Yesterday, my church hosted a regional conference for the Acts29 Network, a church planting organization, and I decided to hang out there for the day. The three featured speakers/guests were Barry (our pastor), Matt Carter (pastor of Austin Stone, where Chris Tomlin does worship), and Matt Chandler (pastor of The Village). I didn’t learn anything earth-shattering, but I enjoyed hearing the stories of how these churches concieved and what the journey has been like for them.

There was a good Q&A session in which several people asked some great, practical questions, like how to raise money, what the first hire should be, how to maintain a healthy work schedule/family life, etc. Every great question was met with some even better answers, in my opinion. I really gained much more respect for my pastor (not that any was lacking) and Matt Chandler in regards to their philosophy and leadership abilities.

A good time was had by all and it was nice to talk to several church planters and hear their stories as well. God is doing some great things in Texas these days and it good to see that a29 is offering sound advice and leadership in producing solid, biblical church plants all over the state.