It’s two days late but here was my Day 2 at cre:ate:
Morning W\worship with a genuine, humble dude named Carl Cartee. He has a new album coming out in March. Check it out. He is the real deal. Reminds me of a young Paul Baloche with more grovel…
Profound session with Ian Morgan Cron, author of Chasing Francis, on the mystic-artist. Can’t begin to say how cool it was to hear from Ian’s heart. My big takeaway was something he didn’t even talk about per se, but modeled: God has made us a certain way so we must find our voice – and that voice won’t be like anyone else’s. Ian is an artist at heart even though he is a pastor, author, blogger, etc. His presentation was heady, artsy, rich, serious, clever, humorous. I’m an artist through and through too. He gave me permission to be an “artsy” communicator…
After Ian’s session, we had the first of many surprises of the week. I thought I had seen this guy at the conference but wasn’t sure. Randy brought up Matthew Ward, formerly of 2nd Chapter of Acts, and Billy Ray Hearn, EMI Christian Music Group founder, who discovered 2nd Chapter before there was such a thing as CCM. They reminisced on their relationship and Matthew closed the time by singing “The Lord’s Prayer.” It was truly an anointed time. Matthew is one of my all time favorite singers…
Lunch was at the Boxwood Bistro here at the Factory. Jasmine salmon with white rice as a main entree. Yummy. Met and sat with uber-blogger and great guy, Carlos Whitaker and his wife, Heather. Also, had the priveledge to have lunch with Ian. Asked Ian alot of questions about his pastoring role in southern Connecticut. He started a church that has grown to 700 folks and he feels that his time to be the “lead” guy may have come to an end and hand it over to someone else. He shared his frustration of the slow shift from mission to maintenance. Also shared a vision he has for what he calls the “atomized” church. If I remember, I’ll try to unpack this later for you. In all, another providential time to connect with an anointed man who spoke truth into my life. [There was also a surprise visit by Stu G, the electric guitarist from Delirious?. Fun stuff...]
After lunch, we had our second surprise of the day. Billy and Cindy Foote, writers of songs like “You Are My King (Amazing Love)” and “Sing to the King,” led us in a mini-worship session. What a sweet time of worship! God manifested Himself in a powerful way…
Afternoon session with Steve Guthrie, assistant professor of theology @ Belmont University. The highlight was his “exegesis” of book 10, chapter 32 of Augustine’s Confessions. Awesome stuff…
Supper was at Harpeth Community Church here in Franklin. Great food and even better music. I got my nostalgia on. Michael W. Smith led us in an intimate time of worship. Just Smitty and a piano. Check out his song “Highly Favoured” on the new album, CompassionArt…
Tomorrow I hope to recap day 3 & 4 for you…
