I’ve had several conversations over the last two weeks about the seeming decline in the importance of Easter among Christians. I’ve been wondering if I’m just missing it, or if it’s really happening. I grew up in the South, which has been known for years as the “Bible Belt”. And it’s true to a large extent. Church is part of the culture of the South. Even those who claim no religious affiliation whatsoever recognize the place of church in southern culture. And for those who are regular church attenders, church and church life often are the hub of life. It is the center point that everything else revolves around. So when Easter arrives, it is THE DAY! When you get down to it, Christmas is an important celebration, but there is no call for it in the Bible. But Easter….. Jesus told us to REMEMBER! Easter is the watershed event in Christianity because it sets Christianity apart from every other faith…because our leader - Jesus Christ - is NOT in a tomb. He rose again. And that is what led to Easter being such a large celebration in the life of the church in the South.

But maybe I’m NOT missing it. Maybe I’m NOT misreading the cultural tea leaves. In Friday’s edition of USA Today, There was an article titled “Has the Notion of Sin Been Lost?” (You can read it here). Rev. Albert Mohler, president of Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, made this observation:

Read the full story

Well, somebody give me 10 lashes with a wet noodle. I completely whiffed on this one, but there are still a few pitches left that you can all swing at.

I found out earlier today that there is a tremendous conference for pastors and church leaders that is being hosted at Mars Hill Church in Seattle. That’s where Mark Driscoll is the pastor. It’s called “Text and Context”. As you might expect, it is sold out. What it is completely UNEXPECTED is that since it is sold out, they are streaming sessions online for free. You can view the conference LIVE here. (It is also live tonigh!)

Once there, scroll down for the schedule and for speakers. Enjoy!

It’s late Wednesday night and I have been steady at it all day. Which means I haven’t had a window to post a blog entry yet today. But I wanted to share with you that I will be attending a conference tomorrow at Riverside Church here in Peoria. The guest speaker will be Mark Driscoll, Pastor of Mars Hill Church in Seattle.

I’ve known a little about Driscoll for a while now, but haven’t REALLY known his story. Here’s what I have known:

• that he is hugely controversial
• he founded and pastors a church that has seen incredible growth in one of the most secular, non-churched areas in America.

I’ve only recently begun to realize why he’s so controversial, and, in all likelihood, what some of the primary factors are behind his church’s growth.

The Grove has made a public declaration that we want to create an environment that is conducive to reaching and growing men in their faith. But we have had no other church that we are aware of to look to for some guidance since so few churches actively attempt to reach men. But I think that may have just changed. Take a few minutes (4) to watch this video:

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lex6orNNzTs&feature=related]

This is who I’m going to listen to tomorrow (Thursday). This guy is singing a song very few are singing, but God is seriously blessing his ministry. I am totally amped up to hear what lessons he has learned and how they can help The Grove.

I would love to hear your reactions to the video so take a few minutes to leave a thought or two.