Willow Creek Summit

I, much like my friend Matt at Incarnational Ortho, went to the Willowship conference this past week. Though I've only been to one in my life, I was really skeptical going into this conference (with a name like Rick Warren on the bill how can you not be skeptical). I am glad to say that I was really surprised. From what I've seen for myself and heard from Summit veterans, the press was always on leadership and corporations-BOO. This year there was a huge emphasis on social causes and issues-Yeah!!! Even Rick Warren chimed in with a "shame on the church for not recognizing the AIDS epidemic in Africa". Although one of the many skits that Willow is known for did say (tongue in cheek), "AIDS in Africa, let Bono worry about it".
I really appreciated a lot of what was said at this conference. It was very refreshing to finally hear the church saying that we need to be involved in the world outside of it's walls. Very encouraging.
The only bad thing was I felt like Hybels was giving some "pointers" for pastors to strive and survive whent they are hurting...but all of his pointers were more aimed at mega church pastors rather than the small church guy.

Just what I observed. I heard a lot of things that the church has needed to hear for years now, and I heard other things that I didn't agree with...oh yeah, and I slept through the guy from South Africa. His speech pattern was so rhythmic.

see you soon,
ron