October 2009 – Todd Engstrom

Being a Pastor – Fun Sunday Questions

Here’s a rundown of some of the questions I was asked today from a variety of different people: Are you a young earth or old earth creationist? Can you tell me where the bathroom is? Can you find some people to pass the offering baskets? Why did God require a sacrifice for sin? What role…

Something Smells… and Hyperlinks

This blog is getting pretty stale…I guess I should try to pick up the pace. In all honesty, I’m not sure I’ve had many thoughts worth posting as of late, and I’m also running thin on time. Here’s a few links I’ve been enjoying as of late to keep you occupied in the meantime: Kevin…

Together for Adoption Conference Audio

The mp3s from the Together for Adoption Conference are linked below: Dan Cruver, Adoption: Making Outsiders Insiders Scotty Smith, The Freedom of Adoption Scott Roley, Adoption and the Pursuit of Racial Reconciliation Ed Stetzer, The Gospel, Social Justice and the Missional Church Michael Easley, Orphan Care and Jesus, the Great Servant of the Poor Russell…

Adoption is the World Mission | Jeremy Haskins

I just read the post below from Jeremy Haskins, and all I can say is amen. This is an excellent articulation of the mission of the church to declare the gospel to all peoples that they might be adopted into the family of God, and to demonstrate that spiritual adoption through earthly adoption. Here is…

Together for Adoption | Sessions 3 and 4

Session 3: Scott Roley – Adoption and the Pursuit of Racial Reconciliation Scott’s basic thesis was that the greatest picture of the gospel’s work in our life is the adoption of unwanted children. He consistently showed that it was not his strength to do what was done (adopting/fostering transracially and living in a broken community…

Together for Adoption | Sessions 1 and 2

I’ve been thoroughly blessed thus far by the Together for Adoption 2009 Conference. Below are a few highlights: Session 1 – Dan Cruver Dan preached from James 1:27-28, arguing that there are three facets to “pure and undefiled religion”, namely controlling the tongue, visiting orphans and widows, and keeping unstained from the world. His basic…

Verge Conference

The Austin Stone is hosting a National Missional Community Conference called Verge. The Verge Conference is unique in that it is committed to the development and multiplication of missional communities. The theme of the Verge Conference is The DNA of Gospel Movements, and will focus on movement strategies and practices to help pastors, church planters,…