INVITATION
Dear brothers,
As each of our three conferences has come to an end, I’ve already begun thinking about our subject matter for the following year. Sound familiar? It’s like thinking about the next sermon almost as you finish your present one! Well, as the 2009 conference came to a close I felt compelled that we should spend some time together in 2010 considering the subject of pleasure in the pastorate. In particular, I wanted us to reflect on and discuss the great temptations we face as pastors to be tempted by the pleasures of sex, food, and money. More than that, I deeply desire to see us more and more persuaded that the pleasures of God in the gospel far outweigh the passing pleasures of sin. Armed with this persuasion, we will be better equipped to create a church culture that on the one hand refuses to worship the gods of pleasure and on the other humbly bows at the feet of the God of pleasure who has given us all good things to enjoy. This year we are thrilled to have Paul David Tripp as our keynote speaker. Paul is the president of Paul Tripp Ministries, a nonprofit organization, whose mission statement is “Connecting the transforming power of Jesus Christ to everyday life.” This mission leads him to speaking engagements around the world. In addition to being a gifted communicator and sought after conference speaker with Paul Tripp Ministries, Paul is on the pastoral staff at Tenth Presbyterian Church in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania where he preaches on Sunday evenings and leads the ministry to Center City. Paul is also Professor of Pastoral Life and Care at Redeemer Seminary in Dallas, Texas and has taught at respected institutions worldwide. As an author, Paul has written ten books on Christian living that are read and distributed internationally. So join us next/this year as Paul David Tripp leads us to consider what we’re calling, “The Pastor and Pleasure.” Besides pastors, the conference is open to elders, deacons, seminary students/pastors-in-training, and small group leaders - really, anyone involved in a ministry of care and shepherding in your local church. Can’t wait to see you there!