Houston Experience

For those who will be taking part in the 2012 edition of the great Houston ministry immersion...Welcome aboard!

Our journey will start with Faithbridge UMC and a conversation about church planting.  From there we will experience Pastor Jonathan Williams and the Wilcrest Church.  It is an incredible ministry that is thoroughly multi-cultural.  Then it is off to The Woodlands UMC where we will see a large complex congregation in action under the leadership of Dr. Ed Robb.

The Lanier Theological Library will provide insights into private resources for in depth study.  Next we will literally hit the street with Joe Williams and Houston Street Reach.  We will worship at the street church and then spend the evening (and early morning) in ministry to folks on the streets of the Montrose.

Saturday finds us at the Power Center and the ministry of Windsor Village UMC with Pastor Kirby Jon Caldwell.  Amazing!  But if you think that is good, wait until you get to the Kingdom Builders Center and the Corinthian Point housing development.  It will open your mind to entrepreneurial ministry and leadership.

Dr. Jerry Webber will help us understand the contemplative traditions of spiritual formation at Chapelwood Church.  From there we will be ready for Mercy Street.  A worship setting for folks who are in recovery.  Mercy!  What a blessing it will be to share a late evening sandwich with the Mercy Street team.

Then Sunday rolls around!  Lakewood Church and pastor Joel Osteen is first on the agenda.  The largest church in the USA.  The music will blow you away.  From there we will find an incredible contrast with Pastor Rudy Rasmus and St John's Downtown where we will worship with homeless folks in an inner city setting.  St John's is a unique ministry that literally reaches around the world!

Dr. Jim Jackson will provide teaching about his new discipleship model and the fine art of raising funds for mission and ministry.  That kicks us into the evening with yet another worship service.  This time it is with a young adult ministry called Ecclesia under the preaching of Pastor Chris Seay.  Ecclesia is changing the world!  No fooling!

Now for a real blessing, we will have breakfast with Dr. Jim Herrington and hear his family story of inner city missional ministry.  Every time I hear the story I am encouraged and challenged.  This one will be a real blessing.

We close out the journey with a one-on-one conversation with Chris Seay.  Don't miss the New Testament translation called The Voice!

North American pastors and church leaders and international Christian leaders alike will be blessed.  We will be 17 strong so there will be plenty of time to interact.  Buckle your seat belt, catch an early nap, and get ready to roll!

See you there!