I have to say I was pretty sad to see the conference come to an end today. In fact, when the Gettys finished the closing song and Alistair Begg offered a final prayer of blessing, it felt like no one really wanted to leave. It's been a wonderfully challening, encouraging few days. Let me offer a few random thoughts, and then I'm off to bed to wake up and catch a flight home.
-I want to say it once more: John Lennox was a real joy to learn from this week. I cannot stress enough how beneficial it will be for you to listen to his sessions - not just for his thoughts on how we might interact with the new atheism that has left a mark on culture in recent years, but also for some rich encouragement as a preacher and pastor. Concerning that latter issue, see especially Tuesday night's session that covered Revelation 4-7. My head is still spinning with what he shared. It was a whole world to get lost in, and I loved it. According to a comment in the post just prior to this one, all sessions will soon be up for free download on Parkside's site. They will also be available for free on the Truth for Life site.
-There were a number of challenging questions posed to us as preachers that we all ought to be pondering as we leave Cleveland. Few hit me harder than questions concerning just how much I'm willing to engage in difficult dialogue with believers and nonbelievers alike for the sake of the Gospel. And when in conversation - be it about a text, about a recent book that challenges the Christian faith, about God, about Christ, about the Spirit's work - will I be bold? But even more so, am I ready to be clear - have I thought about what I might say and how I might say it? Have I done the hard work of mining the depths of what I believe? And will I be kind and gentle, but still firm and direct? It's a tightrope, really, so there's much to think through. And it must be thought through asap. People are filled to overflowing with questions. We have Dawkins and Hitchens and Harris to thank for that. And I really do mean that - we should thank them to some degree. Doors have swung wide for loving, thoughtful witness. Praise God we have folks like John Lennox to show us an example of how to do it.
-The conference attendance was quite high this time around. I was here a few years ago, and it was nowhere near as high as it was this year. I thought it was wonderful to see, and I hope it continues to grow. It's a fine, fine gathering. And I do think it will grow even more. Especially if they get who they are looking to get for the next time around. The rumor 'round the mill is that they are in hot pursuit of Tim Keller. Count me in.
-Speaking of attendance, the spike in attendance at Basics matches what we're seeing at other gatherings like Gospel Coalition and Together 4 the Gospel. I find that interesting. More and more people are flocking to conferences that are passionate about exposition, theology, particular theological frameworks and so forth. Again, very interesting and exciting in many ways.
-I said in a previous post that I really hope the two schools of thought on justification - the traditional camp and the new perspective camp - would actually get together in a public forum and discuss this issue face to face and not just in a few books or at side conferences divorced from one another. I really have no clue if they have tried to do something like this, or if someone from one camp has talked to the other about it, but I think it's needed. I personally think it would be the appropriate thing to do, because it seems we all agree that it's an important issue.
-If you come to the conference next year, you'll get a little free time on Tuesday afternoon. I suggest you go to downtown Chagrin Falls. It's like going back in time to Mayberry or something. And if you follow my lead on that, stop by the ice cream shop. You'll be glad you did. Seriously. When I was interviewing Tim Challies, I told him I had headed into Chagrin Falls. His first words: "Did you go to the ice cream shop?" I would suggest two scoops of the dolce de leche carmel swirl. I'm failry confident they will serve it in heaven.
-I got to meet some of you at the conference, and it was a real joy. I'd love to meet more of you sometime in the future. It's great to hear from folks who frequent our site. It helps us know who's out there, how we're doing, what we're doing right, what needs a little tweaking and so forth. So for those I met, thanks for some great conversation. For those I have yet to meet, I look forward to it, and I'm going to always do my best to get the word out about where I'll be. Such great networking opportunities.
I hope my posts have been helpful - a way to feel like you were here even if you weren't. I'll see you again on Friday with the pop culture roundup.
Posted by Brian Lowery at 10:08 PM on May 13, 2009
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Thanks for the posts from the Basics Conference, Brian. You've whetted my appetite for downloading the messages. I've gained a lot from listening to their past conferences. I've wanted to attend, but the timing/circumstances haven't been right yet.
Your comment about attendance being up was intriguing, especially since people are supposedly staying closer to home with the economy the way it is. Why attend when you can get the messages on line? I think because the conferences are more than the messages. The fellowship and worshiping together reminds us that we aren't in ministry alone. On the other hand, I sense that a lot of pastors are like me in that we're tired of the conferences that give us six easy steps to grow a church. I'm attracted to the conferences that give me the foundation I need and then challenge me to build upon that. It sounds like the Basics Conference did that for you. I'm looking forward to attending the Moody Pastors' Conference next week to be refreshed, equipped, and challenged. Someday I'll attend Basics.
Posted by: Steve Campbell on May 14, 2009
It's funny - never once did anyone say "and this will grow your church" or "here's an idea to really get things cooking." It was, through and through, an elevation of Christ and an elevation of the things we need to be talking about even if it costs us a lot as preachers. In fact, some of what we need to be preaching about might shrink our churches a bit. Frankly, I find Basics (this is the second time I've gone) to be really refreshing in that it is very, very different from other gatherings I've gone to. I feel like I'm told how to think, not what to think. I feel like I'm given an orientation and not six steps.
Posted by: brian lowery on May 14, 2009
Brian, it was a pleasure to finally meet you. I'm glad to hear you enjoyed the Basic's, for I did as well. This was my 5th consecutive year, and I've never been disappointed. Each time I attend I leave with the desire to return to my congregation and work harder, striving toward excellence for Christ's sake.
I was encouraged to hear the possibility that Timothy Keller could be one of the speakers for Basic's 2010. We'll remain hopeful.
For all who might read this post - The basic's is a must attend conference.
Posted by: Van Morris on May 14, 2009