Have you ever been to Polishing the Pulpit? Don’t let the name mislead you, it isn’t just for preachers.
Polishing the Pulpit (PTP) is an annual workshop designed to refresh, renew, and recharge Christians. Each year, thousands (literally!) of Christians gather at the Sevier Events Center in Sevierville, TN for a week of Christian growth like no other. This year’s attendance goal of 3,000 people is expected to be met by Christians who will travel hundreds – or even thousands – of miles. Are you coming? Here are just seven reasons why you don’t want to miss PTP.
1. The teaching and preaching. PTP consistently delivers the best lessons I have ever heard. There are at least ten concurrent sessions every hour, and each one has a compelling, contemporary, practical topic. Do you want to be better equipped to face the challenges facing our world? Then you need to come to PTP. Where else are you going to get this kind of teaching in this much quantity at one place?
2. The teachers and preachers. You won’t find better speakers anywhere. Do you want to sit at the feet of some of the greatest Christian men and women of our time? Then PTP is for you. Do you want some time to interact with these men and women, asking questions and seeking their counsel? Then PTP is for you. To make it even better, you’ll get to hear many of your favorites multiple times throughout the week. What’s not to love?!
3. The fellowship. You’ll catch up with old friends and make new friends when you go to PTP. You’ll be encouraged by the realization that you’re not alone in your Christian journey. You will be reminded that the struggles you face at home are common to all Christians (1 Cor. 10:13; 2 Tim. 3:12). Your faith will be challenged as you hear about all of the great things that your brethren are doing for Christ’s kingdom.
4. The singing. Picture it (if you can): three thousand people who love God more than anything worshipping Him with the fruit of their lips (Heb.13:15). Need I say more? The sound is heavenly.
5. Sunday morning worship. Take the previous point and apply it to an entire period of worship to God on the Lord’s Day. If you can’t be there for the entire week, then be sure you are there for Sunday morning worship.
6. The fire. After your first day at PTP, you’ll begin to feel a fire within you. That’s your heart being convicted of all the great things you’re learning and observing from this incredible experience. You’ll begin to think of things that you can do at home to help keep this fire going, and you’ll begin to think of someone that you want to bring with you next year, Lord willing.
7. The difference. People who go to PTP don’t return home the same. They’re changed for the better – to God’s glory. They’re leaving PTP more aware of their purpose on earth as Christians. They’re leaving with a renewed zeal for Christ and His cause. They’re leaving with tons of ideas that they can’t wait to implement in their lives, their families, their neighborhoods, and in their congregations. They’re leaving with friendships that will last a lifetime and beyond.
That’s what is awaiting you this year at Polishing the Pulpit. Are you going?! You still have two weeks until it begins! PTP is August 23-29, 2013. For more information and to register online, check out the following links:
Question: For those who have been before, what’s your favorite part of PTP?