by Brian Song and Min Kim

Editor’s Note: Pastor Patrick wanted to do a series here on the Beacon that encouraged the attendees of the Shepherds Conference to share their thoughts with the church. This is the third part in that series. And if you are interesting in listening to the messages, you can download them all for free.

From an overall evaluation, what was at least one thing that was encouraging to you from the Shepherds Conference?

There’s a practice that’s apparently become commonplace and accepted at Shepherds’ Conference. It’s actually very similar to what happens before a dodge-ball match. Before every session, men line up outside the numerous locked doors along the perimeter of the main sanctuary and wait in anticipation for the doors to open (whistle blowing). As soon as the doors open, men flood in from all directions to take find and take their seats. You have your gunners who literally sprint to get the front row seats (dodge balls), while others are content just hanging out in the back. I know this is a silly analogy, but in the end, I really was encouraged to see how excited these men were to hear God’s Word being preached. It was truly an amazing experience to be worshipping together with men representing over 50 countries. (Brian Song)

I love going to the Shepherds Conference! It is my annual retreat. I am always encouraged and blessed every time I go. I love the teaching, the spiritual and physical food, the singing, the worship time, the books, and the fellowship. Every year I go, I observe, and I ask lots of questions in order to gain wise counsel from those older than me. I sometimes ask questions to random people that I meet while standing in line for books or food, or just taking a break. You meet faithful servants from all over the world. (Min Kim)

What was at least one thing from the messages that was particularly helpful or challenging for you?

It’s clear from Scripture that if we are doing the will of the Father, we will encounter and have to endure persecution. In the midst of ministry it’s easy to lose perspective and start focusing all the tasks at hand and our circumstances. When trials arise, we think that we deserve better and even wonder why there hasn’t been more fruit as a result of everything we’ve done. It’s this prideful heart that will manifest itself into a heart of discontentment. Yet, no matter how tough it gets, Godly leaders are called to be content and depend on God for strength. We need to be courageous and be an example of joy to those around us. This joy will only arise out of a spirit that is humble and is fixed on the hope of Christ, not fixed on ourselves.  One of the speakers, Nate Busenitz, reminded us that when our happiness is in the Lord, we will be better able to endure any trials in our path. So in the midst of these trials, those who have a humble heart of thankfulness to God will be able to truly say, “I can do all things through him who strengths me” (Philippians 4:13). (Brian Song)

Editor’s Note: Min skipped this question, but gave an extra-long answer to the next one.

What was at least one lesson that challenged you in regards to your service at LBC? How will you take this and apply it to ministry here in San Diego?

I was seriously blown away by all the men & women from Grace Community Church who served us over the three days. They all served us with such great joy. You could totally see it in their faces; there wasn’t a single frown to be found. It was a great encouragement to see their testimony of Jesus’ servant heart. I think with the business of ministry responsibilities, I sometimes see ministry as a task to be completed and not something I do out of joy and love. Just like Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 13, we are nothing if we do not serve the church body, and ultimately God, out of love. I am challenged to serve joyfully with a smile, both on my face and on my heart. (Brian Song)

There are two major things that have stood out to me over these past years of attending the Shepherds Conference. The first thing that I noticed is that these godly men that I meet have a long-term mindset. There are men who have served in the same church in the same ministry for decades. I respect these men as I have seen even in my short life time people move on from church to church or from ministry to ministry for whatever reason. These men are committed and dedicated to their ministry and their local church. That is my desire for my family and I at Lighthouse Bible Church. When Lighthouse first started, I would tell people that I want to die here. God willing I still do. Lighthouse is my home and my family. Lighthouse is the only reason I am here in San Diego. I would like to, as one elder put it, ‘just grow old together.’

The second thing I learned was how biblical everyone was. Every time I asked a question, the answer always came to me in the form of a Bible verse. These men would, as some would say, “bleed Bible.” They never offered me human wisdom but only Godly wisdom from God’s Word. I became aware that whatever question I posed, Bible verses would be quoted to me. I also began to realize that when I asked the same question to different people, I got the same answer from different people. They seemed to quote the same verses. They were very like- minded in the Scriptures. They were all thinking biblically and had a verse for everything. It is so true that ALL of Scripture is God-breathed and that ALL of it is profitable. I also noticed that these wise men never told me what to do. They just told me what it said in the Bible. That is something I was challenged with. I need to learn not to tell people what to do but direct them to His Word and pray that His Spirit move and change people’s hearts. And in order for me to do that, I need to be in the Word more, and more deeply. (Min Kim)