IMB Pastors/Missions Leaders Conference - Day 1

The conference began with a wonderful supper. Debbie and I were seated at a table with a young couple from Delaware, a couple from Tennessee, another couple with IMB representing Middle America and the Caribbean, and an IMB church services guy from Memphis, TN. We enjoyed great conversations about what God is doing both here and abroad.

After supper, Dr. Jerry Rankin and Ed Stetzer spoke. Dr. Rankin brought an encouraging message based on 2 Sam. 5:24. He continually used the refrain "I hear the sound of marching in the tops of the mulberry trees" to emphasize his seeing God at work in marvelous ways. He made an interesting statement that "more progress has been made in reaching people for Christ in the first eight years of the 21st century than in [Dr. Rankins'] lifetime." Impressive.

Ed Stetzer was his usual jovial self. He pointed out the four commissions of Christ in John 20:19-21; Matt. 28:18-20; Luke 24:46-49; and Acts 1:6-8. He said that every commission of Christ always includes the promise of peace and the promise of His presence. Ed is always good for memorable quotes. Here are three that struck me.

"God is a sender, and those who love Him act as those who are sent."

"Fundamental to the nature of the gospel is the propagation of the gospel."

"People will not change until the pain of remaining the same exceeds the pain of change."