Keith Farmer was our second speaker at the 2gether conference. He mentors about 50 Pastors Australia wide. I will post some stuff he talked about soon, as I process it. But one thing he said was amusing (unintentionally).

He said that Churches were like football teams. The captain had to be a good performer on and off the field, he had to have integrity and credibility on and off the field…… can you guess what everyone was thinking at this point??

Well, I called out, “thats right” and everone roared in laughter, knowing I am a keen Dockers supporter. Keith said, “I have obviously touched a nerve here”, and then went on to explain he is a Sydney Swans supporter.

Wayne shared his story on Monday morning. He talked about his dad, his ministry, starting off in a small church in inner city Brisbane. Having the church burn down, struggling.
He shared how they went for “the people know one else wanted”. The down and outs, the prostitutes, cross dressers. It was so refreshing to hear his heart and to hear what the church is doing.

At night he shared some principles which were really really challenging. He talked about how we need to believe that God wants to bless our church and ministry. Sounds simple, but its not. It goes to the heart of how we think about God, what we think of His character, how we think He thinks of us.
He talked about how we need resources to change our cities and become conduits of blessings, and talked about the incredible social programs his church runs. Very inspiring, confronting and challenging. I am really glad I am here.

How on earth did I get seven right?
I should have checked up on Gareth’s scientific tipping method….. 🙂

(Go Karyn!!)

1 Mark Edwards 5 5 5 5 7 27 109 3 Send
2 bek ingram 6 5 4 4 7 26 120 21 Send
3 Paula Boardman 5 4 5 5 6 25 189 43 Send
4 Andrew Canion 5 6 4 4 5 24 145 16 Send
5 Saintgaz 5 6 4 4 5 24 156 16 Send
6 Dave Quinn 3 6 6 4 5 24 156 38 Send
7 ozcanadian 3 4 7 5 5 24 158 37 Send
8 LittleTid 5 2 6 5 5 23 171 59 Send
9 jaggunn 4 5 3 5 6 23 197 40 Send
10 scott sladden 5 4 4 3 6 22 135 11 Send
11 Margaret Olsen 4 3 5 4 5 21 168 16 Send
12 Rodney Olsen 5 5 4 2 4 20 126 31 Send

Here is reasonable video featuring some of Bono’s quotes
(God tube)

Wayne comes from Brisbane City Church which is well known for its work amongst the poor. This, combined with effective kids, youth and young adults programs, has seen the church begin to make a difference in the inner city areas of Brisbane.

Watch the replay of Stengleins bump against Richmond this week. It is at least as bad, if not worse than the one Johnson went for four weeks in the pre season.

Lets see…..my bet, Stenglein will get off completely.

It is here!
Came up a lot quicker than last year.
This year our speakers are Wayne Alcorn and Keith Farmer.
Leading worship will be Eliot Vlatko with some help from Andy James Court.

This is a wonderful time of refreshment and renewal for everyone involved, even me and Malcolm Rule who do a lot of the legwork and organising, politics (yes!) and trying to keep everyone involved and invigorated.

It is being held at the Mandurah Atrium who do great food, and lets face it, if you don’t have to do the dishes afterwards, its always better.

I really believe in Pastors, I believe they hold the key to change our culture and society more than anyone else. This is because they lead the churches. For good or for bad, thats what we do. And the church is the place Christ has chosen to work through. We are the chosen people, and Pastors are to lead. This is why I support them, even when they dissapoint, have different theology and practices to me. Even when I have no idea why they are in the ministry, or what they could possibly do that would be effective. I still support them. Someone has to…….