Next in our series of conference videos, Erick Sorensen discusses a God who couldn’t care less about our lists of accomplishments, as illustrated by the parables of Jesus. Press play for a fresh take on familiar tales, which Sorenson re-casts in light of real-life stories featuring scoundrels, sinners, and nobodies…like us.
I Died and Didn’t Go To Heaven: Grace, Grief, and the Big Question – Connor Gwin
Up next in our series of conference videos, Mockingbird contributor Connor Gwin tells of his sudden cardiac arrest and subsequent resuscitation. Thus the big questions are raised, and linen pants are worn, and Steel Magnolias is watched — and the reality of life and death is confronted. This talk is for anyone who has ever wondered “what comes next.”
I Died and Didn’t Go To Heaven: Grace, Grief, and the Big Question – Connor Gwin from Mockingbird on Vimeo.
At Ego’s End: Where Grace Intersects Us – Josh Retterer
Next up from our recent conference in NYC, Mockingbird contributor Josh Retterer takes the stage! Here Josh shares a testimony of ego-death — the point at which we can begin to see the gospel’s impact on our lives:
At Ego’s End: Where Grace Intersects Us – Josh Retterer from Mockingbird on Vimeo.
I Feel Personally Attacked RN – Sarah Condon
Laugh and cry with this talk featuring the Rev Sarah Condon, from our “Beyond Deserving” conference this past spring. Here Sarah opens up about the cost of performance, a long-lost relative, a recurring neck injury, Shavasana (or, “corpse pose”), and the faith of Christ.
I Feel Personally Attacked RN – Sarah Condon from Mockingbird on Vimeo.
When God Makes All Things Nude: Gospel Hope for Marriage When It’s Not All Princess Bride – Charlotte Getz
Mawage. Mawage is wat bwings us together today… From our recent conference in New York City, this honest, moving talk features author and editor Charlotte Getz. Topics include: longing within marriage, Leo DiCaprio, The Harrowing Adventures of Charlotte Botsford, imperfect guideposts to God, and that bwessed awwangement, that dweam wifin a dweam…
When God Makes All Things Nude: Gospel Hope for Marriage When It’s Not All Princess Bride – Charlotte Getz from Mockingbird on Vimeo.
Hopelessly Devoted: Romans Chapter Eight Verses Thirty-One and Thirty-Two (Devotion #2 – Larry Parsley)
What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? (Romans 8:31-32, NIV)
The next video from our annual gathering in NYC features conference chaplain and writer Larry Parsley. In this six-minute devotion, Larry discusses the gracious gifts of God and a short story by the brilliant William Trevor. For anyone with a case of the Mondays, the following will serve as a beautiful reminder. Volume up, press play:
Living in Sin: Making Marriage Work Between I Do and Death – Jason Micheli
From our recent annual conference, the following session features author and pastor Jason Micheli whose new book Living in Sin is available now. Discussing the story of Lazarus, bucket lists, and infomercials, Jason sheds light on the vows of marriage and the realities of everyday life:
Living in Sin: Making Marriage Work Between I Do and Death – Jason Micheli
Lancaster Conference Audio Files: Grace, Peace, and Personal Survival for the Preacher
Several weeks ago in June, when this old world was just slightly younger, some of the Lord’s own rabble met in Lancaster, Pennsylvania for Mockingbird’s first ever conference for pulpit-lurkers: “Grace, Peace, and Personal Survival for the Preacher”. It was not a terribly large group, but the food and wine were plentiful, and the talks […]
It Could Be Worse: The False Gospel of Optimism (and Pessimism) – Carrie Willard
In this talk from our annual conference in New York City, Carrie Willard discusses the pitfalls of wearing rose-colored glasses when life gets hard. Topics include pleasantly surprised pessimists, the tyranny of positive thinking, Psalm 89, and Steel Magnolias. Has to be the most delightful talk out there about worst-case scenarios:
It Could Be Worse: The False Gospel of Optimism (and Pessimism) – Carrie Willard from Mockingbird on Vimeo.
Devotion #1 – Larry Parsley
From our recent gathering in New York City, here is the first devotion by conference chaplain (and author) Larry Parsley. Here Larry discusses the gospel of Mark, Veggie Tales, and a nerve-racking playground confrontation. For your daily dosage of fast-but-authentic gospel, press play.
“We Are Them: Compassion as the Life-Blood of Pastoral Ministry”: A Conference Preview from Nick Lannon
This preview for our upcoming conference in Lancaster, PA, was written by Nick Lannon:
Compassion, both for our congregations and for ourselves, is perhaps the most important thing for pastors to develop, protect, and remember. It provides the medicine that will keep our ministries alive, and its absence will destroy them. It is only when we see our people—and ourselves—as basically (and always) in need that we can serve them—and ourselves—in an enlivening, Gospel-rich way.
Join us June 11-13 to discuss pastoral ministry, grace in practice, and other related themes at the fast-approaching Mockingbird conference in Lancaster, PA! You can find more information about speakers, accommodations, meals, and more by visiting the conference website here.
Note: In order to get an accurate count for meals, we need all registrations by June 7th. Hope to see you there!
Isle of Snobs – Ethan Richardson
Patagucci. Children repping obscure literary magazines. Minimalism! Look out—snobs may be closer than you think. This morning we bring you the opening talk from our 12th annual conference in NYC. Ethan Richardson, editor-in-chief of The Mockingbird, makes low every mountain and discusses the fancypants in you and me.
