Gratitude for the Desiring God Pastors Conference


What happens to me when 1,400 pastors gather for three days to ponder Christian Hedonism and the aim of pastoral ministry: Namely, to shepherd the people of God into the enjoyment of God for the glory of God, as Sam Storms put it? One secondary thing that happens is that I hear thanks.

As executive minister at Bethlehem Baptist Church and as a board member of Desiring God I was approached by a pastor from one western state, tears running down his face, asking for a word of counsel and thanking me for this conference. A pastor from another western state thanked me for the conference, for our weekend covenant affirmation services at Bethlehem, and for a stack of documents we gave him. A team of about 10 leaders from a church in Wisconsin earnestly thanked me for putting on this conference. Pastors who made transoceanic trips thanked me for the conference.

The problem is this: I didn’t do it. I don’t deserve the thanks. So what do I do with undeserved thanks? Answer: Pass it on to others, who join me in passing it on to God.

Thanks to God for John Piper who pulled together a world class slate of Christian Hedonists presenters and ministered powerfully by baring his soul through his biography of C.S. Lewis. Thanks for Scott Anderson from DG who oversaw the logistics for another enriching conference. Thanks for Matt Lund whose mobile bookstore equipped church leaders with about 14,000 books. Thanks for scores of volunteers who volunteered at the registration tables, information booth, the prayer room, the doorways, and in the worship team. Thanks for passionate speakers like Eric Mason and Bob Blincoe who really believe that God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in him, even in suffering. (All the lectures may be heard at desiringGod.org.)

By loaning their pastor, their staff, and their time as volunteers to Desiring God for a conference like this, Bethlehem’s people are helping achieve our mission by spreading a passion among 1,400 pastors (and beyond) for the supremacy of God in all things for the joy of all people through Jesus Christ.