Afternoon Sessions – Day 2

It’s probably just me; I think attendance was higher today than yesterday. There are A LOT of pastors and ministry leaders here; based upon my walk around this afternoon to the various sessions it certainly seems like more are here, or at least attending the afternoon sessions. Shane Hipps’ session entitled “The Gospel According to Electronic Culture: Why Changing the Methods Always Changes the Message” was so full they were sitting outside the door listening in. Here are some pics from todays sessions:

Digital Cafe’ – National Pastors Convention 2007

I’m back in “hiding.”  Hiding behind the curtains in the NPC Digital Cafe’ that is . . .

One of the new features at the National Pastors Convention for 2007 is the NPC Digital Cafe’. Attendees can relax on comfortable sofas, enjoy a cappuccino, watch a Nooma, watch The Making of the Bible Experience (DVD), listen to The Bible Experience on an available ipod, register to win a FREE ipod and, of course, connect to the FREE high speed wireless internet. The NPC Digital Cafe’ is a definite “hit” and is almost always busy. There’s also a FREE massage, your’s for the asking – although you may have to wait in line!

As I’m regularly transferring pictures from my digital media to my laptop I set up office (so to speak) in the storage area behind the NPC Digital Cafe’. My desk is a wooden shipping box and I’m able to keep my equipment charged and ready while staying “out of the way” so to speak. All things considered – I’m thrilled with the accommodations!

If you’re here at the convention – don’t miss the Digital Cafe’ – it’s a great place to relax a bit, take a nap (I’m serious, just find a comfy sofa and let your head bob a bit – kind of like I used to do in church when I was a kid!), or just grab a tasty drink. If you’re really lucky (ha, ha) you might even see me!

Here are some pics – pardon the “graininess,” it’s a bit darker in the NPC Digital Cafe’ and I have been trying not to use my flash.

Re-energized with Tears in My Eyes

I may have been tired when I walked into General Session #3 . . . no more!

General session three started off with a laugh as Ken Medema did improv prior to the start time of 9:45am. One of the staffers went through the crowd of gathering pastors and ministry leaders and got some of their more embarrassing experiences in ministry. Ken Medema then, on the spot, wrote songs describing those experiences. Ken brought smiles and laughter to all involved and was a welcome burst of energy!

Taylor Mason added an additional burst of humor with his fabulous ventriloquism and then Todd Agnew provided some truly special music for the group. Todd’s candor, humor and style were refreshing and welcome. What a great addition to the program. An energetic interview with Phyllis Tickle regarding her book on prayer followed Todd Agnew. And not to be forgotten was a humorous yet pointed drama from Ted and Lee regarding an interaction between Peter and Andrew.

Worship was lead by Stephen Newby. As Stephen has done each session, he brought the group into a time of worship and welcomed the Holy Spirit into our midst. The worship was simply AMAZING! On a side note I also learned that taking pictures is made more difficult when you have tears of joy and worship in your eyes. Simply incredible!!

Ruth Haley Barton from the Transforming Center is speaking as I type this. She specializes in retreats for pastors and promises to provide some valuable insight to the pastors in attendance. My compact flash card ran out of room about five minutes into her presentation, therefore I’m blogging from the other side of the wall.

Here’s a few shots of General Session #3 at the National Pastors Convention, 2007:

After the Late Night Comedy – I’m tired . . .

No posts late last night after the comedy session. The comedians were great . . . I was simply too tired. I got back to my room about 11:45pm and barely remember crawling into bed. I feel a bit better this morning, although I’m definitely tired. I suppose it’s a combination of the 3 hour time difference (versus Michigan) and yesterdays 16 hours of work. Mind you, I’m not complaining. I’m having a great time here at the National Pastors Convention and I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to volunteer. Not to mention, having a back stage pass, as the NPC official photographer, is cool too!

Here are a couple of shots from last night . . .

Now I’m off to catch this mornings Connect Groups prior to General Session #3 this morning at 9:45am. I’ll be back!