I Hate Texas.

Seven Mile Road, do you want to know how much I love you? I’m about to willfully spend 3 nights and 3 days in enemy territory for you. On Wednesday night, I will fly south to the country of Texas and spend the next few days rubbing shoulders with pastors and ministry leaders from around the world. I’m attending the Verge Conference, which is being held in Austin, and is designed to help churches strengthen and mature their missional communities.

I have sort of a love-hate relationship with this trip. Here are three reasons for both:

Love

1. It’s like an annual physical. We as a church have made great progress in living missionally. A few years ago, as we began the conversation of changing our smaller communities from Soulcare groups to GCMs, our primary intention was for it to help us live out the gospel in the world. By God’s grace, we’re watching that slowly begin to happen. But as our ship changes direction and sets its course, I’m glad to have the opportunity to step back and consider the overall health and focus of our groups. I’m expecting this conference to help me more clearly see what’s going well and not so well with our GCMs.
2. It’s a chance to learn and relearn. A major focus of this conference will be discipleship. It’s one of those words that if you’ve been in a church long enough, you know that it’s supposed to be important. And I do think it’s important. The only problem is that I’m not totally sure I know what it is. The Great Commission instructs us to be disciples who make disciples. But if someone were to ask me what that means in everyday life, I would have a few guesses at best. I’m excited for this conference to provide me with insight on both the theology and practice of discipleship.
3. It’s a chance to meet the family. Thankfully, the Church is much bigger than 525 Welsh Road. God is furthering the Kingdom through the lives of men and women around the globe. Seven Mile Road is simply one piece in that puzzle. There’s much that we can be learning from those who have more experience and wisdom than we do. I’m praying that God would give me the chance to be instructed, corrected, and encouraged by our brothers and sisters at Verge.

Hate

1. Texas
2. Texas
3. Texas

 
Photo Credit: Liebenfels