I’m meeting John Ortberg today.
If I sound a little giddy online today, it’s because I’m getting to meet someone who I have admired for years. Later this afternoon, I’m heading to Menlo Park Presbyterian Church to spend some time with John Ortberg. John and I will be talking about spiritual formation and social networking and what might happen when the two collide. My friend Eric from monvee will also be joining us.
For those of you who may be unfamilar with John’s story, he’s currently the senior pastor at Menlo Park. Prior to that, he was the teaching pastor at Willow Creek. That’s when I first encountered John’s ability to put spiritual truths into words that I could understand and apply to my life. If you haven’t heard him, he’s one of the best teachers/communicators in the church today.
Additionally, he’s a very gifted writer. One of his books, If You Want to Walk on Water, You Have to Get Out of the Boat, has been transformational in my personal spiritual journey. Honestly, though, you won’t find a dud if you pick up any of his previous writing.
I’ll share more about our talk later on this evening. Until then, I’d love for you to participate in the conversation. If you had a couple of hours to sit with John Ortberg, what would you want to ask him?
As a leader and gifted communicator, it is likely John would have succeeded at anything he put his mind to do. How, then, did he “know” when it was time to go to Willow, leave Willow, go to Menlo Park, etc. What have been the hallmarks of his transitions? (This is a question I wouldn’t mind hearing back from you on either, Tony…)
Cool although i live in the bay area i have yet to visit his church. But if there was one question I’d like to ask is in a busy bay area how do you plan outreach events that impact the community. And also how do you plan out sermon series?
I would ask John: What do you think is the most critical issue facing pastors today and what do you think it will be 2 years from now?
Yep! I’d be a bit giddy myself. The book you mentioned as well as Everybody’s Normal til you Get to know them were pivot points for me. Enjoy!! I’m a bit jealous.
Hey Tony –
I’d be jacked up to meet Ortberg too. I’d like to know what John’s vision for discipleship is in his church and how that vision is practically implemented. I’d also like to know where he sees the church failing in terms of discipleship, and what needs to change if we are going to “make disciples of all nations”.
Can’t wait to hear what comes out of your conversation.
Top 5 worst mistakes in ministry?
Well, I actually tried to get a meeting with the man. But I wasn’t TonyMorgan….hope that went well man.