Conference Day 2 Update

Yesterday was cold and rainy but today was sunshine and beautiful!

Our music leader for today (Wed.) was a Texan - Kari Jobe. She is a worship pastor at Gateway Church in Southlake (near DFW). Once again - great music.

The first morning session, we heard Rick Warren speak on RADICAL MEMBERSHIP. Remember - in this context "radical" does not mean "extreme." Rather "radical" means going back to the roots.)

Warren said our faith is not just about believing - it is about belonging. "A lot of people want to date the church, but never get married!" Most people think of church as either a building ("Look at that church") or an event ("When does church start?") It is neither. It is a family.

He suggests that membership classes should be an expected thing for local churches - even for folks who have been in another church before. There should also be a covenant of membership - tell them up front what is expected.


DINO RIZZO followed up with a presentation. He is a pastor in Baton Rouge, at a church that emphasizes serving others. (He did a little bit of bragging on the New Orleans Saints too!)


After break time - we heard Rick Warren speak on RADICAL DISCIPLESHIP. He reminded us that you can't measure a church's maturity by your attendance. More important than your seating capacity is your sending capacity!

Maturity is connected to FRUIT! "By your fruit you shall know them."

The #1 problem in churches today is the perpetual immaturity of believers. Immature believers cannot reproduce. A healthy environment will lead to growth - just naturally. (I did not have to command my children to grow!)

Saddleback draws a picture of concentric circles: Community - Crowd - Congregation - Committed - Core. Different ministries and events are designed to move people toward the core of the circle. This happens INCREMENTALLY - not in one giant leap!

He talked about the strategies they use for facilitating spiritual growth.


It has been good to run into a good pastor friend from Fredericksburg TX. We actually did Doctor of Ministry studies together for three years (1996 through 1999).

Our afternoon sessions were again in the individual tracks - so I learned more about "Preaching for Life Change." A lot of good insights there. Watch out - Bellville - no telling what will be "up my sleeve" in the next few weeks!!