Pepperdine Musings
Author: Bobby Valentine | Filed under: Bobby's World, Lectures, Ministry, PreachingPepperdine Musings
I am now back from Pepperdine. It has been an exciting, uplifting and tiring week. I arrived at Pepperdine on Tuesday morning around 10:30 am. I waited most of the day for the rest of my suite mates to arrive: John Mark Hicks, Johnny Melton (an old MS preaching friend) and a new friend from North Carolina named Dennis.
John Mark and I were not sure how our three 9 pm classes would go over. But Jerry Rushford must have felt guilty for assigning us that particular time slot because he announced our class and new book, Kingdom Come, after the Tuesday keynote . . . so we actually had an overflowing crowd. I got a little nervous when Richard Hughes decided to come to our class . . .
Our book, Kingdom Come: Embracing the Spiritual Legacy of David Lipscomb and James Harding, sold very well at the lectureship much to my surprise. I am not complaining, mind you, I was just surprised. The book sold out and I did not even get a copy. Well, actually, I had a copy but I gave mine away to a young man that came to our class on Thursday night who was unhappy with our presentation. When I tried to get another, none of the book dealers had one.
For me going to the lectures is about fellowship with my friends. I love hooking up with brothers and sisters I have not seen in a long time. So I renewed friendships with John Dobbs, Carla Calhoun, Danny Dodd, Johnny Melton, Tom Olbricht, Trevor Thompson, John Harrison (a friend from my New Orleans days), Roy Ratcliff, Lee Wilson, Gary Holloway, and a host of others.
The classes were simply icing on the cake. John Mark and I went to the LST and Kairos breakfasts. We took in Randy Harris’ classes on the kingdom of God and the kingdoms of the world (which were outstanding btw). I took in Rick Marrs on Ecclesiastes, Ed Robinson on R. N. Hogan and Jimmy Lovell, one of Lee Wilson and Joe Beam’s classes, Jeff Childers on clashing styles of spirituality (thanks Jeff for the plug for our book!) . . . we stayed up late and got up early (thus the tired aspect of the lectures).
I picked up four books while at the lectureship too. I read most of Roy Ratcliff’s Dark Journey Deep Grace: Jeffrey Dahmer’s Story of Faith on the plane back from LA. I picked up Darryl Tippens Pilgrim Heart: The Way of Jesus in Everyday Life, Rob Bell’s Velvet Elvis: Repainting the Christian Faith and Joe Beam and Lee Wilson’s The Real Heaven.
Pepperdine is such a blessing. My hat is off to Jerry Rushford and the support that Andy Benton gives for the lectures. It is a gathering of hope and encouragement may it go on until Jesus comes.
Shalom,
Bobby Valentine
May 8th, 2006 at 6:20 pm
Great to hear some reports from Pepperdine. I hope to return next year and maybe we can hook up.
I guess I need to get at least Randy Harris’ cds.
Peace.
May 9th, 2006 at 4:26 pm
I agree with you about the best part of the Pepperdine experience being the fellowship. The lack of sleep and the nightly AWP pie sessions make for an interesting combination as well.
May 9th, 2006 at 8:18 pm
Bobby,
You are being modest. Your class with John Mark was well done and very challenging. It created a hunger in me to become even more familiar with the various voices in our restoration heritage.
I bought several books at the lectures including yours which is next on my reading list.
Good to spend some time with you there.
May 12th, 2006 at 2:36 pm
Bobby,
So glad you were enriched, as well as your enriching others!
Peace!