JWes, Harriet, Rhonda, Lindsey McEver and I had the opportunity to attend the Orange Conference in Atlanta, Georgia, last week. We individually attended break-outs addressing the ministry areas of preschool, children, students, and adults. The training was excellent, and I am still processing much of the content. In January (four months ago), Diane Runge (an Orange staff member) traveled to BVBC to provide training for our children’s ministry leadership. We each appreciated her personalized directed care for our team in the midst of the four thousand individuals who attended.

Chris White, a friend from my college days at Southwest Baptist University, also attended the conference. It was great to spend quality time catching up with him, and attending portions of the conference together. (pictured below)

Several speakers addressed the audience in general sessions. My personal favorites included hearing messages from two of my ministry heroes: Doug Fields and John Ortberg. They are both able to phrase things in such a way that go directly to my heart and challenge the core of who I am in Christ and in the lives of the people around me.

The one-liners that stick out the most are as follows:

“The only place I am not replaceable is with my family. There is only one dad who can shepherd the heart of his kids and his wife.” (Doug Fields-pictured below with JWes and I)

“One of the best gifts I can give someone is to not have an agenda for them.” (Ortberg)
“The spiritual image of a leader is not one of a CEO. It is a being a good father, a good mother, a good spouse. A good leader focuses on their own family.” (Doug Fields)

“Rivers of living water are available to me right now. Everything else works out-not necessarily like I want it to, but I want to be the man God wants me to be in this moment and in the next.” (Ortberg)

“When you are home, serve ice cream (the idea is making the environment more fun). Spend more time planning fun for your family than in any other place. Hold your kids more than your cell phone. Be busier with fun in your home than answering email or spending time on the computer. Date your wife. Focus on your family.” (Doug Fields)

“Disciples of Jesus are hand-crafted, not mass-produced.” (John Ortberg)

Bonus Pic: I will not steal JWes’ thunder if he blogs about it, but do you remember the group Run DMC? Run of the pair came into a relationship with Christ a few years ago, and is currently serving as a pastor. He was interviewed in a general session, and afterwards was available to sign his book and take pictures with folks. When JWes and I approached him, I asked: “Are we going to smile or be serious in the picture?” He replied: “Serious, it is always serious.” After laughing, he put on the serious pose, and JWes and I followed suit.

We are each so grateful to be able to attend events that provide opportunities for personal and professional growth, and we look forward to putting into practice what we have learned in the days ahead.