Wow! When Travis asked me to join him and Jesse in Washington DC for Buzz I was excited, mostly just to get to meet Jesse and hear his heart. I was looking forward to the actual conference but wasn’t sure what to expect. I am always up for learning something new and this looked like the kind of meeting that would offer plenty for me to soak up. Here are some highlights:

• Opening afternoon session was great. Hearing how NCC does church in a theater was inspiring and informative. It really got my creative juices flowing. Then as they described their small groups and other ministries, it challenged me.
• Meeting Jesse Santoyo was a real treat. I know I am going to love working with this kid (as the old man on staff I can call him that). He has the heart of a lion, a sensitive nature full of compassion and a Latin passion that goes beyond stereotype and becomes lifestyle. Most of all, Jesse loves God with every fiber of his being. I am looking forward to following him into the presence of God.
• For the first time, Travis and I have been able to discuss Life Pointe face to face in an official capacity. It is incredibly refreshing to argue, debate and disagree with your boss, and it’s not only okay to do so, but encouraged! Don’t get me wrong, Travis and I agree on almost everything, especially at the foundation. It is just so incredibly productive and effective to be able to have an open dialogue without negative repercussions. (This last statement is not intended to reflect negatively on any former employer. I have utmost love and respect for Hugo, Tim, LaVon, Tim and Terry!) I’m just saying that it’s already fun going to work for a Godly young man like Travis Johnson.
• Thursday. Morning session with Mark Batterson, Lead Pastor at NCC. This guy is like a well-read, intelligent…surfer. I know, it’s a paradox, if not downright oxymoronic and yet he makes it work. He has an incredible team working with him at NCC. Some standouts for me are Joel, who reminds me of my cousin, Tony Byrd, someone else who I highly respect, and Heather, the small groups pastor. She is organized beyond belief. I wasn’t sure whether to be impressed or jealous when witnessing her abilities. Tim Stevens from GCC is another guy who surprised me. I had never heard of Granger before this weekend, so it was cool to be stretched. After lunch we heard from Craig Groeschel. There is no way to describe how impacting this session was. If I could have a third of his passion for the unchurched…there’s no telling what could happen. I am seriously shooting for a number of 0! (Buzz attendees will understand this one). After the sessions, the three of us hung out in the Senate & House galleries. It was cool seeing the different faces and how much older they look in person, especially Robert Byrd. He’s got to be around 120 years old! Maybe if he can become the longest serving senator, people will forget that he is also the only former klan member in the place. The night ended with a great meal at Benihana. I’m still not sure why Travis insisted on eating his supper raw when there was a perfectly good grill right in front of him where it could have been cooked!
• Friday morning. Just when you thought Craig hit a home run on Thursday, he runs into the outfield catches his own ball at the wall, brings it back to the pitcher’s mound, pitches a 110 mph fast ball to himself and knocks this one out of the entire ballpark. Ok. I know that was baseball analogy overload, but that’s what it was like. I was challenged personally, spiritually, relationally, and every other way possible. It was awesome to hear someone that has the best technology available and yet puts so much emphasis on scripture.The train ride back to Richmond was a little slow but uneventful. I managed to sleep a little, while catching an episode of “Law & Order” on my iPod. Overall, a great weekend on so many levels.