Externally Focused Conference

www.externallyfocusedconference.com

Just wrapping up the first day of the Externally Focused Conference at LifeBridge Church in Longmont Colorado. There is a great turnout. Hundreds of people have come from all over the U.S. to be part of this first event. Its been wonderful to see faces of old friends.

We have some great keynote speakers--Laurie Beshore from Mariners Church, Rick Rusaw of LifeBridge, Bishop Vaughn McLaughlin from the Potters House in Jacksonville and Eli Morris from Hope Presbyterian. Additionally we have 24 workshops during three different breakout session. There was great energy in the room. Tim Foot, LifeBridge worship director and his team composed new worship songs for this event--very impactful. Laurie Beshore did a great opening message. She told her story and the story of Mariners. As the pastor of outreach (both local and global) she has seen the externally focused budget go from $10,000 a few years ago to nearly $2 million today. I loved what Laurie said about how they get things done. "It's passionate capable leaders finding passionate, capable leaders. Laurie would never describe herself as a speaker...at best she would say she is a "reluctant speaker" (voted most shy in Jr. High). And yet God is using her in a mighty way. This last month she represented the faith community at the White House. Throughout her riviting message, you could have heard a pin drop. What a gift to the kingdom she is.

After Laurie, we had our first breakout sessions were packed. Heard great things about all the seminars. The LifeBridge staff and volunteers are doing such a great job hosting this event. After the seminar we came together for another main session with Rick as the keynote. Rick is one of the passionate, capable leaders who also did a great job from the front. Then we were done for the evening. I love the schedule.....Registration at noon on Monday. First session at 2pm and we are done at 6pm! And Colorado in May is spectacular!