Underneath the National Pastor's Convention 2008 - 7

After a pair of late and overnight flights (don't you just love sleeping on planes?) I'm home from the NPC. Here are just a few final thoughts:

• As I look back, I'm going to remember that I heard story after story of people who have encountered Jesus - the real deal - and have been healed, transformed, reconciled and FILLED UP.
• This week, through the work I did, through the friendships I made, through the music I heard, sang and cried through, through the powerful words of amazing preachers I experienced healing, reconciliation, transformation – being FILLED UP.
• I can’t adequately explain it, but I left home a week ago one way. I’ve come back and I’m different. Sure there’s emotion attached to it all, but still – God did a number of me this week. I had an encounter with the real deal!

Oh -- and my muscles are really sore, too.

UPDATE: Here are a few pictures from NPC 2008! (And pictures from past events too . . . )

Underneath the National Pastor's Convention 2008 - 6

Deeply touched

Yesterday was about God’s transformational power for me. Today I was deeply touched by so much around me.

Here are two of the most powerful moments:

• Kendall Payne – Sure – she has a beautiful voice and a gift for songwriting. But her song “I Will Show You Love " reached into my soul.
• Ken Medema – He’s been tying things together beautifully after each general session. The song he sang after this morning’s session moved me more than any other this week. Sensing the longing and brokenness that is present in so many of us at this conference, he kept repeating the phrase “I am on your side” (borrowed from Kendall’s song) to describe God’s caring love. There were more than a few tears in the house.
  

Today was also the last day for the stage crew (where I've been 'working' this week) to put free stuff on the seats. We had a particularly short window to get everything accomplished late this afternoon and so we made a plea for help. At least 40 people must've come to our aid and we got everything done in record time. My heart was . . . strangely warmed.

Closing worship tomorrow, followed by intense clean-up and a plane home.

Underneath the National Pastor's Convention 2008 - 5

Transformation.

That's what happened at this convention yesterday.

Things had been going along in a pretty ho-hum fashion for a bit -- though with some uplifting moments (and a few "This is a waste of time" moments too.) But by the end of the day where the underlying theme was Jesus' transformational power, this convention went from ho-hum to WOW! Here are some quick highlight thoughts:

• Shane Claiborne -- hearing about what he's been doing in The Simple Way community is inspiring. But at the same time it's kind of disheartening as I realize I'll never do anything at all like that.
• Brenda Salter McNeil -- This amazing and gifted preacher spoke of God's transformational power as it relates to the woman at the well. It was one of those times where you knew you were hearing a prophet speak.
• House of Blues Gospel Hour. This is the kind of music that makes me jump up, clap my hands, dance, sing and generally look pretty silly. I didn't want the music to end -- even though we went 20-30 minutes long on our evening session!

I'm ready for another great day today.

Underneath the National Pastor's Convention 2008 - 4

Today was a LONG, tiring and refreshing day at the NPC

Here are a few things I remember well:

• Erwin McManus said something exactly like this: "If you're not living with doubt, then you haven't asked deep enough questions."
• Marko gave Elaina (Zondervan cool leader) a hug and they got intertwined with earrings, glasses and Marko's hair. It made me laugh out loud!
• Bob Stromberg made me laugh out loud with a routine I've seen at least 30 times!
• I got to meet several people simply sitting in their seats before general sessions. I loved learning about the ministries they're involved with and was amazed at how loving and friendly all were -- even when we learned what denominations we were from!
• I got to spend a little time with one of the "Bigger loser than Marko" contestants. It was great to meet you in person, Jim!

Tomorrow is the earliest day -- right after the latest night!

Underneath the National Pastor's Convention 2008 - 3

The stage setup is almost complete! A little more this morning and then we begin! Our main stage team will spend most of the morning putting a bunch of free books etc. on the seats for the first main session.

Here are a couple of sideline highlights for me from our last full day of setup for the NPC

• Relationship time -- I got to hear the stories of quite a few folks I'm working with this year. I've been moved and uplifted hearing about their journeys.
• I had a fun conversation with Bob Stromberg. He's going to be a great host!
• Dinner (and a t-shirt!) at In N Out Burger. I went for the smallest item on the menu and didn't finish everything -- yet I filled up fine. (14.5 pounds down and still shrinking!)

Let the fun begin today!

Underneath the National Pastor's Convention 2008 - 2

Today was a "Start getting the store ready" day. In the process I found a few great convention nuggets

• This year's convention bags have a trial issue of COLLIDE magazine inside. I read through the issue and loved it! It's not a "How to" magazine -- it's a conversation about media and the church. I'm going to subscribe tonight!
• The bookstore is offering almost everything at 50% off to convention attendees. That is unbelievably amazing!
• This year's main stage setup is pretty nifty -- not super involved from a setup standpoint -- but nifty!

Tomorrow we start moving the heavy stage equipment.

Underneath the National Pastor's Convention 2008 - 1

I'm at the Town and Country Resort in sunny (well, today at least!) San Diego for the 2008 National Pastor's Convention. I've been a part of several National Youthworkers Conventions over the years (and one NPC) and this year I'm working on the main stage team -- helping to set up and put on the convention. Sure, I miss a lot of the smaller sessions, but I've found that for me, this way to experience the convention is the most refreshing. I'll post a few times about whatever's running through my head as we start putting this shindig together!

Here's what I'm particulary stoked about this year

Speakers
NT Wright
Phyllis Tickle
Shane Claiborne
Jim Wallis
Mark Yaconelli

Music
Ken Medema

I'm sure I'll have other favorites as the week gets moving!

Hey! My friend Mateen (who used to be in Warrenville) is a speaker, too!