Well, the every-other-year family reunion known as T4G has come and gone. It was a wonderful time of word, fellowship, and singing.
It’s impossible to do a complete re-cap, but there are a number of things I cherished about T4G this year.
1. My Bride: I had the honor of being with my bride of almost 19 years, sitting under the preaching of the word and enjoying one another’s company. Since I preach most Sundays or at most conferences we attend together, I don’t often get to sit with her any more. It’s one of life’s finest pleasures to sit real close to my wife, whisper in her ear, and have our attention drawn to Jesus as the word goes out.
2. FBC Crew: After the time with my wife, I was most honored, encouraged, strengthened, and humbled by the attendance of about 15 people from FBC Grand Cayman. These dear saints took time off work; left children and family members back home; paid for airfare, hotels, and meals; and braved a crowd of 7,000 faithful to feed upon Christ. They came primarily for the word, but my heart was simply giddy at having them meet/hear some of my closest friends and knowing their prayer and support. I am grateful beyond words for each one of them, and for all the saints who couldn’t come but blessed us with their prayers. I’m the most blessed pastor in the world because I have the privilege of serving the saints at FBC.
3. The singing: Outstanding as usual. Bob Kauflin masterfully lead us again. Two new favorites: “All I Have Is Christ” and “I Asked the Lord.” Powerful, powerful stuff.
4. Preaching: I enjoyed all of the talks. But I especially appreciated Mark’s opening talk on “The Church Is the Visible Display of the Gospel” (sweet and compelling”), Lig’s talk, “Did the Father’s Know the Gospel?” and C.J.’s closing talk on 1 Tim. 4. Mark made me love the church, as he always does. Lig’ made me want to read the fathers, gave me guidance on how, and reminded me that reading history to understand how others read the Bible helps me read the Bible. And C.J. had me in tears laughing and in tears mourning as he instructed us all in “ordinary” pastoral ministry. I was full to the brim.
T4G 2010 — Session 1 — Mark Dever from Together for the Gospel (T4G) on Vimeo.
T4G 2010 — Session 7 — Ligon Duncan from Together for the Gospel (T4G) on Vimeo.
5. Matt Chandler: It was great to meet Matt, share a meal, and hear his heart at the conference. What an amazingly gifted and gracious brother. The time of prayer for Matt and Lauren and other pastors with similar ailments was powerful (too weak a word). The many of us who attended from FBC were often praying for a dear brother and former elder battling cancer back home, and for the mom of one of our elders recently diagnosed. I think there was longing for heaven in these prayers, and deep trust in the goodness of God. C.J.’s comments following Matt’s sharing was insightful, especially the line: “trust God’s heart when you can’t trace His hand.”
T4G 2010 — Special Session — Matt Chandler from Together for the Gospel (T4G) on Vimeo.
6. Volunteers: More than a few thanks and many prayers are owed to the volunteers who made the event possible. These folks were eager to serve, dedicated, cheerful, and very good at what they did. They gave themselves to the 7,000 in attendance, and I trust that produced fruit in our lives and will redound to their everlasting happiness in eternity when they see the fruit the Lord produces. Praise God for the many volunteers.
7. Breakout Speakers: This year the conference featured eight breakout speakers. From what I heard, all the speakers did a phenomenal job glorifying the Lord and opening His word. I had the privilege of introducing Mike McKinley, one of my favorite pastors. His talk was incredibly clear, pastorally insightful, and personally engaging.
