Matt,

I wasn't bored at WiBo. Perhaps that's a reflection of the significant generation gap between us (30 years?). It was the equivalent of a Sylvester Stallone movie: part entertainment, part camp, not tons of deep thinking going on. But somehow you know if they make Rambo Part XIV, I'll be there.

With that being said (and given the fact that what follows will be mostly critical), one caveat: we should tread very carefully when we judge another man's ministry. Certainly we are called to defend truth and the honor of Christ, but we will all finally give account to Christ, not to bloggers. Though I may not care for the methods or theology that were on display, I am humbled by the character and passion of some of these men.

So, here's what's in my notebook from the event:

Overall -- I think the conference was well organized (Ben Arment is a master of production). The snacks were awesome, I liked the music, I dug the vibe. Given the line-up, I don't think it would be possible for someone to like all of the speakers. I'd go again in order to be stretched in some ways and confirmed in some of my prejudices.

Mark Batterson
-- A very Pentecostal approach to the ministry. Since God's ways are so far beyond ours, we should get away to hear from Him.
-- My take: it would have been more helpful to reflect on the wonderful condescension of God who, though he is so far beyond our thoughts, spoke to us in his word and by the Word.

Vince Antonucci
-- Great heart for the lost, but ultimately his picture of God is an impotent Father helplessly screaming for his lost child to come back. That doesn't do justice to God's redemption.
-- Also, I am struck by the blatant emotional manipulation during the closing prayer, with the prayer stopping to let the wailing "Come Back" song play. Maybe I'm naive, but do people really do this?

Tim Stevens
-- I was kind of looking forward to this talk. His book is called "Pop Goes the Church". But ultimately, I thought it was spectacularly obvious. Did you know that the culture is becoming increasingly spiritual but less Christian? Wow.
-- Also, can we get a moratorium on using Acts 17 to talk about the gospel and culture? Did you know that Paul quotes two secular sources there to build a connection? Wow.
-- Why doesn't anyone tell the whole story of Paul at Mars Hill? You know, the part where he stops talking about the culture and starts talking about the resurrection and almost everyone thinks he's insane?

Darrin Patrick
-- The guy has gigantic pythons.
-- A wonderful Keller-like presentation of the gospel in relationship to idolatry.
-- We are worse sinners than we thought but we are more loved by the Savior than we could have imagined.
-- My take: it's amazing that for all of the talk of relevance and culture... it's the gospel that just sucked the air out of the room.

Mark Dever
-- The guy who introduced him has gigantic pythons.
-- There is no crisis. God's kingdom will win. The church will survive and thrive.
-- Best line: How many times did Paul write to Timothy to ask how many people were coming to the church at Ephesus? Let me see (counts on his fingers)... none.

John Burke
-- The most important thing is to get people to try and stay connected to God.
-- Set your watch to remind you to pray every 60 minutes.
-- My take: it seems to me that if you tell your people that they must stay connected but you don't tell them about the Savior who died so that they would be connected... you crush them.

Perry Noble
-- Three things that pastors must have: a sense of calling, the right priorities, a readiness for temptation.
-- Best line: (to pastors)... you better be called, because if you volunteer for this, you're stupid.
-- My take: Perry's an old timey Southern preacher in ripped jeans. It felt like a revival message or a pep talk from your coach. I kinda liked it.

Ed Stetzer
-- Had to leave halfway through (Little League game!)

Leeman, any thoughts?