ZOE Conference, Day 3

Okay, I haven't done such a great job of daily trip reports. I was so tired when I got back to my hotel last night that I just couldn't think well enough to write anything. So, I'll just blather some impressions and descriptions.

Brian McLaren speaks the truth of God. His talks this weekend have given me more hope for being able to change my understanding and pattern of being a Christian in a post-Christian world. I'm going to have to read his books soon, and start pushing my elders to do the same. I ordered the CDs of his five lessons, and will force them upon as many people as I can in the coming months.

Image: Judy Thomas, in the afterglow of Saturday night's worship, sitting and looking up at her son, Brandon, as he was being greeted and blessed by so many people who he has been a blessing to. Judy's face was filled with love and... pride? No, more like thankfulness. I got to meet this dear sister (though she knew my name from comments on various blogs, I think), and was touched by her graciousness and the way she radiates God's love.

James Wood posted on WorshipForum that his father-in-law had been killed in an auto accident recently. I found out today that I knew this man, and he and his wife had blessed my wife and I with their leadership in a marriage retreat we attended several years ago. James' mother-in-law was here, and I was so blessed to see her, though still grieving, so filled with the hope that comes from God.

Image: In the exercise room at the hotel where I'm staying, there is a phone on the wall.... about a foot off the floor. I suppose that it is for when you've hurt yourself exercising, and can't do more than crawl.

Image: Owen Burgess and I singing old hymns in twangy bluegrass style, while his daughter, Rebecca, writhes in anguish.

Clarissa Cox is about the sweetest person you could ever hope to meet! I feel like we've been friends for a long time, though we've only met this week, after having shared discussions on WorshipForum and blogs. I got a little more chance to talk with her tonight, and it's great to have another sister! Her husband, Rob, fairly radiates fun, and her kids are adorable!

I was struck by the ministry of several people that don't get much attention at these things.
- Eric Noah-Wilson, the executive director of the ZOE Group (i.e. he handles all the office stuff) works the table selling ZOE resources and other materials, and manages the logistics of the whole thing. He probably never gets to hear much of the worship or speaking. But he keeps giving. I praise God for his ministry in this way.
- The ZOE Group board members. These folks pray and plan all year for this conference and the other activities of the ministry, including New Wineskins Magazine. What they do is a blessing to a LOT of people, whether or not they know it. It's one of those things into which you can put a lot of time and effort, and not really know what the result is, other than the big events, the printed materials, etc. But what those things do for many of us who are responsible for worship at our churches is phenomenal.
- The spouses of worship ministers. They are married to dynamic, busy people who thrive on doing what they do. Sometimes, their spouses get ignored. But they are vital parts of the ministries of the men and women who direct worship week in, week out.

Things I love about visiting Nashville:
- Sweet Tea
- The prevalence of Dr. Pepper, my carbonated drink of choice
- Rolling hills for miles and miles.
- Great Christian music on the radio, including contemporary Christian, praise and worship, and Southern Gospel.
- Catfish, fried okra, and turnip greens. That's hard to find in California.

Things that bug me about visiting Nashville:
- Smoking in restaurants.
- No good Mexican food.

Obviously, the pros outweigh the cons!

Too tired to continue. Goodnight.