I want to send out a HUGE thank-you to Ron Hunter and the whole crew at Randall House Publishing (the Free Will Baptist publishing house) for inviting me into their Vision Retreat. Myself and five other pastors were invited so they could pick our brains and get feedback. It was one of the most enjoyable things I've done in quite some time. Not because I get my kicks from focus groups or anything, but because it was actually very therapeutic to have someone on a denominational level actually listen to all of our wishes, dreams, frustrations, and ideas. This is not done nearly enough. I was actually the only youth pastor on the panel - the other 5 were "real" pastors. I told Ron this, and I'll share it with anyone else from RHP who reads this. It was the first time that I can remember feeling valued as a youth pastor on a denominational level. So thank you all from the bottom of my heart!With all the thanks out of the way, now let me say I'm sorry. On the flight home I couldn't help but feel as if I had just taken a HUGE emotional dump on all of you. I wish I had given some more focus to what you guys are doing well and how much I appreciate your role in the Kingdom. Even though alot of what was said may feel like personal attacks because you have so much personally vested in your work, I hope you don't take it too personally. I hope you know all the conversation was in love and with every respect for what you do and who you are. RHP has played a huge role on the life and spiritual formation of my family. Jamie and I are both Truth & Peace alumni, our kids benefit greatly from CLEAR, and a lot more. So again, I'm sorry!
Anyway the retreat was great. Thanks for inviting me to the dance!
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Jeff, you need not apologize for taking an "emotional dump" on any of us. You and the others did exactly what we wanted you to do. You honestly told us what you think. Actually, I'd been kind of disappointed if you'd said, "I like everything RHP has ever done. Don't change a thing." If you'd said something like that, I'd questioned Ron's wisdom inviting you. Twelve years ago when I came to RHP and started trying to improve the curriculum, that's the kind of feedback I was getting from "friends" when I knew that my "babies" (curriculum products) were ugly and ineffective. At that time, I was a harsher critic of our products than most of our customers. I welcomed honest input and fresh perspectives either by the people who had already left us for another publisher or had never even tried us.
We were greatly encouraged and challenged by your comments. Thanks for coming.
Thanks, Keith. You guys are awesome. Keep pressing toward the goal!
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