Lunch w/Driscoll and Other Name-Droppings

This has been an amazing week of rubbing shoulders with key ministry leaders.  Allow me to name-drop for a moment:

Tuesday night Amber & I had dinner with national speaker Phil Chalmers and his wife Barb.  Phil has a tremendous passion for remedying teen violence that will take fruition in a major new book from Thomas Nelson Publishers coming out nationally next Spring coupled with a possible national television deal. 

On a personal note, I finally got to recount the story to Phil of how his youth ministry videos got me fired once (a badge of honor in my book).  Phil had encouraging words for me and wisdom concerning expanding my speaking opportunities.  Plus he played with my little guy Josiah with his personal antique car collection, which showed me his heart.  Phil's family has recently made Catalyst their home church.

Today I ran into Christian author/thinker Kary Oberbrunner in Columbus.  Kary is a fantastic guy who constantly inspires me.  His new book, The Fine Line, releases nationally with Zondervan this December.  I'll review an advanced copy in the coming months.

A few of us Acts 29 guys in Ohio grabbed some time with Mark Driscoll today.  Driscoll graciously gave some of our staff men from Catalyst 2 hours of his time today during a private lunch on his tab.  Nuggets of wisdom included:

"It takes a preacher about 200-300 sermons before he finds his voice."

"Do not appoint any Elders during the first few years of your church plant."

"'Jesus is alive.'  I stole that line." (You had to be there to appreciate the humorous context).

To top it off, we snapped this pic for the blog. 
L-R: Me, Driscoll, Matt Simon, & Dave Sparks.

Our day in Buckeye Country was topped off by male-bonding time at The Dark Knight on Imax.  Seriously, this movie is ripe with Gospel illustrations.  Go see it.

Coming Friday: My 86-yr-old Grandpa will have the "name-dropping" photo that trumps all others!...