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2008
In two months, 1,300 of us – virtually all ��ñ���� staff – will gather in St. Louis for our triennial National Staff Conference. I am very excited about the event for a variety of reasons.

Not only will each of us enjoy seeing old friends and meeting new ones – sort of like a big family reunion – but we will also receive great Scripture teaching, hear inspiring testimonies, attend helpful seminars, and be challenged by fabulous plenary speakers.

The theme, found in Romans 1, is “I am not ashamed of the Gospel because it is the power of God.” This verse will frame the week, as we focus on sharing the Good News with students and faculty on campus, at camps, via books, and through missions.

It is my prayer that the Lord will use the event to enlarge our vision and to serve as a catalyst for our five Strategic Initiatives — chapter planting/chapter building, evangelism, leadership development, multiethnicity, and field staff funding.

2005
Of course, for many – including me – National Staff Conference also raises mixed memories from 2005. While the program itself was fantastic – Tom Boyle and his team deserve great thanks – the planned agenda was often overshadowed by conflict and difficult conversations.

As I’ve listened to a wide range of staff over the past three years, it is apparent that no two persons experienced the 2005 conference in the same way. Some felt pain. Some were confused. Others felt out of the loop.

In the aftermath, the Lord sent me on a journey of intense soul-searching and personal growth. It was not easy; but in hindsight, I can see His hand all along the way. He has been teaching me to listen more carefully, to seek out multiethnic mentors, and to ask for outside help when necessary.

In like manner, I believe that the Fellowship itself has been on a collective journey over the last 34 months. Difficult conversations have occurred. Forgiveness has been extended. Communities have engaged each other in new ways.
While we’ve learned a lot about ourselves and are making some good, helpful, and healthy progress, we still have much to do in order to be the kind of Fellowship the Lord has called us to be.

We in senior leadership have taken a long and serious look at our overall health via many large (and small) group conversations. After a great deal of listening, the Multiethnic Ministries Team, under Paula Fuller’s capable leadership, has helped formulate a new Strategic Initiative. I am very encouraged by the work to date – including four Daniel Project cohorts – and by what lies ahead.

Grace and Hope
Our God redeems, heals, and resurrects. Despite our many failings, He lifts us up, chisels off our rough edges and smothers us with His grace. May we return to St. Louis with a great sense of hopefulness and excitement about what He wants to accomplish in and through us.

Please pray for the following:

• The Holy Spirit’s presence and our ability to hear Him
• The Lord’s guidance for the Planning Team (that is, speakers, seminars, logistics, technical concerns)
• The 300-plus staff for whom this will be their first National Staff Conference
• The Multiethnic Ministries Team as they prepare their track