Heading to the Shepherds’ Conference

Posted by Erik in Irish Calvinist on Mar 3rd, 2008 | 9 responses

Tuesday morning at 0-dark-30, about 25 men from Omaha Bible Church will be headed out to LA to attend the annual Shepherds’ Conference at Grace Church in Sun Valley, CA.

This will be my third Shepherds’ Conference and I just want to share a few reasons as to why I think it is the best conference out there.

.1. This is a conference geared specifically for pastors. To see well over 3,000 men crowded into Grace Church to be charged to be faithful stewards of Scripture is an emotional sight at the least.

.2. Grace Church gets it. They understand that this is not about them but the attenders. They do everything they can to make sure that those who come are well served.

.3. The preaching in the General Sessions is outstanding. The scene of watching/hearing John MacArthur preach on the joy of God in redemption through the prodigal son passage last year was heavenly. As I sat with watered eyes among my friends, who likewise were moved with affection for the Savior, I sat and saw C.J. Maheney (who was seated in front of us) likewise moved, it was just awesome. This type of preaching has come to characterize this conference.

.4. The breakout sessions are geared to encouraging and warning leaders. Men like Phil Johnson, Nathan Busenitz, Bill Shannon, Rick Holland, and others serve other leaders well through their teaching.

.5. The time with our church leaders is priceless. So much ministry planning gets done. Whether talking in a Peete’s Coffee or walking in Santa Monica or riding to the conference, ministry is discussed. This is so refreshing.

.6. You get a ton of books. I think I have averaged 23 new books (free) each year. What a service.

.7. The food in CA is great. In and Out, Killer Shrimp, Todai Sushi, The Fisherman’s Wharf, it is all good. I can almost become an ammillennialist with such good eating and drinking, somehow thinking the kingdom is now. But we understand the kingdom is more than eating and drinking (Rom. 14.7) :/

.8. I am healthily brought to the end of what I can bear in evangelicalism. My good friend and pastor feels it is healthy to our souls to make us trek down to Saddleback Church and witness Rick Warren’s molestation of the Bible. Each year we have visited Robert Shuler’s Crystal Cathedral on the way. This is like having a stomach ache and being nauseous, it is not comfortable. I am brought to disgust and tears as I hear Tricky Ricky deflate the cross of all of its power while his people nod with acceptance of such things. This trip is dreaded but necessary. I just keep remembering that the Phinehas account is a narrative and not to be normative for life today (Num. 25).

.9. The encouragement that we as a church receive from the Shepherds’ Conference is immeasurable. I am so thankful for the grace of God in John MacArthur’s life, the life of Grace Church, The Master’s Seminary, and so many others who contribute. This conference is flat out good.

.10. The conference is committed to modeling faithful expository preaching. This year the General Sessions include John MacArthur, Steve Lawson, Al Mohler, Rick Holland, Tom Pennington, and Phil Johnson. Frankly, I am glad to see Rick Holland finally get on the docket. He is, in my view, one of the best preachers alive. I am truly looking forward to this week.

If you are going I’d love to meet you, so drop a comment and let me know.

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9 Responses to “Heading to the Shepherds’ Conference”

Bill Shannon says:

March 3, 2008 at 11:46 am

Eric,

Thanks for the encouragement. Hope to see you this time.

Bill
Doug says:

March 3, 2008 at 12:51 pm

Dude, I’m jealous. My two-year streak of being there is ending this week. I pray it is a tremendously encouraging time as always. Say hello to Tatonka for me!

Doug
Thai Dragon Sauce says:

March 3, 2008 at 3:52 pm

You forgot #11… Totonka.
Seth Mcbee says:

March 3, 2008 at 9:30 pm

thought it would be funny if one of the speakers this year taught on, “Why Calvin wouldn’t be a dispensationalist?” Even though I am one…lol

Anyway…have fun and don’t get to close to Tricky Ricky, he might infect you…lol
Dave says:

March 3, 2008 at 10:12 pm

First comment here, been reading and enjoying your posts this past month… Just wanted to say I truly hope you have a great time, and that God uses this year’s conference to make you more like Christ…I’ve been fortunate enough to be at the last 3 but will not be going this time. Great to hear you recognize #5 as being important…of course the preaching and the breakout sessions are top notch, but for me the fellowship with those I attended was perhaps as valuable. Also, the musical worship at Shepherd’s Conference is always a treat…it’s such a blessing to see and hear so many with varied gifts all glorifying the Master.

- Dave
erik says:

March 4, 2008 at 3:33 am

Bill, I will look for you.

Doug & TDS….what can I say? Doug I will be sure to properly stretch before going into any bookstores so as to not get injured.

Seth, you are just looking for trouble.

Dave, #5 is really what it is all about. We are able to forge such good gospel-centered friendships out there. And the time around the word is precious. I agree regarding the music…I have never been much of an organ guy, but the way that Grace does it is something special. Thanks for reading and I’m glad the blog is an encouragement.

erik
Rick Warren says:

March 7, 2008 at 12:15 am

” My good friend and pastor feels it is healthy to our souls to make us trek down to Saddleback Church and witness Rick Warren’s molestation of the Bible…. . I am brought to disgust and tears as I hear Tricky Ricky deflate the cross of all of its power while his people nod with acceptance of such things.

Was this necessary? Christlike? Who did these word build up?

“Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. Ephes. 4:29-5:2 (NIV)

Grace makes us gracious. I pray that God bleses you in his grace. Rick Warren

PS- My message this weekend can be heard online. It’s a message on the reality of Hell and why the Cross is our only hope. You don;t eally know me.
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