This week, I and our three pastoral interns will be attending the Together for the Gospel conference in Louisville, KY. Two years ago was my first occasion to attend this conference (2006 was the first). Over 7,000 are expected for this year’s conference and the line up of speakers looks excellent. You can keep tabs on the conference through the web-site. It does not appear they will be livestreaming the sessions, but each will likely be available afterward online.
Here’s 5 things I most looking forward to at this year’s T4G:
1. Powerful Preaching. The preaching is from our generation’s best expositors addressing crucial issues in keeping the gospel central in life and ministry. I am still deeply affected by John Piper’s message two years ago and its effects in my ministry are taking shape even as we speak.
2. God-centered Singing. I cannot say enough about the singing at the last conference. Every song seems to lyrically fit the message previously given. Each song was played with simplicity and beauty so as to highlight what we were singing and the voices rose above the instrumentation – one mighty choir of 5500 men singing incredible words together.
3. Stimulating Resources. Rumor has it that some 20 books will be given out. These are not publisher left-overs. These resources are those which the main speakers want to put in the hands of each of the attendees because of what the intended impact. I look forward to digging into them.
4. Ministry Focus. These conferences provide an opportunity for me to be evaluated, evaluate ministry, and refocus my heart and mind on what is most important.
5. Fervent Fellowship. I cannot say how much I appreciate the conversations and spiritual stimulation I receive when attending conferences like this with brothers from my church. We will laugh a lot, stay up far later than we should talking about every conceivable issue related to church life, personal life, Christ, the gospel, ministry, etc. I so love concentrated fellowship with brothers I serve alongside.
