Henry Williams

We had a general session with Bill Hybels and a senior pastor session. I can't tell you what was said at the senior pastor session or I'd have to kill you. Here are a few highlights of the afternoon with Hybels:

Without a white-hot vision a church runs out of steam.
When he almost burnt out in 1989 he had a victim mentality, expecting someone else to replenish his spirit instead of taking personal responsibility for it.
A thriving church is (1) blindingly clear about its mission, (2) engages the congregation in its mission and (3) offers memorable worship gatherings.
He wants all killer and no no filler in the services these days. If he's told "we have a pretty good drama" he doesn't use it.
Every time you take time to replenish yourself, someone is disappointed in you. But you have to do it.
When the church plateaus in growth, it should be expected. But it becomes a new important problem to solve without panicking.

Okay, the last two were from the pastor's session, so don't tell anybody.

There are nineteen Five Oaks staff at the Relevance Conference put on by Eagle Brook. Bill Hybels is being inerviewed right now by Eagle Brook's pastor Bob Merritt. Morning sessions were great in content, funny and moving. Some big ideas shared by the three speakers (Merritt and the other two teaching pastors):

For Jesus, ministry was important, but mission trumped ministry (let the dead bury the dead).
The worship service can be for beievers and unbelievers because we share many of the same issues (to be better parents, marriage partners, etc.) and many of the same tastes and interests.
Friendship evangelism doesn't work all that well today and in the New Testament. People are usually won by the ministry of the "crowd" today and in the New Testament (e.g., Mt. 4:22-23; Acts 2; 14:1; 17:1).
Relevance is to know the world, not to become like the world, but to help people in the world become like Christ.
Relevance = Content + Delivery + Environment
Face reality. Reality + Humility = Opportunity.