Back from the Pitt

Had a great time Tuesday and Wednesday in Pittsburgh for Allison Park Church's 3rd annual young pastor's roundtable.  I think registration almost doubled this year.  I've really developed some great friendships with other church planters as this network of relationships has developed.

I really enjoyed making the trip with about ten leaders from our network.  It's not everyday you get to watch Sith's invade Heinz Field from the Duquesne Incline in Pittsburgh (had to be there). 

Nick Poole blogged some great notes from the teaching sessions.  Good stuff once again from Jeff Leake, Johannes Amritzer and Ron Johnson.  This year was special for me since they even gave me a session of my own.  I shared some of the theology that has shaped our vision for leading transformation in Metro Detroit.  You can read Nick's notes from the sessions here.

Jeff also shared our developing vision for creating a relational network of multi-church movements.  A multi-church movement is a network of churches that are planting churches.  Our dream is to create a multi-church movement in Metro Detroit.  I've been privileged the past twelve months to dream with Jeff about the potential of linking with other multi-church movements around the country.  It was great this week to go public with a sketch of the dream.

Comments

[jr]

Dude, I think it's wonderful that you're developing a vast network of friendships with other church planters, but as a former COTK attender, please do not forsake YOUR flock. Just a word of advice. Peace out!

[Brad]

Hey JR,

Congrats on finishing basic training. We miss you around here:)

I feel like trips like this one make me a better pastor. They increase my vision and energy for ministry. And the investment in these friendships returns amazing dividends to me personally as well as the church. It also gives me an opportunity to use my experiences to help others.

These trips also help me practice "out of the office discipleship" by spending some concentrated time with our leaders. This time several of us were able to go together, and I think everyone came back fired up!

[Kate Griffin]

Hey Brad!
Your session was amazing! It was so cool to hear you share the story of what God has done in & through you & COTK. Great things are ahead! Chris & I will look forward to hanging out with you when you're back in Pittsburgh again soon. Have a great weekend!

[Steve]

Thanks for letting me get goofy with the Siths in Heinz Field.

Your session was right on.

Great week.

[Paul Stewart]

Brad, Just read through your notes on Nick Poole's blog. Your last comment about how "we have to be willing to choose our city over our career" just keeps ringing in my ears. Really good stuff!