Mike Gentilini and I thoroughly enjoyed the pastors' conference. We couldn't add anything to it except perhaps another day. I didn't want it to end. And the instruction was as great as I anticipated it would be, but I was really surprised by the high quality of the conversations/insights/passions that arose among all the campers during the breaks/meals/recreation time.

I have been reading ETC for years. I've heard probably half a dozen Basement Tapes. I just don't listen to a lot of tapes, but I've loved everything I've read and heard. Agreed with 98% of it.

Then I came to a pastor's conference and saw it put in action. The worship with Wayne at St. Peters was great. The lunch on Sunday was a treat. And the camp was every nuance of recreation, as in re-creating me for a refreshed return to my own congregation.

It is gratifying to me to be around unapologetic MEN who say what they think and defend what they say and engage differences of opinion and laugh and break bread together. Don't get much better.

I like to see men who take God seriously, take His Word seriously, take the privilege of our calling seriously, but don't take themselves seriously.

I can't remember which official I said this to, but it was either R.C., Laurence, or Wayne - I asked why they didn't tape these sessions. He answered that when we went back home, they didn't want us to say, "here's a tape, this is what they said." He wanted us to tell them what was said. In other words, we were supposed to filter what we received through ourselves before reporting. That's brilliant. You know the essence of the pastors' camp has been grasped if it transfers.

One final note is a point about the setting. That was a great location.

Thanks for letting me rave.