Two updates in the same month? I know, crazy, right? I just got back from Exponential 2023 late last night and wanted to write down an update while it is all fresh in my mind. This was the first time I could publicly write “Foundry Church” on my name tag!
If you’re not familiar with Exponential, it is a gathering of church leaders for the purpose of training in multiplication and church planting. There are main sessions that include times of teaching and worship, and there are dozens of workshops to choose from that offer specific training.
I chose the discipleship track of workshops. Before going into the conference, my prayer was that I would get a better grasp on a disciple-making model for our church. My main takeaway is that before I can focus on a disciple-making model, we need to have a definition of a disciple. Our definition of a disciple is someone who follows Jesus, is changed by Jesus and is on mission with Jesus. Beginning with the end in mind will now allow us to focus on a pathway to achieving this.
Beyond the aspects of learning—and arguably more importantly—there were several “God moments” this week. As you may know, revival started breaking out at Asbury University and is spreading. The sense of anticipation was thick as we gathered 5,000+ church leaders together to exchange ideas and worship God together. However, one of the worship leaders, Aaron, shared with us a word he had received from God. He said that although there was a great sense of expectation of revival, he felt God telling him that revival was not meant from this room or this gathering, but rather it is meant for each church represented to take home and then seeing it spread like wildfire.
I was able to attend the Exponential conference because our Eastern PA District of the Christian and Missionary Alliance went together. There were 12 of us all staying in the same house for the week, sharing vehicles, groceries and other expenses. I am so thankful for each guy that went along, the relationships built and experiences shared. Among our small group were at least two other significant “God moments” that I would prefer not to put in writing for the privacy of others. I also received a prophetic word from a guy in our group after asking for prayer.
By far my biggest takeaway from this conference is that God loves us. He wants us to love him and be about doing His mission, but more than anything we can do for God, He loves us. As one of my brothers from our group said, “It’s easy to forget how much God loves you.” If it’s been a while since you’ve pondered that concept, the feeling can be overwhelming!
This is the second year in a row that I’ve had the privilege of attending Exponential. I feel very tired. I missed my family terribly, but I feel encouraged and more equipped to make disciples who make disciples, and plant churches that plant churches. Join with me in praying that we continue to see a movement of God throughout our country and worldwide!
