One More Down...
9Marks just finished another of its "Weekenders." I don't know of any other conference like it. It's not just lectures or sermons. It's more show-and-tell or touch-and-feel. We cap attendance at fifty pastors or seminarians, and basically take them through a LONG weekend at Capitol Hill Baptist Church. You sit through an elders meeting, membership courses, and so on. Along the way, you hear a few lectures of explanation. I suspect the Weekender is one of the most helpful things 9Marks does. The book may present the principles. But the Weekender makes it come to life.
In case you're interested, I discovered after the fact that one of the CHBC interns--Noah Brayman--"live blogged" (sort of) this last Weekender. If you're curious to learn more, click here. This is unofficial, and I have not even read it all. But it looks good.
BTW: Josh Coover and Andrew Sherwood, whom you don't ordinarily read about b/c they're behind the scenes, did a fantastic job pulling off this last Weekender. Thanks, fellas.
"It's more show-and-tell or touch-and-feel."
Or maybe "scratch and sniff"
Posted by: bookpress | Sep 18, 2007 2:44:12 PM
Thank you all so much for providing these helpful events. I had the privilege of attending a Weekender in September 2006 with a friend (met Noah B. at that one), and it made an indelible impression on us. It was great to meet the elders and staff and ask questions and get good instruction. It was also good to talk with the interns. Brent, Josh, Jeremy, and others were exemplary in their humble service, and the hospitality of a couple in the church in housing us was very kind. Your ministry has really helped me to understand and appreciate the local church more. May the Lord continue to bless you to help train others (2 Tim. 2:2).
Doug Smith
member, Cornerstone Chapel Reformed Baptist Church, Bristol, TN
Posted by: Doug Smith | Sep 19, 2007 12:10:08 PM
Thanks to your skillful linking, Mr. Leeman, Mr. Coover and Mr. Sherwood are still very much "behind the scenes" to those of us who've not yet met them.
Posted by: Letoto | Sep 21, 2007 2:11:25 PM
Jonathan, as one of the recent Weekenders I can't help but give thanks for the invaluable time spent during 5 long days at CHBC. I still can't get over how much time all of you invested in us, eating with us, inviting us to ask questions all the time, allowing us to see 9marks in action in a local church and not just as a model in a book. As one who travelled from the other side of the Atlantic for this Weekender, every mile was well, well worth it... even he jet-lag! If anyone get's the chance to go, go! Thanks, Liam
Posted by: Liam Garvie | Sep 22, 2007 2:40:49 AM
Jonathan thanks for the link to my blog. My posts are far from comprehensive but it gives a good idea at the breadth of stuff 9Marks offered. However, the link wasn't to the specific post...here's the link that will take people to that specific Weekender overview post:
http://newlynearlymarried.blogspot.com/2007/09/9markschbc-weekender-recap.html
In Christ,
Noah
Posted by: Noah Braymen | Sep 22, 2007 8:12:52 AM