The 'Why' Behind the WiBo Speakers, pt 8

Five years ago, a nearby pastor-friend told me I needed to meet Mark Batterson. This was long before his blog. So my buddy drove me down to NCC's rowhouse office in DC [again, long before Ebeneezer's] to meet the crew that was making waves in the church world. No idea who Mark was, but he had more ecclectic books than I'd ever seen in any pastor's office... not to mention the coolest phone before the iPhone. =)

Mark spoke with passion about their vision ~ to multiply church campuses in movie theaters and metro stops all over DC. He mentioned the idea of a coffeehouse, book ideas, web innovations. I'd never seen anyone have such clarity on God's vision and such assurance that it would happen. What's even more amazing is that for the next four years, I got to watch it all become reality.

Mark took me to my first Catalyst Conference with his staff and even gave me spending money. He purchased all the signage for our church's own launch in a movie theater, and became one of the biggest givers to our One Hundred Project to raise $25,000 in 6 weeks. (In fact, many NCC attenders gave too!)

And now, he's speaking at Whiteboard for me ~ in fact, he was the first to sign-on. But enough gushing...

Comments

[Terry B]

Hearing you speak of Mark Batterson's awesome example reminds me of how Mark Dever shares about not being concerned with just building up our church, but the entire church of Christ.

Look forward to hearing him live next week at Wibo!

[Abby]

It's hard not to gush about amazing consistency, clarity and commitment in leadership. I am so moved by the way the internet is creating spiritual mentorship. Even for those of us who live in far away places. Thanks for being a part of that mentorship.

[Lori Bailey]

Mark is one of the most likable people in ministry I've ever met! Add generosity, creativity and vision to that and gushing is permitted ;)

[Terrace Crawford]

I cannot wait to hear Mark and hopefully meet him too.