This topic is to discuss our thoughts on McLaren...what he said at the conference, things that made you think, how he was dressed, anything.

One of the big things for me from Brian's morning workshop was the idea that we are not meant to 'expand' or 'build' the Kingdom. The verbs used are 'see', 'receive' and 'enter'. We are not the ones making it happen. We have seen it and received it, but not for our own personal benefit; we are meant to live in community and help others to see it as well. Brian told a story about a jazz band, a young mentally handicapped boy and and engaged and enthralled crowd, and how he saw the Kingdom in that moment. I was retelling that story to my wife, and it honestly brought a team to my eye. He said our theology often keeps us from initiating and bearing witness to these Kingdom moments within the community at large because we feel as though it all has to happen within the context of the Church. We just need to open our eyes and see that the Spirit is at work everywhere, with or without us; as followers of Jesus, those who have seen the Kingdom and know its power, it is up to us to help others to see that as well. That's just a little something that stood out for me.

I heard Brian McLaren speak last year and was quite impressed by his humbleness and his ability to not answer the question but to get you to discuss it more and bring your thoughts to the table before he shared his. He did not disappoint this time either.

I really wish I was able to go to the "after party", but just didn't think I could put my babysitter through such an extra-long day. Maybe next time. ;)