OK, I have a confession to make: I hang out with rednecks.
Redneck Pastors, that is. It’s a group of guys that I “met” online, mostly in the Pastors Forums over at pastors.com. I’m older than every one of those guys. They are either church planters or pastors of new and “contemporary” churches. They are doing some tremendous things for the Kingdom of God in their locations.
When we meet face-to-face, it’s usually over a not-so-healthy but very enjoyable meal, in places like here, here, here, and especially here.
We always laugh – a lot! We catch up on the latest scoop. We solve the world’s problems. We chide and challenge each other. We bounce goofy ideas off of each other. Did I mention that we laugh – a lot? Sometimes we even get serious. Usually I listen more than I talk. These guys are creative, wise, real, and full of…, well, good ideas!
One thing is for sure. I always, always leave these get-togethers having been encouraged. I always have something new to think about. I hang out with these guys because I love to be a part of their dreams. I love to see their eyes light up and hear them talk about what God is doing with them, in them, and through them.
Nothing I’m doing is as cutting-edge or exciting as what these guys do. I guess in that respect, I’m kind of like the fifth wheel. But they let me hang around, and I’m blessed because they do.
Everybody needs somebody or somebodies with whom they can just hang out, even if it’s only every now and then.
Thanks, Andrew, Gary, Tony, Ken! And thanks to the “sometime Rednecks” Brian, Rob, and David! You guys are on my mind and in my prayers today.
