On Target Evangelism

I am in Anaheim, CA- No, I am not going to Disneyland. I am attending the California Southern Baptist Evangelism Conference. The topic: Comeback Churches. Nelson Searcy of The Journey, a church in New York City, spoke this afternoon, addressing barriers to growth. I am looking forward to hearing and reading more of his thoughts and experiences. Then tonight, Ed Stetzer and Voddie Baucham spoke, setting the stage for tomorrow afternoon when Ed Stetzer will talk in some detail about comeback churches.
I kind of feel like I am intruding - I've never attended another state evangelism conference besides the Northwest Baptist Ev. Conference. I did meet Bob R, he and I struggled through several DMIN seminars together. He is now the Director of the DMIN program at Golden Gate Baptist Theological Seminary in Mill Valley, CA (I have not finished my dmin yet- and am now a student at Southern Seminary).
Several issues are fighting for attention in my brain tonight-
a). renewing a thoroughly biblical basis for every ministry activity we engage in at CBC in Winston.
b). developing a biblical vision that will guide and direct the ministry of our church- and renewing the ministry vision for my life. After 16 1/2 years in Winston, it has become clear to me (finally) that my ministyr had become stale- I'm pretty sure most of the folks in the pew already knew that!
c). enlisting a group of men to hold me accountable in every area of my life.

Voddie B spoke tonight of the Great Commission- and how he and his wife feel called to home school their children because of the Great Commission- he made a powerful point- how can we invest in discipling others if we are not discipling our children. I cannot re-educate my children, but I can- beginning today- disciple my family through the letters I write them, through the prayers I pray, and through the gifts I give (i.e. books that can help them and challenge them to grow spiritually.)

Ed Stetzer spoke of the new perspective we need in order to see people as Jesus see's them (see 2 Cor. 5:16-21). Only then can we truly recongize the transforming truth of the cross and how that literally changes everything in our lives!

Well, there is more to be said- but it's late, it was a very long day travelling and I need to get some sleep!

Pastor Steve