Hanging out with Mark Driscoll

Last Thursday I had the opportunity to spend some time with my pastor, who lined up a speaking engagement at UNC for Mark Driscoll. Driscoll was in town for the Acts 29 Boot Camp and the 20/20 Collegiate Conference at Southeastern Seminary. He is one of the best communicators and pastors I've ever heard. His church, Mars Hill Church, is thriving in the least churched city in America, Seattle. He has written several books, he speaks hundreds of times a year, he founded the Acts 29 Movement and The Resurgence, he has a great wife and five children.

Fortunately, I was able to hang out with Mark for a couple hours Thursday evening. He is wicked smart, hilarious, encouraging and humble. Here are a two insights I'll share with you from my time with him:

1. His church has grown from the size of a small group to 8,000 people in 12 years. There has been a 40% conversion growth, which is incredible for any church. When I asked him to elaborate on this he said, "Honestly, I know this may sound cliche, but it has all happened because of the grace of God." I also asked him if this only happened during the Sunday services, to which he immediately replied, "It happens all the time. Our people are great about building relationships with Non-Christians. They hang out, eat together, and follow up with people who visit our church."

2. Right before Mark went on stage to speak to 750 college students, I asked, "So, what goes on in your mind before you preach?" He said, "Nothing really. Right now I'm thinking about my kids. If you get nervous before you speak, you've already bummed out. Truthfully, you just have to have some balls and say what you know to say...especially to college kids."

You should get his podcast and visit his website. I would highly recommend every book Driscoll has authored. I've read most of them, and they have been transforming for my life and ministry. Seriously, you want to follow this guy!