, at least to me, encouraging and uplifting. I did not get to hear every speaker (did anyone listen to all 13?). But what I heard was great.
1) The Music was MAGNIFICENT
I am guessing that the style may not have been everyone’s cup of tea, but it was mine. It was worth the travel costs and difficulties just to hear the song, “Sunday Morning” that was sung just before Louis Giglio spoke – one of the most moving worship moments I can remember. The praise team from Pitman’s church was beyond belief.
2) The Preaching was great
Okay, some lit my fire and punched my buttons more than others. But I chatted with one blogger in the food court and found it interesting that the sermons he like most were the ones that did the least for me and vice-versa. I think that no matter who you were, there was something to encourage you.
Honestly, if you are going to buy one CD (or DVD) of the conference, get Louis Giglio’s. He is deep, entertaining, moving.
3) The Theme was inspirational
Aspire to preach the gospel where no one has heard. It was nice that this was not a pro-GCR cheerleading rally or some other agenda. Go where they have not heard. Missions. Church planting. Aspire. Good stuff.
The idea of getting sponsors for the conference so the offerings could be given to missions was also good.
I could write a post saying what I wish were different, but I agree with one comment made by Rick Warren last night. Variety is essential among Southern Baptists. If we do not have and allow variety, we will die. Conformity of style, program and culture will stifle the work of God. I am not Vance Pitman. It was not his job to please me with his choices.
But it was a spiritual uplift for my wife and I. Great music. Biblical preaching. Wonderful organization.
As someone who was involved in criticizing one choice Vance Pitman made, I wish to say thank you to him for a job well done. You blessed Jenni and I.
