I spent the better part of this past week at the annual GES conference in Fort Worth, Texas.
The Lord blessed us with a number of good speakers, and the mood of the conference was phenomenal. I got a strong sense that the majority of the attendees really desire reconciliation within the Free Grace movement. This is a marked change from when I was last there two years ago. That, for me, was the highlight of the conference.
Some other personal highlights:
- Bob Swift’s session on the Johannine prologue was both simple and very, very deep. It goes well with Jim Reitman’s “Gospel in 3-D” series, which presents some additional refinements.
- Dan Hauge’s workshop on 1 Samuel. He aimed to equip us to teach 1 Samuel and convince us of the value of doing so. It worked.
- John Niemela’s presentation on Hebrews 12:14 was very good. His thesis: “Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord (in you).”
- I had the privilege of presenting a plenary session on Hebrews, and a workshop on worship. You can find them both here.
- My good friend and future co-worker Joe Anderson came to the conference, and we partnered up for some serious psalm-singing (more info here). Monday night we spent working on matching lyrics and tunes, Tuesday night we spent a few hours in a corner of the Riley Center with a few friends, singing, sharing, and praying until midnight or so. Wednesday night the same, but with a very good conversation about worship dance…and a little actual dancing, even.
- We also got the chance to introduce psalm-singing to the whole conference in the main session after lunch on Wednesday, and in the prayer time. That was a lot of fun, and very well received.
- The fellowship was outstanding, as always. Made new friends, reacquainted with old ones, and got to meet an online friend and fellow worker in person for the first time, which was a real pleasure.
- Jim Reitman (knowing that my presentation would be discussing unity in the body of Christ) brought me a t-shirt that said “Ask me about my dysfunctional family.” Priceless.
A good time was had by all — as far as I know — and I’m looking forward to next year.
Full Contact Christianity 
I like that interpretation of Hebrews 12:14. It’s interesting, and I will think about it further.