Day 2 :: Q

Yesterday was a day that was full of learning, as Rob Bell said it was fire hydrant of information.

Today was about Relationships. Really good relationship stuff, I’ll get to that in a minute.

Here’s a run down of who spoke today with some key ideas.

Dave Kinnaman :: UnChristian
People view us not as Christians but as unChristian. We must advance a faith that exudes service & sacrifice, humility & grace.

Andy Stanley:: Church & Culture
“Jesus didn’t say sit in a cave and wait for my return… NO. Jesus says YOU are to preserve the culture.”

Shayne Wheeler & Chris Seay :: Homosexuality & Culture

Richard Cizik :: Environmental Stewardship
“God will not ask for our explanation of HOW He created the earth, but will ask waht we did with what he gave us.”
What exactly does Revelation 11.18 mean?

Majora Carter :: Green the Ghetto

Michael Lindsay :: Cosmopolitan Intelligence

Susan Grant (cnn) :: Power of Media

Philip Verre :: Fine Art

Learning Journey :: CNN Center
I got to go on a full on tour of CNN. Did you know Anderson Cooper’s pretty? He is. I know because I saw about 2000 pictures of him.

Rob Bell :: Communion of the Saints
As a pastor I could see the eucharist of someone else & implement it without having my body broken and blood poured out, but it wouldn’t be worth anything.

Now onto RELATIONSHIPS

I’ll start by saying that while waiting in the lobby last night for Brian, Leah, Chad & Candy I ran into Brad Barker from Saddleback.  He and Rick Warren had walked in and Rick started talking to another group in the lobby so Brad kind of made his way in my direction, both of us on cell phones.  When we started talking we realized we both did the same jobs in different places and were able to exchange some ideas and encouragement.  Looking forward to developing this relationship.

I was able to connect with some guys from Lancaster County Bible Church from Lancaster, PA.  Some of you might know that about 3 years ago I interviewed there for a their High School position.  My time there was rich and Meri and I both loved hanging out with everyone from LCBC.  I ran into Jason Mitchell yesterday and we connected with the rest of the crew (Mark Ashley the young adults pastor & Senior Pastor David Ashcraft)  We met them for dinner at a wonderful Seafood Restaurant and David bought both Bryan and I dinner.  We were able to catch up with what was happening both in Cleveland & at LCBC, it was a great time and I look VERY forward to staying in touch with them.

While standing in line for the CNN Tour I connected with Charles Campbell from the Illinois Baptist Association.  Charles and I had been trying to connect through e-mail and haven’t really made it happen (mostly because of me) but we were able to talk and get to know each other over about 2 hours.  Charles is in charge of Next Generational Church Planting for Illinois and has some pretty fresh ideas about how church could/should be happening in and around college campuses.  Very Exciting.

Last night Bryan Karas and I hung out with the Manleys and the Pearsons.  Both couples just moved from California and are sharing a house in Cumming, GA for a year.  Brian and I went to high school and college together and it’s always a treat to spend time together and to meet up with the rest of the “family” is always a plus.  Tonight Brian drove the hour back into town and we went up to a little bar/resturant that had a guy rock’n a blues guitar and were able to really catch up.  It’s so good to have good old friends that no matter how long or how far away you live you’re always ready to pick right up where you left off.

Bryan Karas and I have been able to have some really great talks about all that’s been happening at Q and in our heads.  It’s always tough to talk about the realities of what happens with all this info when you get home, but to be able to digest and then maybe implement with friends is always key.

Whew!  What a great time here in the ATL.

One more day!