Exponential Conference

I was considering going to this conference, but it didn't work out for me, so I found some podcasts and have been giving them a listen. Some are interesting to me, and some aren't. Here are links to what I've listened to and my notes. If you listen to one, feel free to make some comments.

To download, you should right click, and then click "Save Target As". I rename them to something that makes more sense like "EXP - Greg Hawkins.mp3".

Direct link to mp3's

2008 Podcast Season
Greg Hawkins - Greg Hawkins is the executive pastor of Willow Creek, and he discusses the Reveal Study. Of all that I've listened to, this one intrigued me most (maybe cause I like math and stats) and made me want to buy the book.

Nothing he said was new, but of course, like ancient Israel, we need to be constantly reminded of "The Way."

He said the four key elements of Discipleship are (these are my descriptions of what he said, not his words):
1. A connection to the authority of Scripture
2. A connection to prayer as a skill
3. A connection to community - deeper friendships
4. A connection to a life of service

And rather than great programming, what people want is a way to deepen their connection in one of the four way areas.

He also talked about four levels of discipleship... different people are different places. Sounded like Rick Warren stuff. But also was a good reminder.

They are moving from presenting Willow practices to presenting Best practices.

Dave Ferguson - Dave is the pastor of Community Christian Church in the Chicago area. It is famous for being multi-site.

Dave talked about how multi-site was ok, but poly-site is the future. Although, he did mention that they really aren't doing it yet. Multi-site is one church, same basic format, multiple locations. Poly-site is one church, varying formats and cultural styles and organizational structures.

When asked for examples, he talked about reaching a wealthy gated community.

This may be a little mean, but Ferguson and Hawkins both are basically saying, "We've done some amazing things at our church, but we don't think this is the future. We want to teach you what the future is... and we'll tell you as soon as we figure it out."

Conference audio

Plenary Session 1 with Wayne Cordeiro - I listened to about 5 minutes. Wayne believes you. You can do it. Live the dream. Be the ball. This is the last chapter, and God put you here. Swing for the fence.

Plenary Session 2 with Ed Stetzer - Stetzer starts by interviewing a guy trying to reach the Hip Hop generation. They asked him, "How can we pray for you?" His answer: Write me a check. Stetzer instead prayed that the man would be anointed. It seemed a little odd.

Stetzer than began to give Biblical proof we need to keep the cross at the center of the Gospel. Not that I disagreed, but at Easter, I'm not in need of that reminder. At some point, you have to make a commitment of some sort to Jesus.

I stopped listening at this point.

Plenary Session 3 with Dave Ferguson - You might check my note above -- "We've done some amazing things at our church, but we don't think this is the future. We want to teach you what the future is... and we'll tell you as soon as we figure it out." Dave has no idea what to say. I gave up after they brought out hundreds of live bunnies.

One interesting thing he said as I was shutting him off - "In our small groups, we tell them to treat them like Christians until they figure out they aren't." I don't know if I agree with him, but that is a significant question.


Plenary Session 4 with Bill Hybels - Hybels talks to potential planters. Pretty inspiring. Gives some things to think about if you're going to make this sacrifice.

One thing Hybels mentions about sacrifice is that they sold tomatoes door to door to start their church, and he isn't the least bit ashamed about it. This is something planters have to understand. You must be willing to humble yourself and sacrifice more than you may expect.


The main reason I was interested in going was the Alan Hirsch and Neil Cole are going to be there. But there are no podcasts of these guys here.