NAC - Tuesday

Every year, the organizers of our North American Convention invite a guest speaker to address (preach to) our people. Last night our guest speaker was Jim Wallis, a self-proclaimed evangelical activist for social justice and peace. His latest book was a New York Times best seller, titled: God's Politics: Why the Right Gets It Wrong and the Left Doesn't Get It. I'm sure some things he said would raise the antennae of any good Republican, but he took some swings at Democrats, too. Here's a Jim Wallis interview on the Daily Show with John Stewart. (To watch, follow the link and choose WindowsMedia or RealPlayer.) It might surprise you that someone as outspoken as Jim Wallis might be invited to speak at our camp meeting, but that's the kind of thing that makes this week so great.

Before the evening service, Janelle and I attended the Alumni Banquet for the School of Theology. While none of my classmates were able to attend, I was able to see some professors who have become my good friends. I am especially happy for one adjunct (part time) professor, who was brought on full time at the beginning of June. Lew Worthington is a wonderful man and a great teacher with a Ph.D. in New Testament studies from Nashville's Vanderbilt University. (Besides, he gave me an "A.") Way to go, Lew!

This morning our General Assembly opened at 8:15. A new mission statement for the Church of God was unveiled: Transforming Culture by Being the Body of Christ.

I don't know why my camera phone can't handle a little light, but that angelic looking creature at the podium is our General Director Ronald V. Duncan giving his annual report to the Assembly. I'm really more interested in showing you the interior of Warner Auditorium than a good shot of our General Director.

After the initial vote and break, I relocated to the balcony (votes can only be cast from the main floor). These shots are looking back toward the rest of the balcony and then forward toward the stage. Reardon Auditorium is really a beautiful structure. These pictures were taken (unobtrusively) during the Memorial Service for deceased pastors. We remembered 72 persons today. Some were in their 40s and some in their 90s. Some had been pastoring for as little as 5 years, and some for more than 70 years. Several were pastors I am personally familiar with.

By the time GA was finished for the day the temperature had clmbed into the low 90s with bright sunshine. Within a few minutes the skies darkened and we had some significant thunderstorms move through. I think they cooled things off a little (Thank you, God.), but I'm hoping we can stay dry through our events tonight.

We'll be leaving for the evening service in just a few minutes. After that, Ben and Will are going to be with the youth for Comedy Night, where a Christian comedian will entertain the kids. While our kids are at their event, Janelle and I will be attending the Warner Southern College reception from 9:15-11:00. It will be another late night, but we get used to that during NAC.