Fasting: the very word almost strikes fear into my heart. Not because the issue is frightening but maybe because I don’t know enough about it…I don’t know enough intellectually or experientially. I’m determined that this is one of the disciplines I want to develop in my life.

There are many Scriptures that deal with the issue of fasting. In the New Testament, Jesus gives serious credence to the need for “prayer and fasting.” (Matthew 17:21) So, it’s clear that there is great power in fasting. But the truth is, in my life this is not a power that I have experienced personally. Certainly, I’ve fasted before (three or four days at the most) but I don’t think I’ve experienced the true purpose of fasting: to push away the physical needs and focus on the spiritual needs. Too often for me I focus more on the physical goal (don’t eat for a few days) instead of the spiritual purpose (focus all your energies on Christ).

All of this to say that I am determined to learn this spiritual discipline and apply it in my life. I want to know what it means and how it feels to long for God more than anything else: more than food or drink, more than rest or sleep, more than church or study, more than reputation or good-standing.

I’m still learning what it means to desire God for who He is instead of what He has. I desire the good things: holiness, righteousness, discipline, integrity…but I have to learn to seek after God first and allow these things to be a result of that. I want God! Everything that results from that intimate relationship is simply a positive byproduct.

Well, the bloggers wanted some credibility…here it is! Big thanks to Ed Stetzer and the guys at NAMB for putting this on for us.

Ed Stetzer, Tim Bagwell, and John Avant are planning to lead a conference call for SBC bloggers heading to Greensboro who want to hear about the SBC/Greensboro Younger Leader Meeting and the NAMB Missional Network. This will be open to the first 20 bloggers who email Tim Bagwell (tbagwell@namb.net), the NAMB Director of the soon-to-be-launched Missional Network. You can email him at tbagwell@namb.net. The conference call will be held 2 p.m. Eastern on May 30th.

I was and still am worried about the mischaracterization of the “Younger Leader Movement.” I was honored to serve on the “Younger Leader Task Force” at NAMB recently (soon to be the “Missional Network”) and was encouraged by the men I served with and excited about our conclusions and recommendations. Since that time, I have been somewhat concerned about the tone and tenor of the conversation; especially from those who would characterize themselves as “younger” or “missional.” Let me be clear- this new tone was not evident in ANY of the guys on the Task Force with me but I observed it on other blogs and in various places.

Now, I’m excited that Ed Stetzer, Jimmy Draper, Jerry Rankin and Jeff Iorg

have confirmed to speak at the “Young Leaders Summit II” in Greensboro. I think these are the guys that need to be representing what we believe and desire to occur in our Convention. Now I feel like I can at least be a part of the conversation without lending credence to what I described in an earlier post as “the atmosphere of the blogosphere.”

Being a parent is an absolutely awesome thing. I never thought I would enjoy it as much as I do. I know there’s a tendency among parents to think of their kid as more “special” or “advanced” or “well-behaved” than all the rest. Believe me, I have no delusions here. Jake has his fair share of defiant, self-willed moments. But, I’ve just got to tell you something that excites me about my boy.

It’s not just that he absolutely loves the tractor and four-wheeler at my mother-in-laws place…and it’s not just that he could care less about watching TV and would rather be outside throwing things…here’s what I love the most. Every book to him is a “Bible.” That started very early. It doesn’t matter if it’s Dr. Seuss, Elmo or [insert favorite kid’s book here] it’s a “Bible” to Jake. Even my laptop is a “Bible” sometimes. I love that!

Here’s something else I love (in the form of a short story). The other day I sat down to have some lunch with Stephanie and Jake. I was in a hurry and Jake already has his food. Without thinking I began to eat before I prayed for my meal. A couple of minutes later I looked up at Jake and there he was, waiting with his hands folded, ready for me to pray! Every time I sit down for lunch or dinner, that’s the first thing he does. He loves to fold his hands together, pray and then say “A-meeeen” at the end. He remembers better than I do!

One more thing ( I know, I’m starting to sound like one of “those” parents). Jake hates having his diaper changed. In fact, anything that means he has to sit still for any period of time means that he will be sorely displeased. But, we’ve found something that helps. There’s this little booklet that we got from church (yes, he calls it a “Bible”) that we give him when we’re changing him. This keeps him quiet because he wants to see the picture of Jesus, or “Je-Je” as he calls him. I love it.

I’m new at this “dad” thing and trying my best to learn as I go. But I pray that these small things will grow and develop into a passion inside of my son’s heart for the things of God. I don’t think you can start too early for that.

I have postponed blogging about this for some time now because of my extreme frustration with many “young leaders” in our Convention. As I read prominent blogs about the SBC I’m infuriated at the amount of arrogance displayed. Comments on popular blogs that discuss the dangers of presidential nominees ignoring the blogosphere and the pitfalls of SBC leaders declining interviews speak to the shear arrogance of many of my misguided colleagues.

There was a time when all we wanted was a voice. We desired for other pastors and leaders in the SBC to recognize that new and different methodologies don’t equal liberal theology. We wanted the President of the Pastor’s Conference to bring in new and different speakers to give us a broad and fresh perspective (which has now happened). We simply wanted validity: an understanding between different generations that, after all, we’re all on the same team…we just might have varying strategies.

Now, instead of validity, all I see everyone demanding is victory. I see a “win at any cost” mentality among many in my generation. I see no respect for the generation that has preceded ours. I see no love for the Convention, its professed convictions and its vital missions. Instead, I see self-proclaimed “young leaders” demanding attention and whining like toddlers. Honestly, the way that many are acting is virtual proof that our generation is part of the “entitlement culture.” Sadly, in our nation, as well as in our Convention, it is abundantly clear that the younger generation believes it should be handed everything and work for nothing. Truthfully, demanding a seat at the leadership table in the SBC perfectly opposes the words of Christ in Mark 9:35; “If anyone wants to be first, he shall be last of all and servant of all.” I don’t recall hearing this Scripture quoted at the last “young leader” meeting.

Now, I’m certain that my thoughts and comments will immediately have me relegated to the position of a young pastor who is in the back pocket of Convention leadership and doesn’t really understand “the cause.” Nothing could be further from the truth. But I am fearful that “the cause” may be damaged beyond repair if we seek to achieve our agenda by whining, complaining and being adversaries to those who have gone before us. There’s nothing the enemy likes more than to see conservatives fighting with one another over menial, non-eternal issues (by the way, the enemy is Satan, not the previous or current generation of SBC leaders – I think we might have forgotten that).

How about a little sanity? How about mutual respect? How about some “young leaders” who are willing to stand out and step up and announce that we respect where we’ve been, we love those who have gone before us and we desire to build upon that foundation to reach our world for Jesus Christ.