Friday Five: Great Week

I had a blast at Exponential in Orlando! So thankful for Captain Senesi and our convention for making it possible for poor church planters to attend.  I'm walking away with so much and I will write more as I process, but here are five big takeways that are front and center:

1. Tim Keller on Romans 1:16-17 - "Paul is not saying the gospel produces power. He says the gospel IS the power of God in verbal form. Do we believe that?"
   • Do I secretly believe that movement is up to me?
2. Neil Cole on multiplication - "Multiplication starts at the smallest level.  If you can't reproduce disciples, then you can't reproduce leaders, churches, networks, or anything else."
   • Am I personally involved in disciple-making?
3. Andy Stanley on making vision stick - "Stories do more to clarify the vision than anything else. People need living illustrations."
   • Are there stories to tell and am I telling them well?
4. Alan Hirsch on Missio Dei (The missionary God) - "God is at work in every person calling them to Himself in and through Jesus Christ. I do not bring God to people - He's already there."
   • Do I believe that God is already at work in the heart of the stripper, the addict, the abuser, the broken, the scared, the wounded, the sick, and the gangbanger?
5. Alan Hirsch on potential - "Every Christian has within them the potential for global transformation."
   • Do I believe this about me? Do I believe it about the people that are already a part of what God has called us to do in Columbia? Am I releasing people or restraining people?

Bigger than all these, I am back home in Columbia with tremendous HOPE - hope for our city, hope for our state, hope for our nation, and hope for our world.  My hope is founded in the power of the gospel, the missionary activity of God, and the invitation to the people of God to join Him in what He is doing.

And, I am beyond thankful to be on this journey with the men I was able to spend the week with. Senesi, Plyler, Ruppe, McGlohon, Willis & the Midtown crew, Bishop, Morris, Barrineau, Browning, Martin & the Bluffton crew, Thompson, Mitchell...I love you guys and it's an honor to lock arms with you. 

Comments

[AdamF]

Jay, it was great to see you in Orlando. If your into Mission Dei, then you need to read "Transforming Mission" by David Bosch. It's one of the best books I've ever read, especially on the subject. Also, anything Darrell Guder will really push you to think hard. See you soon!

[boyd bettis]

Jay,

Thanks for taking notes man! these little nuggets of quotes are very helpful and challenging.

looking forward to next month at wibo to hang out some.

bb

[jay hardwick]

adam - great to see you as well. thanks to you and rich for the giordano's recommendation...it was a hit with our whole crew! thanks, too, for the book recommendations!

boyd - glad to know the notes were helpful! looking forward to seeing you in a couple of weeks.