One of the most difficult sessions to preach during the SBC Pastor’s Conference would be right after lunch. Jamar Andrews was the one selected to preach this session on Philippians 2:19-26 (a text that many wouldn’t pick as their favorite to preach). Jamar brought down the house, though. He faithfully walked through this text and encouraged each pastor with the example of Timothy and Epaphroditus. I loved the emotion with which this brother proclaimed the gospel. He was encouraging and motivating. I mean at one point Jamar called Lydia “Sugar Mama” and he closed by emotionally praying for pastors/leaders who might have been called off the field because of health concerns or other issues.

We also had an historic election after Jamar’s sermon. We elected H.B. Charles the first African American to be the President of the SBC Pastor’s Conference. I’m excited because H.B. is a phenomenal expository preacher. I’m confident that he will continue some of the amazing things built this year. Here’s also hoping that H.B. will consider having Dave Miller be one of the PC speakers next year. Dave can preach.

After Dave Miller interviewed Keith Getty, Jose Abella preached on Philippians 3:1-11. Jose encouraged us to not assume the gospel but to intentionally pursue clarity in the gospel. It was one of those messages where there isn’t necessarily anything new but a constant reminder that we must always go back to the gospel. “If we do not keep the gospel in front of us, it will inevitably end up behind us.” Jose was also very bold in the way he talked about how much Southern Baptists love talking about the revival—but that what will bring revival is the pastor being excited about Jesus. Amen!

Spencer Plumlee closed out the afternoon session on Philippians 3:12-16. Spencer used a powerful visual illustration by grabbing a baton and dropping it on the hard concrete floor. He did this to illustrate the fact that our victory in Jesus is a call to a vigorous pursuit of Jesus. Spencer did a great job exhorting us and encouraging us (as Paul did in the text) and also grounding it in the gospel (as Paul also did).

Off to a brief supper before hearing from Keith Getty!

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Here is a little side note that I might write a bit about more later. I’m in charge of the social media for the Pastors Conference. This means I’m constantly keeping an eye on the #SBCPC17 hashtag. You know what’s amazing to me about this year? There is so little bickering and arguing going on. In the past it is much different. Perhaps this is because the focus has been on Jesus and His Word. Very few opinions being expressed.

I have such a wonderful opportunity serving with President Dave Miller at the SBC Pastor’s Conference. Yesterday, it was surreal to stand on the stage in the massive auditorium. The stage itself is about as big as our entire sanctuary. I’ve loved the opportunity to serve the SBC with these guys. My job has been on the social media side of things. I’ve been live blogging under the @SBCPastorsConf handle.

Things kicked off with music from the Getty’s. They’ve introduced a few new songs for us and they also provided a free concert at the end last night. It’s hard to get any better than the Getty’s when it comes to worshipping King Jesus.

The preaching started with a phenomenal message from Philippians 1:1-11 by David Choi. David encouraged us pastors to rest in Jesus instead of our own performance. For me the most encouraging and convicting thing was his call for us pastors to believe the gospel enough to truly open up our hearts to our congregations. It was a great reminder to my soul to not only preach the gospel to my own heart but also to believe and rest in this gospel. These sermons will be made available later and you’re going to want to listen to David’s message. (And the other messages as well).

John Onwuchekwa preached the second message on Philippians 1:12-26. His key point was that the gospel loves to advance through the road of adversity. The Spirit convicted me through this message of how much of my joy is actually tethered to circumstances. I’ve preached on this passage so many times before and my point was similar to John’s; namely, if our joy is tied to other stuff then it’s going to be fading but it is unstoppable if tied to gospel advancement. But John preached this text in such a way that the Spirit really awoke my hear to my need for deep grace in this area. I need the gospel to go so much deeper into my heart.

The night closed out with Chris Davis giving a bold message from Philippians 1:27-30. Chris reminded us that as evangelicals and Southern Baptists we are not primarily a voting bloc but sinners redeemed by Jesus. He spoke to many of the fears that we have in our changing cultural landscape here in America. But being spooked is evidence that we have our citizenship somewhere other than in heaven. Our citizenship in heaven frees us up to be bold. Chris closed by calling us to say over many of the things in our lives, “This is from God”.

So far this pastor’s conference has been unlike any of the others. I have been more deeply encouraged that in years past. So often I’ve only found a little bit of encouragement from a few of the speakers but so far every single one of these messages has been an encouragement. The coolest thing about this entire thing is the focus on Jesus.

The screen behind the speakers is a perfect picture of what this PC is about. When the text of Scripture comes up on the screen you can barely see the preacher. The Word of God is the only celebrity at this pastor’s conference…and it’s deeply encouraging this pastor.