Friends in Ministry

Rocky Mountain Youth Conference

IMG_7078Chris Anderson and I got to share speaking opportunities in Denver at the Rocky Mountain Youth Conference. (Yes, Jack Klem, you can thank me for the free Clearwater advertising in the background of this picture 🙂 I love what you are doing and there is no one I would rather do that for!) Chris recently took the pastorate at Killian Hill Baptist Church in Atlanta—a place where we have a lot of mutual friends. We are so happy for the Andersons and for the folks at Killian Hill.

We shared messages surrounding the theme “In Awe of HIm—the Heart of Worship”. Mike Durrill and Kip Doan did an outstanding job putting on the conference. Paul Ice led the worship time and had the teens singing better than I can ever remember hearing. It was amazing.

The theme was one that Chris and I are very passionate about in our own lives. We see it as core to the purpose of our living. As A.W. Tozer reminds us that our view of God is the most important thing about us. When that is right, everything else will fall into line. It is a simple thought and yet such a profound thought. Young people have so many things that compete for the place of ultimate worship in their hearts.

Whole life worship should be 24/7. My favorite line is from John MacArthur, “True worship is when all that I am responds rightly to all that He is.”

It was great to be out west and renew old friendships—including Steve Hafler who is now pastoring at Highlands Baptist Church. It was also great to get some time with Chris Anderson—another like minded brother. Thank you, Chris!

I would love to connect with you! If you have any questions or would like to connect please use the contact page.

My Visit to Southeastern

This past week business took me to Raleigh, NC where I was able to spend some time with my good friends Ken and Kathy Coley. Ken is a professor at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary in Wake Forest. I was also able to see my nephew Wesley Davey who is enrolled in a Ph.D. program there and who works in an office right across from Ken! Later in the day I was able to spend some time with Southeastern president, Danny Aiken.

It was my first time to be on the campus of Southeastern, but I have followed its history with great interest over the past couple of decades. Robert D. Crowley, my former pastor at Montrose Baptist Church in Rockville, MD, was the chairman of the board during those “resurgence” years (late 80’s and early 90’s). Something happened at Southeastern that many said could never take place. But it did. While Pastor Crowley was always larger than life to me as a boy, he was also a mentor. After this visit I only admire him more.

During my time with Danny Aiken I saw that he is passionate about three things: theology, the church, and missions. These are the the things he likes to talk about. He gave me a copy of his recent book Ten Who Changed the World.

Russell Moore said, “Reading any page in this book can kindle a fire in your bones.” I just started it and it is already doing that in me.

I would love to connect with you! If you have any questions or would like to connect please use the contact page.

Visiting with Rick Holland

This past weekend we had the opportunity to reconnect with our good friend Rick Holland who is now pastor of Mission Road Bible Church in Kansas City, Kansas. This is a healthy, vibrant, and growing church. Rick has also launched a location of The Expositor’s Seminary and plans to train young men in the context of local church ministry.

I would love to connect with you! If you have any questions or would like to connect please use the contact page.

A Visit to Countryside Baptist Church

While in the Kansas City area I visited Countryside Baptist Church in Olathe Kansas and got to spend some time with Pastor Mike Summers. Mike and I have been friends for many years now and it is such an encouragement to see how this ministry has grown and developed under his leadership. One of the most visible things is the number of young people who have a passion for Christ. Many of these have come to Northland and we have been so blessed to have them on our campus!

This weekend they plan to present Journey to Judea. Over the four day period they expect now to host over 5,000 and share the unfolding story of redemption.

I would love to connect with you! If you have any questions or would like to connect please use the contact page.