Pastor’s Conference

For the past fifteen years, I’ve gone to Pastor’s Conference the first week of June. It’s usually a much-needed break, and it’s fun to hang around with some of my colleagues. The speakers are hit and miss, but the best part is hanging out and recharging. This is the first time since 1987 that I’m not there. Ed’s there, but I decided not to go this year. The main reason is that I spent two weeks away for my D.Min. course earlier this year. That’s enough time away from work and family. I’d be looking for marriage counseling if I went away this week. I have mixed feelings about not attending. Part of me wishes I was there. Another part realizes that the politics of the denomination the past few years have caught up with me. I was doing okay until a meeting not so long ago, when I realized I’m one of the guys their mothers warned them against. On some theological issues, I’m not really out there (some of you will disagree), but I’m far enough to really not belong. It’s kind of ironic that the conference speaker this year (Stu Briscoe) is on the opposite side of the fence on the political issue along with me. He’s a signatory to the Christians for Biblical Equality statement on Men, Women, and Biblical Equality. Anyway, it’s good to be home with family.