tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2253529165034405240.post-18353307126105713112008-04-26T18:42:00.000-04:002008-04-26T18:42:00.000-04:00I just got back from Orlando this afternoon. My husband and I went to the conference not as a church planter, but as core group members and financial supporters of a friend, pastor and lead planter. (This happens to be all one person, in case that's not clear.) I'd like to say I met you and shook your hand, but I'm sorry to say that never happened. I was in the pre-launch track, so I did see and hear you a few times. First impressions are big. My first impression was "Surely this guy is not a pastor! A youth pastor maybe, but don't tell me this guy's a senior pastor!" Now, most people would take offense to this, but if you knew me, you'd take it for a compliment. Because most of the pastors I've come in contact with are the "lousy t-shirt wearing variety". I can say this with some authority because I bought your book and am reading it through for the second time. (Did I mention that I bought it Thursday afternoon and I spent all of yesterday at Epcot?) I guess what I'm trying to say is that I REALLY like the book! I read alot of stuff. I liked "Blue Like Jazz", "The Barbarian Way" and generally Christian writers who challenge me to think outside the box. But up until now, there has only been one book that really challenged and convicted me about my faith. I can now add your book to the short list which also includes "The Ragamuffin Gospel" by Brennan Manning. Thank you for sharing your insights and experiences in this book. I can't tell you how much I appreciate it. I'm going to buy a case of your books and give them to all the Emilys and non-Emilys in my life. BTW, in case you're wondering, the church plant is "Convergence Christian Church". We plan to launch in the early part of next year southwest of Houston, Texas. Jeff and Tamara Hogan are the lead planters. Jeff has a blog (www.convergence244.blogspot.com) and I know he would get a kick out of it if you stopped by. Thanks again for pouring yourself into this book.<BR/>In Him we live,<BR/><BR/>Kathy Richardskatdishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09210738418270395622noreply@blogger.com