So excited about being part of the Arise Conference at Willowcreek, June 11-13. Every trip back to Willow is like a spiritual pilgrimage to me. I love the Chicago area--that's where I grew up. It's an excuse to get Lou Malnati's pizza--just writing it makes me salivate. But it's also a trip back to a burning bush where God gave me a vision.
It was at a Willow Conference while I was in seminary that I felt like God called me to plant a church for the unchurched. I already knew I wanted to plant a church. But that conference gave me a picture of what it could look like. A church that would make decisions, design services, and create ministries that were targeted toward reaching the unchurched.
Excited about going back. And excited about doing a couple sessions: Snakes and Doves and Right-Brain Preaching.
8 Comments:
Mark,
First of all, I wanted to thank you for your ministry and for the impact you are having. Your messages and book have been a real blessing in my life! Thank you.
Secondly, I was just this week checking out the Arise conference, was seriously considering going because 1) it's by Willow Creek and 2) I saw you were speaking there. (What great topics you have!) But here comes the reason I am not planning to come...Brian McLaren. In trying to stay in tune with what God is doing in the Body of Christ, I've been researching and reading about the people and movements that are in the forefront in Christianity. Brian McLaren, of course, is one of those names, making him, I suppose, a popular choice for a large conference such as the one at Willow Creek. But from many, many things I've read online, from respected, solid biblical people in the ministry, and even direct quotes from Brian MCLaren himself, his teaching truly bothers me as unbiblical and pretty close to heresy. While I so much don't want to put you on the spot here because I do respect you as biblically sound and God is using you across this nation (ex. I live in Jacksonville, FL), yet because you are part of this conference where McLaren is highly promoted, I'd like to know where you stand on his teachings. And do you have any concerns about promoting a conference where he is a keynote speaker?
Thank you again for your ministry. And thanks for taking the time to address my concerns. It means alot!
Looking forward to this conference. I think one of the things willow is doing well is getting views from multiple angles. We all disagree on different levels about different things...even the disciples stopped someone from casting out demons in Jesus name.
I like that Willow looks at the bigger picture.
Pastor Mark,
I have been wanting to metion a few things to you.
First, I loved the sermon last Sunday. I look forward to hearing/reading the rest someday. It reminded me of something I heard in a sermon a while ago- the pastor said, "If you want to really see a man's character, don't give him a responsibility, give him a privilege."
Second, I introduced you to my boyfriend a while back, Jonathan. We had both read your book and it was partly because of it that he finally told me how he was feeling. We have now been engaged for about 7 months and are getting married in July. :)
God has been doing lots of amazing things in our lives and we will be involved in NCC at Georgetown and the Spanish service/ministry.
Lastly, I am in the Holy Spirit Unleashed small group and it has been an amazing blessing. Bob has mentioned before that the pastoral staff was excited about that group and I just want to report that we have seen amazing moves of the Spirit. People have been growing a lot and we have seen prayer do amazing things.
Anyway, I hope all is well- enjoy your time in Chicago.
Be Blessed,
Missy Peters
Missy,
Love Unleashed :) As we come up on Pentecost I'm so mindful of how much I need to be re-filled with His spirit on a daily basis.
And so cool to hear another unique way God has used In a Pit. I never thought of it as a pre-engagement book :)
PM
sdsmith,
I had a really long answer and then I felt a check in my spirit. So I'm going to share the short version. By the way, I appreciate the spirit of the question. I can tell it was asked with a genuine concern.
While I believe there is a place to confront false teaching I sometimes feel like that person ought to be present to defend themselves. You know what I mean? Not saying it's wrong to have this kind of discussion outside the hearing of the person. And as an author, Brian has lots of stuff in writing.
So...do I agree with everything Brian writes? No. And I think I'll just leave it at that. But I want to say that I don't even agree with everything I've preached in the past either :)
Brian is a friend of mine. And I owe him a debt of gratitude for his investment in my life. And while he's saying some things that are controversial these days, I think he's an authentic, compassionate, and thoughtful Christ-follower.
All of that to say, I wouldn't let that keep you away from Arise.
My two cents,
Mark
yes and yes...especially Lou Malnati's...wow is all I can say. eat a hunk for me.
Mark,
Thank you for your thoughtful response to my question / concerns. I appreciate that you were sensitive to the Spirit in your response. You're right, it was not in my heart to be offensive, so thank you for not being offended with my comments. I also appreciate that you were sensitive to say only what needed to be said. I have even more respect for you as I hear your heart regarding how to handle any concerns (in person as much as possible) and I also hear your heart regarding your friend. Knowing that you know him and his heart, I can step back, review what I've read in a different light and walk in grace. I truly want to be like our Lord, who was "full of grace and truth". Thanks for being like our Lord in your response to me, and to Brian McLaren.
Susan Smith
P.S. I like the way you responded regarding agreeing with your own past preaching. :) Outside our Lord, none of us gets it all right, do we! Live and learn...live and learn. Thanks again.
Susan,
Thanks for the response. Love redemptive comments that lead to greater unity and understanding!
The longer I lead the more I realize that a "right spirit" rules the day!
Mark
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