Annual Conference is over

We had a good time at Annual Conference. Bishop Davis really keeps things moving. We had a lot of really good times, and it seems to me that the “real” work of Annual Conference is in a hundred conversations and lunches where old friends and new get together and where people in similar ministries share stories.

There was a great lunch at Molly Malone’s for those of us in what I call “freaked out ministries,” those ministries that work in marginal areas. There are a lot of opportunities for soul-saving ministries, but we struggle with a lack of resources. There is a lot we could do if we had the financial base a more prosperous church has. What I can’t figure out is why it is so segregated? Why are there rich churches and poor churches?

The Mission Night was awesome, raising more than $43,000 for a pension fund for pastors who have given it all for 30, 40 and more years in the third world, retiring with nothing. It’s amazing, isn’t it? The church is in decline in America, but the pastors here have it good. The church is growing and on fire, but the pastors have nothing. Can anyone doubt that in the Western Church, many other things besides Jesus occupy the pastors’ time?

When Conference was over, Roz, Jess, the boys and I ate lunch, and got to see some more friends on the way out. I slept as Jessie drove, and slept some more when I got home. I didn’t sleep much at Conference. A lot of things were on my mind, well really only one thing: how long does a ministry to the poor survive when everyone thinks the economic situation means hunkering down? The need is greater than ever, but the resources slimmer. But I had some really refreshing moments with Larry Stoess and Anthony Everett. So I caught up on some shut-eye with a full heart.

Got up, mowed, fixing to grill some yardbirds, and then see how the gardens are doing in the evening cool.

So, tomorrow it’s back to the valley, a good place in its own right.