Wow we’ve got to the half-way point of the Third Lausanne Congress in Cape Town.  It’s been good to see a day which has sparked more discussion – frustration with John Piper not finishing his exegesis – I’d have loved to have heard his thoughts on the ministers and missionaries suffering for the gospel; and being so inspired at what Tim Keller had to say about ministering to cities – at one point it made me want to work somewhere like London, (don’t panic TBC I love where I work) but instead I’d love to see more discussion about ministering in suburbia.

The big thing that has struck me in terms of youth ministry so far at this conference is the need to be more creative in evangelism.  The UK has very few traditional evangelists to youth – that’s possibly a good thing – but I think at times we over focus on relationships and we need to find more creative and innovative ways for young people to engage with faith.

I’ve enjoyed hanging out and networking with a wide range of leaders from many different types of ministries and from all over the world.  My big personal challenge so far is to think afresh about my personal call and vision.  I’m passionate about young people and staying at Tonbridge Baptist Church for a number of years but I’m beginning to wonder what is the theme that God’s calling me to work to in my life.  Is it working with young people and their leaders; is it strategic leadership in a local church or community – supporting church leaders in implementing their vision; is it in challenging the way Christian organisations in the UK to partner together – and potentially at times merge to be more efficient?  Who knows, those are some random ideas off the top of my head.

I’m looking forward to a chance to sleep and see some of the beauty of Cape Town and South Africa.