Another great and full day at Willow. After breakfast a pastor from Soweto lead devotions. He had an amazing story of how God called him into ministry and encouraged to live in the moment, not obsessed with either the past or the future. It has been an amazing privilege to meet with leaders from all over - Sweden, Denmark, Switzerland, France, Germany, Britain, Ireland, South Africa, Brazil, New Zealand, Costa Rica - to name the countries I can remember. Wonderful people with wonderful stories,
From 9am to 3pm Gordon Macdonald lead us. He is a prolific author who really focuses on encouraging pastors to live whole and healthy lives that can be sustained for the long haul. He was candid in his observations and deeply challenging in his encouragement. It was good again to be reminded that the well can too easily run dry in ministry - something I have experienced before and don't want to do again. It was a wonderful session.
Sue Miller then spoke between 3.30-5.30pm on ministry with children and families. She was a bundle of energy, which is good as many of us are getting a little tired. She was at Willow for many years and now is at Northpoint in Atlanta, where Craig, Matt and I will be visiting this weekend. She showed some amazing clips of creative things they have done, and shared a lot of principles that are transferable back home.
We had our meal in the Willow cafeteria and then attended their mid-week service. About 4000 people attend this. It is a very simple format - 30 minutes of worship and about 40 minutes of teaching. Mike Breaux spoke on the Holy Spirit. Lots of Bible, great stories and excellent teaching. He is an incredibly gifted communicator.
Back home now. It is raining and miserable outside. They say it should snow in the next day or so. Can't wait.
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