In the summer of 2009, two guys loaded up Land Rover and headed to the Epicenter of Progressive Culture: Grand Rapids, Michigan.
Neither of them had ever been to Grand Rapids, but it didn’t matter. These two fellas would fight against all navigational odds and arrive in time to see Rob Bell, Shane Hipps, and Peter Rollins take the stage at DeVos Hall for a three day pastors conference called Poets Prophets and Preachers. And they did make it.
Swimming through the sea of dark-rimmed glasses, 1-guard electric razored heads, and more skinny jeans that one should only expect to find at a Jonas Brothers concert, they found their place.
Over the next 3 days, pastors from all over the countries were infused with a healing breath of fresh air. They were reminded of why they did what they did. These pastors were beginning the process of reclaiming the ancient, beautiful, provocative, healing, inspired art form known as the sermon. (Rob Bell)
I cannot really speak for anyone else, but the information presented was quite a bit more than what my mind was prepared to take in. You see, I’m used to Christian conferences. You know the ones. You pay a lot of money, walk in to a wall of deafening sound while simultaneously being blinded by the laser light show, and walk out of the conference incredibly excited, but without much in the way of practical application information.
This conference was the exact opposite.
There was no hype.
There was no blaring music.
There was no laser light show.
And it was jam-packed with practical takeaways.
I have spoken with several people who were in attendance at Poets Prophets and Preachers since the event and the testimonies have been incredible. Did these pastor’s congregations double in size? Not a one. Did any of these pastors become overnight icons in their faith traditions? No even sort of. But they did return to their faith communities with a rekindled passion to return to an art form long ago forgotten in many of our Christian faith traditions.
Earlier today, I got a text that the videos of Poets Prophets and Preachers have been made available for immediate download! It’s 5 hours of video for only $40. Seriously? That’s practically FREE!!!
If you’re a pastor, young or old, you need to get these videos in your hands. Head over to RobBell.com and order them right now!
I was trying to get to the downloads earlier today and couldn’t get through. GLAD to see it’s up and running again!!
There are some great short clips on youtube as well. I’m having a problem getting to youtube right now, but if you search on poets prophets preachers.
Can’t wait to get this downloaded.
Thanks for the info!!
No problem! It’s, seriously, my pleasure!
Brandon, your take on this conference is so much like our experience with the first Vineyard Conferences in the 80′s.
No hype worship of “glory days”, or “over yonder songs” or let’s work the crowd. It was simple, intimate, Jesus focused.
John Wimber’s (our Rob Bell) incredible authoritative wisdom housed in an easy going manner caught us off guard as he demonstrated the Power of God that literally rocked the seats where we sat. He often leaned on the podium, eating popcorn, invoking the Holy Spirit to come and “show off” … and He did.