Over Labor Day weekend I had the chance to attend and MC the National House Church Conference in Dallas. It was an amazing weekend. As always, my favorite part was catching up with old friends and meeting new ones.
The keynote speaker was Wayne Jacobsen from LifeStream. I had the chance to hang out a little with Wayne and even sneak into the DFW Airport Terminal with him for some Texas BBQ. Wayne has a refreshing perspective on life, God, ministry, etc.
In Wayne’s latest podcast he shares about his experience at the House church conference. I think it would be safe to say that he gave the conference and for that matter the whole house church movement “mixed” reviews. It’s worth listening to.
I would not call Wayne a “house church expert.” As a matter of fact I found myself wondering at times why he was our keynote speaker. He doesn’t really even participate in a house church. He made this very clear to the board when they first asked him to speak.
I really enjoyed what Wayne had to say. I want to live like he lives. It seems as if he lives as if he knows God really loves him. He doesn’t feel like he has to perform up to anyone’s standards, even his own (I get the feeling he is pretty hard on himself sometimes). He is “over” going to church out of guilt or obligation. He seemed to have a trust and security in God that I often find myself lacking.
I went away from the conference really liking Wayne Jacobsen. I hope I get a chance to hang out with him and eat BBQ again someday.
