Back from ElderLink

I just returned from ElderLink in Atlanta. It was an excellent couple of days. Very informative. Good company. Great fellowship. Lots of insights.

And the traffic was merely awful (which is pretty good for Atlanta). But the restaurants were topnotch (mmmm … crabcakes) — and to borrow from Napoleon, this army — like all armies — travels on its stomach!

Charles Siburt was missing, due to his ongoing recovery from a bone marrow transplant to remedy a rare blood cancer. He was greatly missed.

I’m worn out from it all, but here are a few quick takes.

First, it was great meeting and visiting with so many fans of the blog. It was a great encouragement.

Second, if you missed it, you messed up. It was really good. The only problem with ElderLink is that it’s not enough. We elders are desperate for training and encouragement.

Third, if you went but didn’t bring your ministers, that was also a mistake. Elders and ministries have to work as team, even a unit. (And I know budgets are tight, but failing to care for the spiritual and educational needs of the leaders is a poor way to save money. Nothing is more important to the health of a church than the elders. It’s not noble to cut your own budget when you need the training and the support and your church needs you to be trained and supported. It’s just bad decision making.)

Fourth, Randy Harris announced his retirement from traveling to speak. I assume he meant he was leaving ElderLink, not leaving speaking altogether. He wants to spend more time mentoring the next generation — and they need it. He’ll be missed.

Fifth, Randy Lowry continues to demonstrate why he’s become such a great president for Lipscomb. My alma mater has been greatly energized by him.

And I’m whipped. It’s time to unpack and go to bed. I’ve got to teach a class in the morning.