Some Good Things from the Shepherd's Conference

A couple of weeks ago I had the joy of attending the Shepherd's Conference in Sun Valley, CA. Here are a few good things from my experience there. The sessions will be available online soon. I particularly enjoyed John MacArthur, Al Mohler, and Conrad Mbewe.

1. So many men's voices singing

We sang and listened to special music quite a bit. Bob Kauflin, Keith and Kristen Getty, and Grace Community Church all took turns leading 4,500 men in singing praise to Christ! Just like at Together for the Gospel conferences, the sound of so many deep voices singing was moving, especially because the content of our songs were about our Lord. The special music was also quite powerful.

2. The international fellowship

I observed that there were many internationals at the conference. There were many there from places like South America, Europe, etc. I chatted with a man who is a pastor of a church in Scotland and was encouraged to hear that in the city of Edinburgh there are several expository preaching, healthy churches. I know that Europe is still in great need of revival, but it was refreshing to meet this sign of God's on going grace in Europe. I also met folks who were on the mission field from the US (two of whom our church supports in the Middle East).

3. Quotes  (Paraphrases)/ good points

 John MacArthur (2 Cor. 4:5)

"Don't overestimate your importance in ministry"
"I don't need the credit of the results of gospel ministry and, thankfully, the responsibility to secure results is not mine."
"Our weakness is not fatal to the gospel"
Concerning Paul, "no one gave him a trophy at the end. He could die knowing his crown of glory, the best, was yet to come."

Michael Reeves (John 1:1-3)

"Don't preach a secular / sacred divide. Preach that all things bear His stamp and glory." 

Ligon Duncan (John 6)

We must not simply think more people [in our ministry] is a sign of revival. In love, we must look to see, do they want the Bread of Life or are they looking for satisfaction in other things." 

Mark Jones (Isaiah 50)

"It seems to me that God often gives you a lot more than you can handle [so that we cry to him],"

Miguel Nunez (John 14:6)

"Error is often OK with taking in the truth too, as long as it isn't exclusive truth." 

HB Charles (Eph. 1:14-23)

"You cannot have a high view of Jesus and low view of the church."

Al Mohler (John 15:18-16:4)

"We are tempted to think we can be at peace with the culture or that the culture is neutral."
"How arrogant of us to think we will be thought of and treated better than Jesus [the perfect one]."