Upcoming Conference

Michelle and I will be traveling to Lake of the Ozarks in 1 1/2 weeks for a Great Commission pastor's conference. It really is our only planned vacation for the summer, so I hope there is a little R&R mixed in with the more formal agenda.

I am both excited and anxious about the conference. I am enthusiastic about continuing to build close, productive relationships with other Christian families and leaders. It is another experience along the road of the Christian life to absorb and grow from. I will undoubtably "get" more than I "give" -- with the hope that in future years it will be the other way around.

But I am anxious too. It is a "pastors" conference. Church leaders from across the country -- men who are in the trenches and in the lives of their fellow brothers -- are gathering with shared understanding of the challenges of church leadership. They know what it's like. They are weary, wary, and wonderful.

God has led me to this crossroad. He is painting a picture of my future life in Christ. In my heart I know what lies ahead. It scares me. Who is the man that fits the apostle Paul's description of a sound church leader (excerpts from Titus)?

"Since an overseer is entrusted with God's work, he must be blameless -- not overbearing, not quick-tempered, not given to drunkenness, not violent, not pursuing dishonest gain. Rather he must be hospitable, one who loves what is good, who is self-controlled, upright, holy and disciplined. He must hold firmly to the trustworthy message as it has been taught, so that he can encourage others by sound doctrine and refute those who oppose it. In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us. Warn a divisive person once, and then warn him a second time. After that, have nothing to do with him."

This sounds like who I want to be, not who I am. And the fulfillment of being this man that Paul describes seems as remote as winning the Powerball jackpot.

But Paul says elsewhere in scripture, "I can do all things through Him that gives me strength."

I pray that I can trust God enough to complete the painting the way He sees fit. Should it plainly point me in the direction of joining these men in leadership, that He will be faithful to turn my weaknesses into strengths.