Hanging in Portland
We braved the northwest deluge and buzzed down Interstate 5 to spend a few days in Portland. I am enjoying the generous hospitality of the Luis Palau Association in the company of my buddy, the most bodacious worship pastor, Matt Unruh. We are participating in the Innovative Evangelism conference sponsored by the Next Generation Alliance. If you are inclined, you can check it out here.
I am struck by four things. Actually, I am struck by a bunch of things but I will give you four.
Firstly, the practice of honouring the featured leaders. In the varied introductions for artists, speakers, leaders who are doing their thing on stage, there is a note of affirmation. The M.C. takes the time to esteem, affirm, and bless the leader they are introducing, interviewing, or preceding. This simple yet profound practice of taking the time to esteem a fellow worker and to speak blessing on them and pray for them is very cool. It embodies the Scripture, “Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honour one another above yourselves” (Romans 12:10). It also gives credence to the conference tag line: “proclaiming Christ as one.”
Secondly, I’ve noted the beauty of diversity expressed in unity. There is a rich diversity of cultures, ethnicties, and target demographics; yet, there is a unifying purpose. We had dinner with a couple from Ethiopia who are engaged in ministry to the Arabic world. We had breakfast with a Scottish couple getting ready to move stateside. There are surf dude evangelists, missionaries targeting the global snowboarding tribes, and a woman from England who has designed a 12-week course for skateboarders at the conference. There are different lands and languages represented. In all this diversity, there is common ground. The unifying purpose and each expression and endeavour is to present the message of Jesus and introduce people to Jesus. Paul puts it this way: “I have become all things to all men so that by all possible means I might save some” (1 Corinthians 9:22).
Thirdly, the tenacity and passion of Luis Palau. I first heard Palau preach about thirty years ago. Luis was hugely influential as God’s call to ministry began to crystallize in my life. He is still going strong, committed to the gospel and dreaming big dreams for God. He still has fire in his bones and a desire to reach the masses across the nations for Jesus. I have enjoyed being challenged and inspired by this faithful gospel warrior’s messages at the conference.
Fourthly, I am left with lingering challenge of how I steward the good news of Jesus. I have been challenged afresh to faithfully discharge the gospel.
“But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry.” (2 Timothy 4:5)
‘Nuff said,
blessings on yer cranium
Bill
