This week I had a great time in Chicago with a good friend I hadn’t seen in six years. We picked up where we left off, enjoying good food, preaching the gospel of grace to one another, sharing the gospel with people in the city, and just enjoying the gift of friendship. These friendships are rare in life.
While he was training with a Ken Sande Peacemakers Conflict Resolution during the day, I was working on my talk for BUILD MEN conference. One of my favorite times of speaking at Acts 29 events is the night before the conference, when guys get together to share stories, drink good beer, and grow friendship and partnership in the Gospel. My time with Jon Bricker (Charis Church), Robert Livingston (The Source Church) and others was no exception. I’m amazed by the caliber of men in Acts 29.
I spoke on “Finding Your Identity in the Gospel Story” where I argued that many Evangelical men have a case of gospel hemi-hypertrophy, our doctrinal understanding of the gospel is much bigger than our narrative understanding of the gospel. We flex doctrine with pride while refusing to be humbled by the sweeping, humbling, grand story of Jesus. As a result, we need to Relearn the Gospel Story, Repent of False Gospel Stories, and Relive the Gospel Story. I’ve attached that manuscript. We also had a great time working through 7 Questions on Missional Church in a breakout session. Thanks to all who attended and prayed.