catalyst
last week i was privileged to go to Catalyst again. the first couple of years they wouldn’t let old guys like me go. i was literally turned down because i put my age on the form and they said no thanks. as Andy got older and he realized he couldn’t go to his own conference the rules changed. (just kidding).
here’s a lesson i learned. old guys can still preach. Chuck Swindoll is still one of the best communicators in the world. his ability to tell a story, read a poem, and dig deep stuff from scripture lights me up every time i hear him. i also love his transparency. his story about the conversation with his wife (point number 4 – it’s hardest to lead at home) cracked me up. i think my wife and i have had a similar conversation in the past. so i guess there is hope that tanya and i will last for another 20, assuming i live that long. (in about 8 months we make it to 30)
i think by seeing the vitality, the humor, the giftedness of Swindoll reminds me that there is still hope for me in ministry for another few years. God is not finished with me. i am reminded that E. Stanley Jones, the great Methodist missionary to India wrote in his quiet time at the age of 80 something – “I am still a Christian, becoming.” The great Baptist preacher W.A. Criswell used to pray, “God help me to finish well.”
these are lessons i need to learn more and more. God is not finished with me and God, help me finish well. i never got to meet you in person, but you have contributed more to my ministry than most any writer – educator. whenever i got stuck trying to make a point in a sermon i often turned to your writings. i have learned from afar. thanks Dr. Swindoll, for a reminder that there are still men of integrity, of high intelligence, of gifted communication, that allow God to see them to the finish line.
