My family and I returned from the 2011 Midwest Pastors' Conference this afternoon, and while some of my thoughts are still fresh, I want to share my impressions with you all. First, I want to say that I am so, so glad we went! For years we've heard others in the body share their love and enthusiasm for this conference, but it seemed like we always had a little baby...and then another little baby and another and, well, you get the idea:) This year, we were blessed with the opportunity to attend the conference as a family and it truly was a blessing.
Second, the teaching was amazing. Ahhh-mazing! Truth? I have two favorite radio teachers: Bob Coy and Mike MacIntosh. I heard them both. Couple of times. So, so blessed, sisters! Though I kept leaning over and telling Susan Cole that they didn't look like I had imagined them in my mind:) Tom Stipe also taught and he was equally incredible. Someday (when I catch up on my sleep and have time to process all the ahh-mazing teaching), I'll post some thoughts about the teaching...or better yet, maybe some of you who were there can post your own thoughts!
Each session began with worship and it was...worshipful. Spirit-led. The most beautiful part for me was watching all these pastors and leaders and people from our own body relax into the Holy Spirit. To look around and see hands raised, unabashed adoration of Jesus...well, it's hard to describe. And sisters, we are so blessed because we get to experience that every Sunday, if we choose to.
There was time for fellowship, time for walking, time for praying...time for eating. And more time for eating:) The nicest part of our time at the conference was that we could choose to follow the schedule...or not. Tuesday after lunch, I was tired. So, I took a nap instead of going to the session. That nap was equally ahhh-mazing:) This morning, our little boy needed some "mama time," so we skipped rocks at the lake and played corn hole. Sometimes, little boys are the greatest teachers...
And I forgot to mention the scenery...gorgeous. This sweet little lake, surrounded by October's brilliant hues; wrap-around porches; swings; weeping willows; crunching leaves; cool, crisp mornings; foggy sunrises...the majesty of God's creation all around.
If you were able to attend the conference, then you have your own impressions, your own grateful thoughts about your experience there. If you weren't able to attend, I would encourage you to consider attending next year. You have a whole year to plan:) In a couple of weeks, the teachings from the conference will be available for download on the church's website. When it becomes available, I'll post a link here and let you know. I encourage you to take the time to listen to each teaching and share them with others. If you don't have a way to listen to the teachings in the mp3 format, let me know and I will get you a CD.
Sisters, our little fellowship of believers is being used in a mighty way...2 radio stations ministering all across West Central Indiana, our school, the Pastors' Conference, this blog...and many, many other ministries. Lift up our church and the many ministries the Lord has called us to...ask for protection, for vision, for discernment. Ask the Lord how He might use YOU in one or more of these areas!
God, we thank You for all the ways you are working in our lives. We praise You for this Pastors' Conference...for all the churches and families represented there. We ask for Your blessing, Your vision, Your wisdom. Pour out Your Holy Spirit on us, God. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
2 comments:
I believe this was my third attendance at the MWPC. It was such a blessing to gather for 3-4 days and just soak in all that love of the family that has formed over the years. Mike Macintosh I believed described the feeling of family when he arrived. Fantastic teachings - so very humbling and insightful. A freedom is found here to just enjoy and soak it all up. Fun times just playing guitar and singing in the common area of the dorm building. Meeting new people. Smiles. Great worship. Great time.
I encourage anyone who has never come to make plans for next year. You won't be disappointed!
From Teri Judy:
I've lost track but I believe this was our 17th or 18th year hosting the MWPC at Lake Placid. I'm not always able to sit in on the sessions so my perspective is a little different on the Pastor's Conference. What I am able to absorb is the unity and fellowship of people coming together again after not seeing one another for a year. The joy of knowing they are coming together to be refreshed, renewed and rejuvinated in Jesus. Groups of people praying, sharing, laughing, crying and loving one another. The light of Christ shining in each face. To see Pastor's, leaders and teachers, coming together to be taught, rather than teach, to be fed, rather than feed, to be served instead of being the ones who continually serve. We at Calvary Chapel Crawfordsville are priviledged to be able to offer this event! The honor and blessing of being able to share the dynamic teaching of those such as Mike & Sandy MacIntosh, Boy Coy and Tom Stipe, for the equipping of the saints, is what this conference is all about. Every year when I leave I feel as though I've been allowed to glimpse a small example of what heaven must be like. I urge you to mark Oct. 8,9 & 10, 2012 on your calendar, so that you too can experience this wonderful time in Christ. I guarantee you will be blessed! Many thanks to those who baked cookies and prayed, to the CCBCI students who served so graciously and anyone who helped in any way. Most of all thank you Father for allowing us this time to get away from
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