Here’s an excerpt:
“The virtual conference, organized by Leadership Network and Catalyst, drew over 20,000 participants throughout the daylong event. Online attendees carried conversations on blogs and Twitter, making “The Nines” the most tweeted topic for about three hours that day….
Some 75 pastors, authors and communicators sent in their webcam videos to share their passionate and personal messages with other church leaders. Among The Nines’ virtual speakers were Greg Surratt of Seacoast Church, Rick Warren of Saddleback Community Church, Eric Bryant of Mosaic, and authors Leonard Sweet and Brian McLaren.
Bryant of Mosaic in Los Angeles used his nine minutes to talk about advocating for the rights of those who do not yet believe in Christ.
“Are we investing in people who might believe differently than us?” he posed.
Church is often seen as “a place to meet our needs as Christians” but Bryant encouraged church leaders to see it as a place that meets the needs of the world. (I actually quoted Erwin’s line in which he says: “The church is not here to meet our needs. We are the church here to meet the needs of the world.”
He challenged listeners to treat the world around them not as outsiders but as friends and to allow them into their lives and their community even if they might hold different beliefs. Then when the time was right, Christians would share with them how their lives have been changed by Jesus.”
Sometime in the near future, they should be making all the talks available online. More details soon!
That’s awesome. I missed yours that day unfortunately (meetings) and can’t wait to see it.