Reflecting on 20 Years of God's Faithfulness [TGC Podcast Ep. 398]

It needs to be the center out of which It needs to be the center out of which we think about everything. Even our name we think about everything. Even our name we think about everything. Even our name is is a hint in that direction. It's the is is a hint in that direction. It's the is is a hint in that direction. It's the Gospel Coalition. 2025, the Gospel Gospel Coalition. 2025, the Gospel Gospel Coalition. 2025, the Gospel Coalition celebrates its 20 year Coalition celebrates its 20 year Coalition celebrates its 20 year anniversary. But before there was a anniversary. But before there was a anniversary. But before there was a coalition, there was a conversation. coalition, there was a conversation. coalition, there was a conversation. 2002, New York City. Don Carson and Tim 2002, New York City. Don Carson and Tim 2002, New York City. Don Carson and Tim Keller met in a Manhattan sidewalk cafe. Keller met in a Manhattan sidewalk cafe. Keller met in a Manhattan sidewalk cafe. That conversation would help catalyze a That conversation would help catalyze a That conversation would help catalyze a significant global gospel movement in significant global gospel movement in significant global gospel movement in the decades to come. In the rapidly the decades to come. In the rapidly the decades to come. In the rapidly secularizing West, Keller and Carson saw secularizing West, Keller and Carson saw secularizing West, Keller and Carson saw the need for an Orthodox Christian the need for an Orthodox Christian the need for an Orthodox Christian movement, a space where biblically movement, a space where biblically movement, a space where biblically faithful Christians could engage the faithful Christians could engage the faithful Christians could engage the culture and not withdraw or assimilate. culture and not withdraw or assimilate. culture and not withdraw or assimilate. If the gospel is merely assumed, while If the gospel is merely assumed, while If the gospel is merely assumed, while relatively peripheral issues ignite our relatively peripheral issues ignite our relatively peripheral issues ignite our passion, we will train a new generation passion, we will train a new generation passion, we will train a new generation to downplay the gospel and focus zeal on to downplay the gospel and focus zeal on to downplay the gospel and focus zeal on the periphery. It is easy to sound the periphery. It is easy to sound the periphery. It is easy to sound prophetic from the margins. What is prophetic from the margins. What is prophetic from the margins. What is urgently needed is to be prophetic from urgently needed is to be prophetic from urgently needed is to be prophetic from the center. Before the gospel coalition the center. Before the gospel coalition the center. Before the gospel coalition was a conference or a website that was a conference or a website that was a conference or a website that reached the world, it was a small reached the world, it was a small reached the world, it was a small relational network of pastors from relational network of pastors from relational network of pastors from various denominational backgrounds. The various denominational backgrounds. The various denominational backgrounds. The original reason was strictly the original reason was strictly the original reason was strictly the relationship is we had no idea whether relationship is we had no idea whether relationship is we had no idea whether we were going to be able to come we were going to be able to come we were going to be able to come together theologically whether we could together theologically whether we could together theologically whether we could do anything more organizationally but do anything more organizationally but do anything more organizationally but the reason why we all came back there the reason why we all came back there the reason why we all came back there was like almost no attrition was we said was like almost no attrition was we said was like almost no attrition was we said these are people we I I want to be these are people we I I want to be these are people we I I want to be friends with it still is the the the I

friends with it still is the the the I friends with it still is the the the I think the beauty and the key of it 2007 think the beauty and the key of it 2007 think the beauty and the key of it 2007 the gospel coalition launched a website the gospel coalition launched a website the gospel coalition launched a website and hosted its first national conference and hosted its first national conference and hosted its first national conference as a coalition then we aim not only to as a coalition then we aim not only to as a coalition then we aim not only to encourage ourselves and to sharpen encourage ourselves and to sharpen encourage ourselves and to sharpen ourselves to become more accurate and ourselves to become more accurate and ourselves to become more accurate and mutually edifying, but also then to set mutually edifying, but also then to set mutually edifying, but also then to set up a a kind of encouraging center up a a kind of encouraging center up a a kind of encouraging center through conferences, through the through conferences, through the through conferences, through the website, through publications for other website, through publications for other website, through publications for other people who want exactly the same kind of people who want exactly the same kind of people who want exactly the same kind of thing in their own churches and thing in their own churches and thing in their own churches and ministries. 2013, TGC's first ministries. 2013, TGC's first ministries. 2013, TGC's first international coalition was launched international coalition was launched international coalition was launched dedicated to strengthening the global dedicated to strengthening the global dedicated to strengthening the global church. When you get people together who church. When you get people together who church. When you get people together who are like one another, so they trust each are like one another, so they trust each are like one another, so they trust each other about the gospel and yet very other about the gospel and yet very other about the gospel and yet very unlike each other, people of different unlike each other, people of different unlike each other, people of different races and classes, people of different races and classes, people of different races and classes, people of different temperaments, uh people from different temperaments, uh people from different temperaments, uh people from different parts of the country and as I said in parts of the country and as I said in parts of the country and as I said in different parts of the world, when we different parts of the world, when we different parts of the world, when we get together and talk about now how do get together and talk about now how do get together and talk about now how do you do evangelism, now how do you do you do evangelism, now how do you do you do evangelism, now how do you do fellowship and disciplehip, there's fellowship and disciplehip, there's fellowship and disciplehip, there's going to be innovations, there's going going to be innovations, there's going going to be innovations, there's going to be creativity. And so the Gospel to be creativity. And so the Gospel to be creativity. And so the Gospel Coalition is not just looking to Coalition is not just looking to Coalition is not just looking to preserve the past, but it's really preserve the past, but it's really preserve the past, but it's really looking to take the gospel into the looking to take the gospel into the looking to take the gospel into the future. So what is the Gospel Coalition?

future. So what is the Gospel Coalition? future. So what is the Gospel Coalition? We're more than an institution. We're a We're more than an institution. We're a We're more than an institution. We're a movement. We're more than a platform. movement. We're more than a platform. movement. We're more than a platform. We're a network. For the last 20 years, We're a network. For the last 20 years, We're a network. For the last 20 years, TGC has united Christians who believe in TGC has united Christians who believe in TGC has united Christians who believe in the central importance of getting the the central importance of getting the the central importance of getting the gospel right and then applying that gospel right and then applying that gospel right and then applying that gospel to all of life. The people may gospel to all of life. The people may gospel to all of life. The people may change, the methods may change, the change, the methods may change, the change, the methods may change, the cultural challenges may change, but the cultural challenges may change, but the cultural challenges may change, but the mission to declare, defend, and apply mission to declare, defend, and apply mission to declare, defend, and apply the timeless gospel of Jesus Christ the timeless gospel of Jesus Christ the timeless gospel of Jesus Christ never changes. How will God use the never changes. How will God use the never changes. How will God use the Gospel Coalition in the next 20 years? Gospel Coalition in the next 20 years? Gospel Coalition in the next 20 years? How will God use you? Let's renew and How will God use you? Let's renew and How will God use you? Let's renew and unify the contemporary church in the unify the contemporary church in the unify the contemporary church in the ancient gospel together. ancient gospel together. ancient gospel together. [Music] [Applause] [Applause] Well, that's an amazing summary, a Well, that's an amazing summary, a Well, that's an amazing summary, a historical record of God's faithfulness historical record of God's faithfulness historical record of God's faithfulness to the gospel coalition over 20 years.

to the gospel coalition over 20 years. to the gospel coalition over 20 years. And here we are gathered at And here we are gathered at And here we are gathered at TGC2 on the 20th anniversary of a TGC2 on the 20th anniversary of a TGC2 on the 20th anniversary of a beautiful movement of God's spirit of a beautiful movement of God's spirit of a beautiful movement of God's spirit of a gospel- centered ministry that we are gospel- centered ministry that we are gospel- centered ministry that we are all now stewards of. a moment that quite all now stewards of. a moment that quite all now stewards of. a moment that quite frankly that we look back and we think frankly that we look back and we think frankly that we look back and we think about the beautiful reality, the about the beautiful reality, the about the beautiful reality, the surprising reality of what God by his surprising reality of what God by his surprising reality of what God by his spirit has done and also for us to look spirit has done and also for us to look spirit has done and also for us to look forward to think okay so what does it forward to think okay so what does it forward to think okay so what does it mean now as we move into the next mean now as we move into the next mean now as we move into the next generation to help renew and unify the generation to help renew and unify the generation to help renew and unify the contemporary church in the ancient contemporary church in the ancient contemporary church in the ancient gospel. So in this panel we're going to gospel. So in this panel we're going to gospel. So in this panel we're going to talk about those 20 years a little bit talk about those 20 years a little bit talk about those 20 years a little bit of history and uh on our platform are of history and uh on our platform are of history and uh on our platform are some folks who have been a part of uh some folks who have been a part of uh some folks who have been a part of uh the TGC world at the very beginning and the TGC world at the very beginning and the TGC world at the very beginning and all throughout its history. And so all throughout its history. And so all throughout its history. And so you're going to I think really you're going to I think really you're going to I think really appreciate and enjoy the conversation appreciate and enjoy the conversation appreciate and enjoy the conversation that we're about to have. So let me have that we're about to have. So let me have that we're about to have. So let me have each of you introduce uh yourself if each of you introduce uh yourself if each of you introduce uh yourself if you've just come to the conference you've just come to the conference you've just come to the conference today. I'm Mark Vog, the new uh today. I'm Mark Vog, the new uh today. I'm Mark Vog, the new uh president of the Gospel Coalition. And president of the Gospel Coalition. And president of the Gospel Coalition. And then we'll go here to the left. Hi. Hi. then we'll go here to the left. Hi. Hi. then we'll go here to the left. Hi. Hi. Hey, I'm Nancy Guthrie and you wanted to Hey, I'm Nancy Guthrie and you wanted to Hey, I'm Nancy Guthrie and you wanted to tell us our church affiliation, did you?

tell us our church affiliation, did you? tell us our church affiliation, did you? Yes. Yes. All right. And so I am a glad Yes. Yes. All right. And so I am a glad Yes. Yes. All right. And so I am a glad member of Cornerstone Presbyterian member of Cornerstone Presbyterian member of Cornerstone Presbyterian Church in Franklin, Tennessee. Church in Franklin, Tennessee. Church in Franklin, Tennessee. Uh Colin Hansen. I serve as the vice Uh Colin Hansen. I serve as the vice Uh Colin Hansen. I serve as the vice president for content in the editor and president for content in the editor and president for content in the editor and chief for the Gospel Coalition. Been chief for the Gospel Coalition. Been chief for the Gospel Coalition. Been here since 2010. I live in Birmingham, here since 2010. I live in Birmingham, here since 2010. I live in Birmingham, Alabama, where I'm a member of Redeemer Alabama, where I'm a member of Redeemer Alabama, where I'm a member of Redeemer Community Church. Juan Sanchez, uh Community Church. Juan Sanchez, uh Community Church. Juan Sanchez, uh chairman of the board of the Gospel chairman of the board of the Gospel chairman of the board of the Gospel Coalition and senior pastor of High Coalition and senior pastor of High Coalition and senior pastor of High Point Baptist Church in Austin, Texas. Point Baptist Church in Austin, Texas. Point Baptist Church in Austin, Texas. And I'm Lian Duncan and I serve on the And I'm Lian Duncan and I serve on the And I'm Lian Duncan and I serve on the board of the Gospel Coalition and I am board of the Gospel Coalition and I am board of the Gospel Coalition and I am the chancellor of Reformed Theological the chancellor of Reformed Theological the chancellor of Reformed Theological Seminary. So given your title, just Seminary. So given your title, just Seminary. So given your title, just quick question. Um, raise your hand if quick question. Um, raise your hand if quick question. Um, raise your hand if you're in a Presbyterian church. Okay. you're in a Presbyterian church. Okay. you're in a Presbyterian church. Okay. Raise your hand if you're in a Southern Raise your hand if you're in a Southern Raise your hand if you're in a Southern Baptist church. Raise your hand if you Baptist church. Raise your hand if you Baptist church. Raise your hand if you don't know what kind of church you're in. We would be in the in. We would be in the non-denominational, which means we just non-denominational, which means we just non-denominational, which means we just love everybody, right? So there we go. love everybody, right? So there we go. love everybody, right? So there we go. And everyone loves us. That's right. And everyone loves us. That's right. And everyone loves us. That's right. Absolutely. Yeah, that's so true and Absolutely. Yeah, that's so true and Absolutely. Yeah, that's so true and kind of not. Okay. So, so let's talk kind of not. Okay. So, so let's talk kind of not. Okay. So, so let's talk about uh how you all got connected to about uh how you all got connected to about uh how you all got connected to the Gospel Coalition. Here we are 20 the Gospel Coalition. Here we are 20 the Gospel Coalition. Here we are 20 years and as I've talked to a lot of years and as I've talked to a lot of years and as I've talked to a lot of people about their engagement with the people about their engagement with the people about their engagement with the Gospel Coalition. It's remarkable both Gospel Coalition. It's remarkable both Gospel Coalition. It's remarkable both how, why, and when they became part of how, why, and when they became part of how, why, and when they became part of what I'll call maybe the TGC ecosystem.

what I'll call maybe the TGC ecosystem. what I'll call maybe the TGC ecosystem. So, uh we'll start with you, Le, and So, uh we'll start with you, Le, and So, uh we'll start with you, Le, and we'll just go right down uh the line we'll just go right down uh the line we'll just go right down uh the line here. Tell us how you got involved in here. Tell us how you got involved in here. Tell us how you got involved in this beautiful community that we call this beautiful community that we call this beautiful community that we call Gospel Coalition. I had become a friend Gospel Coalition. I had become a friend Gospel Coalition. I had become a friend of Don Carson's through Mark De. Uh Don of Don Carson's through Mark De. Uh Don of Don Carson's through Mark De. Uh Don and Mark De had had a long friendship and Mark De had had a long friendship and Mark De had had a long friendship and relationship and Mark kindly brought and relationship and Mark kindly brought and relationship and Mark kindly brought me into that friendship and of course I me into that friendship and of course I me into that friendship and of course I had been an admirer of Don scholarship had been an admirer of Don scholarship had been an admirer of Don scholarship for years going Don was writing stuff for years going Don was writing stuff for years going Don was writing stuff for on on the inherency of scripture for on on the inherency of scripture for on on the inherency of scripture back in the 70s and 80s that had a huge back in the 70s and 80s that had a huge back in the 70s and 80s that had a huge impact on me as a seminarian. Tim and I impact on me as a seminarian. Tim and I impact on me as a seminarian. Tim and I had become friends because we had been had become friends because we had been had become friends because we had been invited to debate a controversial issue invited to debate a controversial issue invited to debate a controversial issue in our denomination and everybody was in our denomination and everybody was in our denomination and everybody was expecting fireworks and Tim and I really expecting fireworks and Tim and I really expecting fireworks and Tim and I really liked one another and a friendship began liked one another and a friendship began liked one another and a friendship began in about 2000 and so uh as we've said in about 2000 and so uh as we've said in about 2000 and so uh as we've said all of us that at that first meeting all of us that at that first meeting all of us that at that first meeting were friends of Don and Tim so I had were friends of Don and Tim so I had were friends of Don and Tim so I had been brought into that friendship with been brought into that friendship with been brought into that friendship with both those dear men. That's so great. both those dear men. That's so great. both those dear men. That's so great. one uh I had developed a friendship with one uh I had developed a friendship with one uh I had developed a friendship with Mark Dever early on and then I think Mark Dever early on and then I think Mark Dever early on and then I think Mark mentioned to Don Carson and Don and Mark mentioned to Don Carson and Don and Mark mentioned to Don Carson and Don and Tim from the very beginning had a heart Tim from the very beginning had a heart Tim from the very beginning had a heart to see this coalition be represented uh to see this coalition be represented uh to see this coalition be represented uh in its diversity uh from different in its diversity uh from different in its diversity uh from different denominations you know different denominations you know different denominations you know different backgrounds and different ethnicities backgrounds and different ethnicities backgrounds and different ethnicities and so I'm in my office and uh my uh and so I'm in my office and uh my uh and so I'm in my office and uh my uh assistant says uh there's a Dr. Don assistant says uh there's a Dr. Don assistant says uh there's a Dr. Don Carson on the phone. I thought she was Carson on the phone. I thought she was Carson on the phone. I thought she was pulling my leg like what would he be pulling my leg like what would he be pulling my leg like what would he be doing calling me? But he he called me

doing calling me? But he he called me doing calling me? But he he called me and he just explained, you know, uh the and he just explained, you know, uh the and he just explained, you know, uh the Gospel Coalition is trying to plant the Gospel Coalition is trying to plant the Gospel Coalition is trying to plant the gospel flag central centrally in the gospel flag central centrally in the gospel flag central centrally in the midst of all the cultural winds and he midst of all the cultural winds and he midst of all the cultural winds and he invited me to to come in and so I came invited me to to come in and so I came invited me to to come in and so I came in in 2007. Okay. Don Carson was one of in in 2007. Okay. Don Carson was one of in in 2007. Okay. Don Carson was one of my seminary professors and I became the my seminary professors and I became the my seminary professors and I became the fourth staff member of TGC back in 2010. fourth staff member of TGC back in 2010. fourth staff member of TGC back in 2010. Uh, somehow I got the job despite my Uh, somehow I got the job despite my Uh, somehow I got the job despite my grades on Don Carson's notorious New grades on Don Carson's notorious New grades on Don Carson's notorious New Testament verbal exams in there. I'd get Testament verbal exams in there. I'd get Testament verbal exams in there. I'd get 15 out of 20. I'd think that's great 15 out of 20. I'd think that's great 15 out of 20. I'd think that's great until I realized it was a C uh in there. until I realized it was a C uh in there. until I realized it was a C uh in there. So, Don hired me after I graduated So, Don hired me after I graduated So, Don hired me after I graduated there, but I'd been at the 2007 there, but I'd been at the 2007 there, but I'd been at the 2007 conference writing for Christianity conference writing for Christianity conference writing for Christianity Today magazine about it where I'd been Today magazine about it where I'd been Today magazine about it where I'd been the news editor. So, that was my the news editor. So, that was my the news editor. So, that was my connection. Also, I'd started editing connection. Also, I'd started editing connection. Also, I'd started editing books with Tim Keller uh shortly before books with Tim Keller uh shortly before books with Tim Keller uh shortly before I joined staff. That was my my I joined staff. That was my my I joined staff. That was my my onboarding. Nancy, I had spoken at onboarding. Nancy, I had spoken at onboarding. Nancy, I had spoken at Covenant College and met Neil Nielsen Covenant College and met Neil Nielsen Covenant College and met Neil Nielsen and his wife Kathleen. Neil was the and his wife Kathleen. Neil was the and his wife Kathleen. Neil was the president of Covenant College at that president of Covenant College at that president of Covenant College at that time. And I think it was a while after time. And I think it was a while after time. And I think it was a while after that that Don Carson called Kathleen and that that Don Carson called Kathleen and that that Don Carson called Kathleen and asked her to uh to be head of the asked her to uh to be head of the asked her to uh to be head of the women's initiatives for Gospel women's initiatives for Gospel women's initiatives for Gospel Coalition. And uh the first thing that Coalition. And uh the first thing that Coalition. And uh the first thing that was part of that was having a few women was part of that was having a few women was part of that was having a few women that were uh offering some breakout that were uh offering some breakout that were uh offering some breakout sessions at the Gospel Coalition sessions at the Gospel Coalition sessions at the Gospel Coalition conference uh in 2011. So I got to be a conference uh in 2011. So I got to be a conference uh in 2011. So I got to be a part of that and a a great memory from part of that and a a great memory from part of that and a a great memory from that time was sitting around a table

that time was sitting around a table that time was sitting around a table with Don Carson and I think Crawford with Don Carson and I think Crawford with Don Carson and I think Crawford Lorittz and then the women who were Lorittz and then the women who were Lorittz and then the women who were offering breakouts at that session. And offering breakouts at that session. And offering breakouts at that session. And I so remember Don t he was talking about I so remember Don t he was talking about I so remember Don t he was talking about what the women's initiatives was going what the women's initiatives was going what the women's initiatives was going to be all about and he said this isn't to be all about and he said this isn't to be all about and he said this isn't going to be about women it's going to be going to be about women it's going to be going to be about women it's going to be about God for women about God for women about God for women and Kathleen was starting something she and Kathleen was starting something she and Kathleen was starting something she was so committed to it being was so committed to it being was so committed to it being scripturally serious for women which you scripturally serious for women which you scripturally serious for women which you know launched the women's initiatives in know launched the women's initiatives in know launched the women's initiatives in such a great way because there is such a such a great way because there is such a such a great way because there is such a commitment uh to seriousness about the commitment uh to seriousness about the commitment uh to seriousness about the scriptures. Wow, that's awesome. I think scriptures. Wow, that's awesome. I think scriptures. Wow, that's awesome. I think my engagement was first with a my engagement was first with a my engagement was first with a conference. Uh I was just fascinated and conference. Uh I was just fascinated and conference. Uh I was just fascinated and really encouraged with the diversity of really encouraged with the diversity of really encouraged with the diversity of backgrounds, the friendship, but a backgrounds, the friendship, but a backgrounds, the friendship, but a commitment to uh reformed theology, commitment to uh reformed theology, commitment to uh reformed theology, thinking clearly about the scriptures. thinking clearly about the scriptures. thinking clearly about the scriptures. But I actually think relationally it But I actually think relationally it But I actually think relationally it came through you, Colin. You're you're came through you, Colin. You're you're came through you, Colin. You're you're my entry point uh into 2010 College my entry point uh into 2010 College my entry point uh into 2010 College Wheaten. Was that well? Okay. Yeah. I'm Wheaten. Was that well? Okay. Yeah. I'm Wheaten. Was that well? Okay. Yeah. I'm glad you're a historian to remind me of glad you're a historian to remind me of glad you're a historian to remind me of the dates when we have started. Steve the dates when we have started. Steve the dates when we have started. Steve Dit was with us. Steve Dit was with us.

Dit was with us. Steve Dit was with us. Dit was with us. Steve Dit was with us. I think we talked about what it means to I think we talked about what it means to I think we talked about what it means to be an ordinary pastor and how we could be an ordinary pastor and how we could be an ordinary pastor and how we could help ordinary pastors and just thinking help ordinary pastors and just thinking help ordinary pastors and just thinking about that and uh then joining the about that and uh then joining the about that and uh then joining the council I believe it was in council I believe it was in council I believe it was in 2016. So, it's just interesting to see 2016. So, it's just interesting to see 2016. So, it's just interesting to see the uh trajectory of God's providence in the uh trajectory of God's providence in the uh trajectory of God's providence in all of our lives, the personal, the all of our lives, the personal, the all of our lives, the personal, the theological, the local church um theological, the local church um theological, the local church um connections, how all of that converge connections, how all of that converge connections, how all of that converge with uh what the Gospel Coalition um has with uh what the Gospel Coalition um has with uh what the Gospel Coalition um has been and continues to be. Well, let's been and continues to be. Well, let's been and continues to be. Well, let's think about the original vision of why think about the original vision of why think about the original vision of why did Juan Sanchez get a phone call from did Juan Sanchez get a phone call from did Juan Sanchez get a phone call from uh Don Carson. What was the original uh Don Carson. What was the original uh Don Carson. What was the original impetus, the problem that they were impetus, the problem that they were impetus, the problem that they were looking to solve? The issues that Don looking to solve? The issues that Don looking to solve? The issues that Don and Tim were trying to address. What was and Tim were trying to address. What was and Tim were trying to address. What was the the core issue? We will start with the the core issue? We will start with the the core issue? We will start with you and then whoever wants to jump in. you and then whoever wants to jump in. you and then whoever wants to jump in. Colin will do a better job of answering Colin will do a better job of answering Colin will do a better job of answering this, but I from from where I was this, but I from from where I was this, but I from from where I was sitting um for for the more theological sitting um for for the more theological sitting um for for the more theological wing of evangelicalism, however you want wing of evangelicalism, however you want wing of evangelicalism, however you want to define evangelicalism, to define evangelicalism, to define evangelicalism, uh we were in a place where there was uh we were in a place where there was uh we were in a place where there was there was no organization pulling us there was no organization pulling us there was no organization pulling us together.

together. together. And Don and Tim wanted people with a And Don and Tim wanted people with a And Don and Tim wanted people with a high view of scripture, a high view of high view of scripture, a high view of high view of scripture, a high view of God, a high view of grace, um a high God, a high view of grace, um a high God, a high view of grace, um a high view of a biblical pastoral ministry view of a biblical pastoral ministry view of a biblical pastoral ministry that was aware and effective in that was aware and effective in that was aware and effective in contemporary culture in reaching all contemporary culture in reaching all contemporary culture in reaching all kinds of people with the gospel, kinds of people with the gospel, kinds of people with the gospel, especially people that are hardened to especially people that are hardened to especially people that are hardened to the gospel. How how do you reach out in the gospel. How how do you reach out in the gospel. How how do you reach out in blue states? How do you reach out to blue states? How do you reach out to blue states? How do you reach out to skeptics, etc., with with real truth, skeptics, etc., with with real truth, skeptics, etc., with with real truth, exposition, you know, be Don talked exposition, you know, be Don talked exposition, you know, be Don talked about being expositionally driven in our about being expositionally driven in our about being expositionally driven in our ministry. And so you had a lot of people ministry. And so you had a lot of people ministry. And so you had a lot of people from a variety of backgrounds, from a variety of backgrounds, from a variety of backgrounds, denominational and otherwise, that denominational and otherwise, that denominational and otherwise, that shared those same concerns. And it shared those same concerns. And it shared those same concerns. And it really did create a center. I was asking really did create a center. I was asking really did create a center. I was asking Colin, is there is there anything out Colin, is there is there anything out Colin, is there is there anything out there in sort of our neck of the woods there in sort of our neck of the woods there in sort of our neck of the woods in evangelicalism like this that's able in evangelicalism like this that's able in evangelicalism like this that's able to pull people together? I don't think to pull people together? I don't think to pull people together? I don't think there has been. TGC has really been a there has been. TGC has really been a there has been. TGC has really been a rallying place for those kinds of people rallying place for those kinds of people rallying place for those kinds of people with those kinds of convictions. There's with those kinds of convictions. There's with those kinds of convictions. There's a little bit of a a back and forth in a little bit of a a back and forth in a little bit of a a back and forth in evangelical history between some of our evangelical history between some of our evangelical history between some of our impetus to be innovative but also can impetus to be innovative but also can impetus to be innovative but also can veer toward the pragmatic and then you veer toward the pragmatic and then you veer toward the pragmatic and then you go back toward the confessional and the go back toward the confessional and the go back toward the confessional and the theological. And one of the besetting theological. And one of the besetting theological. And one of the besetting sins that we saw at that time of sins that we saw at that time of sins that we saw at that time of evangelicalism 80s, 90s and the early evangelicalism 80s, 90s and the early evangelicalism 80s, 90s and the early 2000s was an obsession with being 2000s was an obsession with being 2000s was an obsession with being pragmatic. And then on top of being pragmatic. And then on top of being pragmatic. And then on top of being pragmatic, then that actually opens the pragmatic, then that actually opens the pragmatic, then that actually opens the door to a lot of theological liberalism.

door to a lot of theological liberalism. door to a lot of theological liberalism. And so what what Don and Tim and the And so what what Don and Tim and the And so what what Don and Tim and the other original council members were other original council members were other original council members were responding to was a moment where there responding to was a moment where there responding to was a moment where there was everybody was talking about what was was everybody was talking about what was was everybody was talking about what was new and novel and different, what was new and novel and different, what was new and novel and different, what was going to reach young people. And I going to reach young people. And I going to reach young people. And I remember thinking about my college remember thinking about my college remember thinking about my college ministry. I graduated college in 2003. ministry. I graduated college in 2003. ministry. I graduated college in 2003. Thinking that's not what we're talking Thinking that's not what we're talking Thinking that's not what we're talking about at all. We're talking, we're about at all. We're talking, we're about at all. We're talking, we're reading Wayne Gridham systematic reading Wayne Gridham systematic reading Wayne Gridham systematic theology. We're talking about Jonathan theology. We're talking about Jonathan theology. We're talking about Jonathan Edwards and his theology. And we just Edwards and his theology. And we just Edwards and his theology. And we just didn't realize Don and Tim did that this didn't realize Don and Tim did that this didn't realize Don and Tim did that this was a bigger thing than what we were was a bigger thing than what we were was a bigger thing than what we were just seeing and part of a significant just seeing and part of a significant just seeing and part of a significant move of God in the evangelical church. move of God in the evangelical church. move of God in the evangelical church. Yeah. Yeah. And what's interesting is uh Yeah. Yeah. And what's interesting is uh Yeah. Yeah. And what's interesting is uh at that point in my mind the presenting at that point in my mind the presenting at that point in my mind the presenting issue was the emergent church and how issue was the emergent church and how issue was the emergent church and how postmodernism was influencing the postmodernism was influencing the postmodernism was influencing the thought among the younger generation. thought among the younger generation. thought among the younger generation. And so the idea was to plant that flag And so the idea was to plant that flag And so the idea was to plant that flag centrally. But what's interesting, and centrally. But what's interesting, and centrally. But what's interesting, and this speaks to the need, the ongoing this speaks to the need, the ongoing this speaks to the need, the ongoing need of the gospel coalition. You know, need of the gospel coalition. You know, need of the gospel coalition. You know, I remember reading Joel Carpenter, I I remember reading Joel Carpenter, I I remember reading Joel Carpenter, I can't remember what book, but he he can't remember what book, but he he can't remember what book, but he he shows how during the Billy Graham era, shows how during the Billy Graham era, shows how during the Billy Graham era, the Youth for Christ rallies, they were the Youth for Christ rallies, they were the Youth for Christ rallies, they were trying to win that postWorld War II trying to win that postWorld War II trying to win that postWorld War II generation. And then of course, Bill generation. And then of course, Bill generation. And then of course, Bill Hibbolds with the Willow Creek, they're Hibbolds with the Willow Creek, they're Hibbolds with the Willow Creek, they're trying to reach the boomer generation.

trying to reach the boomer generation. trying to reach the boomer generation. The emergent church was trying to reach The emergent church was trying to reach The emergent church was trying to reach the children of the boomers. So, so the children of the boomers. So, so the children of the boomers. So, so there's always this concern among there's always this concern among there's always this concern among evangelicals of reaching the generation evangelicals of reaching the generation evangelicals of reaching the generation that's leaving the church, but through that's leaving the church, but through that's leaving the church, but through innovation and pragmatism and I think innovation and pragmatism and I think innovation and pragmatism and I think the the place of the gospel coalition is the the place of the gospel coalition is the the place of the gospel coalition is no, we we need the ancient gospel. Yeah. no, we we need the ancient gospel. Yeah. no, we we need the ancient gospel. Yeah. To to take hold and to keep that central To to take hold and to keep that central To to take hold and to keep that central and that's what will draw uh the next and that's what will draw uh the next and that's what will draw uh the next generation. I have a question to follow generation. I have a question to follow generation. I have a question to follow up on that, but you any comments about up on that, but you any comments about up on that, but you any comments about the early vision from your seat? Well, I the early vision from your seat? Well, I the early vision from your seat? Well, I guess I would just say um you mentioned guess I would just say um you mentioned guess I would just say um you mentioned expositional preaching and expositional preaching and expositional preaching and uh I remember the first uh I remember the first uh I remember the first um women's conference that I did a um women's conference that I did a um women's conference that I did a plenary after I spoke, I got four words plenary after I spoke, I got four words plenary after I spoke, I got four words from Don Carson. He said, "Thank from Don Carson. He said, "Thank from Don Carson. He said, "Thank you. Genuine you. Genuine you. Genuine exposition." Okay, I'll take it. Yeah, exposition." Okay, I'll take it. Yeah, exposition." Okay, I'll take it. Yeah, that was a high compliment.

that was a high compliment. that was a high compliment. But honestly, there was and I would say But honestly, there was and I would say But honestly, there was and I would say there still is not another women's there still is not another women's there still is not another women's conference where you have women giving conference where you have women giving conference where you have women giving expositional talks in all of the expositional talks in all of the expositional talks in all of the plenaries uh that are that are focused plenaries uh that are that are focused plenaries uh that are that are focused on the text. And so there wasn't up to on the text. And so there wasn't up to on the text. And so there wasn't up to that point with Gospel Coalition. So that point with Gospel Coalition. So that point with Gospel Coalition. So that's been a real distinctive. Yeah. So that's been a real distinctive. Yeah. So that's been a real distinctive. Yeah. So what's interesting though when you talk what's interesting though when you talk what's interesting though when you talk about the early days of the Gospel about the early days of the Gospel about the early days of the Gospel Coalition, there was this concern about Coalition, there was this concern about Coalition, there was this concern about over pragmatism and and and and maybe over pragmatism and and and and maybe over pragmatism and and and and maybe even uh uh over innovation, if you will, even uh uh over innovation, if you will, even uh uh over innovation, if you will, trying to find creative ways to reach trying to find creative ways to reach trying to find creative ways to reach the next generation. But it wasn't that the next generation. But it wasn't that the next generation. But it wasn't that long after the establishment of the long after the establishment of the long after the establishment of the Gospel Coalition that we're launching a Gospel Coalition that we're launching a Gospel Coalition that we're launching a website that's fairly innovative and and website that's fairly innovative and and website that's fairly innovative and and doing things to be able to um uh doing things to be able to um uh doing things to be able to um uh platform the gospel in a lot of new platform the gospel in a lot of new platform the gospel in a lot of new ways. So Colin, talk a little bit about ways. So Colin, talk a little bit about ways. So Colin, talk a little bit about just the the genesis of uh of uh of just the the genesis of uh of uh of just the the genesis of uh of uh of that. I I don't think in the original that. I I don't think in the original that. I I don't think in the original meetings 2005207 that anyone had an idea meetings 2005207 that anyone had an idea meetings 2005207 that anyone had an idea that there would be this kind of um of that there would be this kind of um of that there would be this kind of um of online uh platforming, if you will, what online uh platforming, if you will, what online uh platforming, if you will, what we have now. Yeah. Before I had showed we have now. Yeah. Before I had showed we have now. Yeah. Before I had showed up and started in 2010, the Gospel up and started in 2010, the Gospel up and started in 2010, the Gospel Coalition was already innovating with Coalition was already innovating with Coalition was already innovating with the website as you saw there and the website as you saw there and the website as you saw there and primarily through blogs. So you think primarily through blogs. So you think primarily through blogs. So you think about somebody really significant in our about somebody really significant in our about somebody really significant in our history and our present and our future, history and our present and our future, history and our present and our future, Justin Taylor. crossway with his blog Justin Taylor. crossway with his blog Justin Taylor. crossway with his blog there. Kevin D. Young's blog was at the there. Kevin D. Young's blog was at the there. Kevin D. Young's blog was at the Gospel Coalition as well. So that was Gospel Coalition as well. So that was Gospel Coalition as well. So that was one of those early innovations and I one of those early innovations and I one of those early innovations and I think what you see in that video from think what you see in that video from think what you see in that video from Don and Tim both is that you can have Don and Tim both is that you can have Don and Tim both is that you can have confessionalism and confessionalism and confessionalism and wise ministry in the same like I

wise ministry in the same like I wise ministry in the same like I remember sitting there in Don's office remember sitting there in Don's office remember sitting there in Don's office in 2010 and he said we're discussing in 2010 and he said we're discussing in 2010 and he said we're discussing what we would put on the website and he what we would put on the website and he what we would put on the website and he said best practices talk to one church said best practices talk to one church said best practices talk to one church about what they're doing well how it's about what they're doing well how it's about what they're doing well how it's working in their context put on the working in their context put on the working in their context put on the website so that other churches could website so that other churches could website so that other churches could learn from that. That's pretty simple. learn from that. That's pretty simple. learn from that. That's pretty simple. But using the internet to be able to do But using the internet to be able to do But using the internet to be able to do that was still a fairly innovative thing that was still a fairly innovative thing that was still a fairly innovative thing at the time and that's still what we're at the time and that's still what we're at the time and that's still what we're doing today. So that the kernel of the doing today. So that the kernel of the doing today. So that the kernel of the vision was there in the beginning, but vision was there in the beginning, but vision was there in the beginning, but it was that it always had to be it was that it always had to be it was that it always had to be connected to the gospel itself and with connected to the gospel itself and with connected to the gospel itself and with a confessional history and defining a confessional history and defining a confessional history and defining evangelicalism as not merely some sort evangelicalism as not merely some sort evangelicalism as not merely some sort of sociological phenomenon, but of sociological phenomenon, but of sociological phenomenon, but something that has a theological core to something that has a theological core to something that has a theological core to it. That's good. So at the core of who it. That's good. So at the core of who it. That's good. So at the core of who and what TGC is are a set of documents. and what TGC is are a set of documents. and what TGC is are a set of documents. We call them the foundation documents. We call them the foundation documents. We call them the foundation documents. And I uh would like us just to unpack And I uh would like us just to unpack And I uh would like us just to unpack that. What what do we what are those that. What what do we what are those that. What what do we what are those documents and why are they so important? documents and why are they so important? documents and why are they so important? How did we even get them? So uh maybe How did we even get them? So uh maybe How did we even get them? So uh maybe Juan, you want to start by just Juan, you want to start by just Juan, you want to start by just explaining what they are and then we can explaining what they are and then we can explaining what they are and then we can talk further about how they're unique in talk further about how they're unique in talk further about how they're unique in terms of the two sets. Yeah. So you have terms of the two sets. Yeah. So you have terms of the two sets. Yeah. So you have the the confessional statement, the the the confessional statement, the the the confessional statement, the preamble just kind of summarizes the preamble just kind of summarizes the preamble just kind of summarizes the vision, but you have the confessional vision, but you have the confessional vision, but you have the confessional statement and then you have the statement and then you have the statement and then you have the theological vision for ministry. And I theological vision for ministry. And I theological vision for ministry. And I wasn't there in the initial meetings and wasn't there in the initial meetings and wasn't there in the initial meetings and Ligan was there can probably help. But Ligan was there can probably help. But Ligan was there can probably help. But my understanding it was quite a a rugged my understanding it was quite a a rugged my understanding it was quite a a rugged process of editing and and going back process of editing and and going back process of editing and and going back and forth. But that sets not only the and forth. But that sets not only the and forth. But that sets not only the confessional boundaries, if you will, confessional boundaries, if you will, confessional boundaries, if you will, but also the theological vision uh for but also the theological vision uh for but also the theological vision uh for ministry. You were there at the 50

ministry. You were there at the 50 ministry. You were there at the 50 people in a room around a table. Don had people in a room around a table. Don had people in a room around a table. Don had done the drafting. Uh sent the documents done the drafting. Uh sent the documents done the drafting. Uh sent the documents out. Uh John Piper came with about 7 uh out. Uh John Piper came with about 7 uh out. Uh John Piper came with about 7 uh suggestions on changes. Uh no surprise suggestions on changes. Uh no surprise suggestions on changes. Uh no surprise approximately so precise and careful approximately so precise and careful approximately so precise and careful with words that really helped us with words that really helped us with words that really helped us generate discussions just to figure out generate discussions just to figure out generate discussions just to figure out where we were in the room. We didn't where we were in the room. We didn't where we were in the room. We didn't know a lot of us did. We were all know a lot of us did. We were all know a lot of us did. We were all friends of Don and Tim, but we didn't friends of Don and Tim, but we didn't friends of Don and Tim, but we didn't necessarily know one another. It helped necessarily know one another. It helped necessarily know one another. It helped us to get to know one another to talk us to get to know one another to talk us to get to know one another to talk through those issues. And the refining through those issues. And the refining through those issues. And the refining process came out with an even better process came out with an even better process came out with an even better document. But it we didn't want just a document. But it we didn't want just a document. But it we didn't want just a theological statement. We wanted a theological statement. We wanted a theological statement. We wanted a statement on vision for ministry. statement on vision for ministry. statement on vision for ministry. Because what what we saw happening in Because what what we saw happening in Because what what we saw happening in evangelicalism is you could have people evangelicalism is you could have people evangelicalism is you could have people with a good statement of faith that was with a good statement of faith that was with a good statement of faith that was not translating into the way that they not translating into the way that they not translating into the way that they were doing ministry. And Don and Tim were doing ministry. And Don and Tim were doing ministry. And Don and Tim wanted a theologically driven vision for wanted a theologically driven vision for wanted a theologically driven vision for ministry to be expressed uh that was ministry to be expressed uh that was ministry to be expressed uh that was going to be positive. Not just we're not going to be positive. Not just we're not going to be positive. Not just we're not that or we're against that, but we're that or we're against that, but we're that or we're against that, but we're for this and we think this is the way to for this and we think this is the way to for this and we think this is the way to do pastoral ministry and this is the way do pastoral ministry and this is the way do pastoral ministry and this is the way to reach out to the culture uh in a to reach out to the culture uh in a to reach out to the culture uh in a scriptural effective way. And so that scriptural effective way. And so that scriptural effective way. And so that was a very good process to talk through was a very good process to talk through was a very good process to talk through that. I had a conversation with uh Don that. I had a conversation with uh Don that. I had a conversation with uh Don Carson about a month ago just asking Carson about a month ago just asking Carson about a month ago just asking about the history of everything at TGC about the history of everything at TGC about the history of everything at TGC and he he mentioned that moment when all and he he mentioned that moment when all and he he mentioned that moment when all those edits came in and he he even said those edits came in and he he even said those edits came in and he he even said like he wasn't sure how this was going

like he wasn't sure how this was going like he wasn't sure how this was going to go like it was it was I mean it was to go like it was it was I mean it was to go like it was it was I mean it was what's how is this going to play out and what's how is this going to play out and what's how is this going to play out and uh he said something interesting he said uh he said something interesting he said uh he said something interesting he said you know he wanted to honor everyone's you know he wanted to honor everyone's you know he wanted to honor everyone's contribution to be sure that we heard contribution to be sure that we heard contribution to be sure that we heard and listened so that there was good give and listened so that there was good give and listened so that there was good give and take and he said in that and take and he said in that and take and he said in that conversations about some of those edits conversations about some of those edits conversations about some of those edits and changes is uh there was this sense and changes is uh there was this sense and changes is uh there was this sense of renewed commitment not only to the of renewed commitment not only to the of renewed commitment not only to the gospel and precision but also to gospel and precision but also to gospel and precision but also to honoring one another. Hey, help me honoring one another. Hey, help me honoring one another. Hey, help me understand why you'd want to use that understand why you'd want to use that understand why you'd want to use that word. Let's talk about it in a way that word. Let's talk about it in a way that word. Let's talk about it in a way that was charitable um and yet also was charitable um and yet also was charitable um and yet also convictional. I think that's one of the convictional. I think that's one of the convictional. I think that's one of the things I love about TGC is there's just things I love about TGC is there's just things I love about TGC is there's just not many spaces left where you can be not many spaces left where you can be not many spaces left where you can be convictional and charitable and actually convictional and charitable and actually convictional and charitable and actually see that displayed because that's not a see that displayed because that's not a see that displayed because that's not a theoretical thing. It's an experiential theoretical thing. It's an experiential theoretical thing. It's an experiential thing as well. like I see it. Oh, that's thing as well. like I see it. Oh, that's thing as well. like I see it. Oh, that's and that becomes a model. And that's and that becomes a model. And that's and that becomes a model. And that's what I experienced going to the first um what I experienced going to the first um what I experienced going to the first um TGC conference. The way that things were TGC conference. The way that things were TGC conference. The way that things were talked about, not just what, but the way talked about, not just what, but the way talked about, not just what, but the way was really helpful in my local context, was really helpful in my local context, was really helpful in my local context, trying to figure out who do I partner trying to figure out who do I partner trying to figure out who do I partner with and how do I be friends with other with and how do I be friends with other with and how do I be friends with other pastors, but we have differing pastors, but we have differing pastors, but we have differing viewpoints. And how do we think about viewpoints. And how do we think about viewpoints. And how do we think about that? And I think that's one of the ways that? And I think that's one of the ways that? And I think that's one of the ways that TGC has really served uh the local that TGC has really served uh the local that TGC has really served uh the local church. when we think about the the church. when we think about the the church. when we think about the the local church uh and TGC's impact, what local church uh and TGC's impact, what local church uh and TGC's impact, what what other examples might you give of what other examples might you give of what other examples might you give of the ways that TGC um has been a bit of a the ways that TGC um has been a bit of a the ways that TGC um has been a bit of a meeting place for um gospel material for meeting place for um gospel material for meeting place for um gospel material for local churches being helped. So maybe we local churches being helped. So maybe we local churches being helped. So maybe we can start even I think women's ministry can start even I think women's ministry can start even I think women's ministry is in particular a really big example of

is in particular a really big example of is in particular a really big example of this. Absolutely. I have so many this. Absolutely. I have so many this. Absolutely. I have so many conversations with women and with uh conversations with women and with uh conversations with women and with uh women's ministry leaders, Bible women's ministry leaders, Bible women's ministry leaders, Bible teachers, and I think when they teachers, and I think when they teachers, and I think when they discovered TGC and all of its resources, discovered TGC and all of its resources, discovered TGC and all of its resources, whether it was coming to a a conference whether it was coming to a a conference whether it was coming to a a conference and being in a room with all of these and being in a room with all of these and being in a room with all of these other people who have a heart for uh other people who have a heart for uh other people who have a heart for uh word centered women's ministry. Um so word centered women's ministry. Um so word centered women's ministry. Um so many women are out there in their local many women are out there in their local many women are out there in their local churches. they haven't necessarily had churches. they haven't necessarily had churches. they haven't necessarily had any formal training and all they've any formal training and all they've any formal training and all they've known is maybe what they've experienced known is maybe what they've experienced known is maybe what they've experienced and so they're really hungry for some and so they're really hungry for some and so they're really hungry for some influence and and a lot have been hungry influence and and a lot have been hungry influence and and a lot have been hungry for something deeper and something uh for something deeper and something uh for something deeper and something uh more substantive and so I think they've more substantive and so I think they've more substantive and so I think they've been able to come to a TGC conference been able to come to a TGC conference been able to come to a TGC conference and see that modeled and absorb that and see that modeled and absorb that and see that modeled and absorb that from what's taught um you know they've from what's taught um you know they've from what's taught um you know they've absorbed from podcasts and of course absorbed from podcasts and of course absorbed from podcasts and of course from reading from from reading from from reading from discovering better sources than maybe discovering better sources than maybe discovering better sources than maybe they've had in the past. And I love what they've had in the past. And I love what they've had in the past. And I love what Courtney Doctor is doing today. You Courtney Doctor is doing today. You Courtney Doctor is doing today. You know, TGC is always thinking about what know, TGC is always thinking about what know, TGC is always thinking about what will serve the local church. That's the will serve the local church. That's the will serve the local church. That's the real heart, isn't it? It is. And so I real heart, isn't it? It is. And so I real heart, isn't it? It is. And so I really see that what Courtney Doctor is really see that what Courtney Doctor is really see that what Courtney Doctor is doing. She's been holding all of these doing. She's been holding all of these doing. She's been holding all of these uh online cohorts for women. And so like uh online cohorts for women. And so like uh online cohorts for women. And so like the the women's director at my church the the women's director at my church the the women's director at my church did a cohort to just get some fresh did a cohort to just get some fresh did a cohort to just get some fresh ideas about how you're going to do ideas about how you're going to do ideas about how you're going to do women's ministry and how you're really women's ministry and how you're really women's ministry and how you're really going to get the women in your church going to get the women in your church going to get the women in your church who may not be that interested into the

who may not be that interested into the who may not be that interested into the Bible into the Bible. Those kinds of Bible into the Bible. Those kinds of Bible into the Bible. Those kinds of things. So TGC I think has played a huge things. So TGC I think has played a huge things. So TGC I think has played a huge role in that in women's ministries role in that in women's ministries role in that in women's ministries across the country. Maybe I I think we across the country. Maybe I I think we across the country. Maybe I I think we could say around the world because it could say around the world because it could say around the world because it has been uh interpreted in so many has been uh interpreted in so many has been uh interpreted in so many languages and gone so far. Other local languages and gone so far. Other local languages and gone so far. Other local church impacts. Well, you getting church impacts. Well, you getting church impacts. Well, you getting applause there. Yeah. Amen. applause there. Yeah. Amen. applause there. Yeah. Amen. I think I think about a number of the I think I think about a number of the I think I think about a number of the young adults who have grown up in these young adults who have grown up in these young adults who have grown up in these last 20 years. And I think about a last 20 years. And I think about a last 20 years. And I think about a couple things that God has been kind to couple things that God has been kind to couple things that God has been kind to use the Gospel Coalition to make rather use the Gospel Coalition to make rather use the Gospel Coalition to make rather normative. One of them would be Christc normative. One of them would be Christc normative. One of them would be Christc centered preaching from all of centered preaching from all of centered preaching from all of scripture. Nancy, you do this so well in scripture. Nancy, you do this so well in scripture. Nancy, you do this so well in your teaching. That that was not a your teaching. That that was not a your teaching. That that was not a normative thing across evangelicalism. normative thing across evangelicalism. normative thing across evangelicalism. Maybe in Presbyterian circles, um, but Maybe in Presbyterian circles, um, but Maybe in Presbyterian circles, um, but that's become a more normal thing in our that's become a more normal thing in our that's become a more normal thing in our non-denominational churches as well. So non-denominational churches as well. So non-denominational churches as well. So that's one thing. A second thing I think that's one thing. A second thing I think that's one thing. A second thing I think about is catechizus. That was not a about is catechizus. That was not a about is catechizus. That was not a common practice within our common practice within our common practice within our non-denominational or Southern Baptist non-denominational or Southern Baptist non-denominational or Southern Baptist churches. God's used the New City churches. God's used the New City churches. God's used the New City Catechism to in these last 20 years and Catechism to in these last 20 years and Catechism to in these last 20 years and the 10 years since that's been out to the 10 years since that's been out to the 10 years since that's been out to help raise up a new generation who have help raise up a new generation who have help raise up a new generation who have grown up with these doctrines of grace, grown up with these doctrines of grace, grown up with these doctrines of grace, not having discovered them later, but not having discovered them later, but not having discovered them later, but having been taught them by their parents having been taught them by their parents having been taught them by their parents and by their churches at young ages. So and by their churches at young ages. So and by their churches at young ages. So those are a couple of the different those are a couple of the different those are a couple of the different legacy projects that we've invested in legacy projects that we've invested in legacy projects that we've invested in that have really made a big difference that have really made a big difference that have really made a big difference in the younger generation. Yeah. And I in the younger generation. Yeah. And I in the younger generation. Yeah. And I can speak it it to the the Spanish can speak it it to the the Spanish can speak it it to the the Spanish speaking world. You know, at these speaking world. You know, at these speaking world. You know, at these conferences uh and others, I would I conferences uh and others, I would I conferences uh and others, I would I would gather Spanish speakers who were would gather Spanish speakers who were would gather Spanish speakers who were attending these conferences. We would attending these conferences. We would attending these conferences. We would just meet in a side room and just have just meet in a side room and just have just meet in a side room and just have conversations and and talk about the

conversations and and talk about the conversations and and talk about the needs and the vision. I met David Adams needs and the vision. I met David Adams needs and the vision. I met David Adams from Pyama and then um I heard about from Pyama and then um I heard about from Pyama and then um I heard about Miguel Nunees. He was going to a Desire Miguel Nunees. He was going to a Desire Miguel Nunees. He was going to a Desire God conference. He was kind enough to God conference. He was kind enough to God conference. He was kind enough to stop in Austin and we just we just stop in Austin and we just we just stop in Austin and we just we just brainstorm what what can we do like brainstorm what what can we do like brainstorm what what can we do like this? And so we we desired to see an this? And so we we desired to see an this? And so we we desired to see an awakening that would lead to a revival awakening that would lead to a revival awakening that would lead to a revival that might lead to a reformation in the that might lead to a reformation in the that might lead to a reformation in the Spanish-sp speakaking world. And so when Spanish-sp speakaking world. And so when Spanish-sp speakaking world. And so when I would travel to places like Cuba, I I would travel to places like Cuba, I I would travel to places like Cuba, I would just take a flash drive and we would just take a flash drive and we would just take a flash drive and we would disseminate resources and they would disseminate resources and they would disseminate resources and they would just spread like wildfire. I would just spread like wildfire. I would just spread like wildfire. I remember one time going like a year remember one time going like a year remember one time going like a year later and a pastor pulled me into into a later and a pastor pulled me into into a later and a pastor pulled me into into a room and he showed me a video of John room and he showed me a video of John room and he showed me a video of John Piper that had been subtitled and I Piper that had been subtitled and I Piper that had been subtitled and I said, "Where did you get this?" He says, said, "Where did you get this?" He says, said, "Where did you get this?" He says, "Oh, you brought it here a couple of "Oh, you brought it here a couple of "Oh, you brought it here a couple of years ago." Wow. And it's just amazing years ago." Wow. And it's just amazing years ago." Wow. And it's just amazing how like wildfire the resources have how like wildfire the resources have how like wildfire the resources have spread and qualion emerged from that spread and qualion emerged from that spread and qualion emerged from that same vision. Wow. It's incredible. So, same vision. Wow. It's incredible. So, same vision. Wow. It's incredible. So, as we're wrapping up here, uh TGC has as we're wrapping up here, uh TGC has as we're wrapping up here, uh TGC has not only been a beautiful uh not only been a beautiful uh not only been a beautiful uh organization and a movement, but it's organization and a movement, but it's organization and a movement, but it's also had a direct impact on all of us also had a direct impact on all of us also had a direct impact on all of us personally. So I wonder if we could just personally. So I wonder if we could just personally. So I wonder if we could just start with leg and just a sentence or start with leg and just a sentence or start with leg and just a sentence or two of what it's meant to you at a two of what it's meant to you at a two of what it's meant to you at a personal pastoral human Christian level.

personal pastoral human Christian level. personal pastoral human Christian level. Well just to give give testimony to the Well just to give give testimony to the Well just to give give testimony to the friendship of Tim Keller in my life. You friendship of Tim Keller in my life. You friendship of Tim Keller in my life. You know Tim and I meet sort of in a general know Tim and I meet sort of in a general know Tim and I meet sort of in a general assembly context in the PCA. We become assembly context in the PCA. We become assembly context in the PCA. We become friends. Then we serve together on TGC. friends. Then we serve together on TGC. friends. Then we serve together on TGC. Then Tim asked Reformed Theological Then Tim asked Reformed Theological Then Tim asked Reformed Theological Seminary to come to New York City and I Seminary to come to New York City and I Seminary to come to New York City and I get to teach with him every year for get to teach with him every year for get to teach with him every year for seven years. And and then I then I get seven years. And and then I then I get seven years. And and then I then I get to watch him die and I get to watch him to watch him die and I get to watch him to watch him die and I get to watch him die in faith. And he says things to me die in faith. And he says things to me die in faith. And he says things to me like, "Lig, how old are you?" I'm 62. like, "Lig, how old are you?" I'm 62. like, "Lig, how old are you?" I'm 62. Tim, don't think you have time. Just I I Tim, don't think you have time. Just I I Tim, don't think you have time. Just I I And to watch him die in faith, uh to And to watch him die in faith, uh to And to watch him die in faith, uh to watch him cross the finish line trusting watch him cross the finish line trusting watch him cross the finish line trusting the Lord. I I'll value that till the day the Lord. I I'll value that till the day the Lord. I I'll value that till the day I close my eyes for the last time. Well, I close my eyes for the last time. Well, I close my eyes for the last time. Well, praise God. One Yeah. As a young pastor praise God. One Yeah. As a young pastor praise God. One Yeah. As a young pastor being in that room when we would have a being in that room when we would have a being in that room when we would have a colloquium. colloquium. colloquium. Um seeing people that you read and Um seeing people that you read and Um seeing people that you read and admired. Yes. And understand these are admired. Yes. And understand these are admired. Yes. And understand these are just men. Yeah. You know, like JC Ralph just men. Yeah. You know, like JC Ralph just men. Yeah. You know, like JC Ralph said, you know, the best of men are men said, you know, the best of men are men said, you know, the best of men are men at their best. M and to see these at their best. M and to see these at their best. M and to see these brothers at their best and and treating brothers at their best and and treating brothers at their best and and treating me as an equal, brother in Christ, me as an equal, brother in Christ, me as an equal, brother in Christ, brother, pastor in Christ, and then brother, pastor in Christ, and then brother, pastor in Christ, and then these last several years serving on the these last several years serving on the these last several years serving on the board, learning from Lian and Phil board, learning from Lian and Phil board, learning from Lian and Phil Reichen and Dan Durani and uh Tony Reichen and Dan Durani and uh Tony Reichen and Dan Durani and uh Tony Marita. Learning from these brothers who Marita. Learning from these brothers who Marita. Learning from these brothers who are leading institutions and have led

are leading institutions and have led are leading institutions and have led ministries has made me just a better ministries has made me just a better ministries has made me just a better leader. Mhm. So for me it's been about leader. Mhm. So for me it's been about leader. Mhm. So for me it's been about the relationships and just the the the the relationships and just the the the the relationships and just the the the natural disciplehip that takes place natural disciplehip that takes place natural disciplehip that takes place when men are getting together. That's when men are getting together. That's when men are getting together. That's good. Colin, I don't know quite how to good. Colin, I don't know quite how to good. Colin, I don't know quite how to verify this, Mark, but I think I'm the verify this, Mark, but I think I'm the verify this, Mark, but I think I'm the last person left who's been to every TGC last person left who's been to every TGC last person left who's been to every TGC national conference. Wow. Uh including national conference. Wow. Uh including national conference. Wow. Uh including all the women's conferences. And um so I all the women's conferences. And um so I all the women's conferences. And um so I think about meeting Don and Tim and the think about meeting Don and Tim and the think about meeting Don and Tim and the other council members at a fairly young other council members at a fairly young other council members at a fairly young age and then seeing them pass from the age and then seeing them pass from the age and then seeing them pass from the earth or just like Don not able to earth or just like Don not able to earth or just like Don not able to attend with us anymore. Don, if you're attend with us anymore. Don, if you're attend with us anymore. Don, if you're watching, we miss you and and appreciate watching, we miss you and and appreciate watching, we miss you and and appreciate you. Um, I just see it as part of my you. Um, I just see it as part of my you. Um, I just see it as part of my life's calling to help carry on and life's calling to help carry on and life's calling to help carry on and carry out for the remainder of my days carry out for the remainder of my days carry out for the remainder of my days the legacy of faith that they the legacy of faith that they the legacy of faith that they demonstrated, but also what they taught demonstrated, but also what they taught demonstrated, but also what they taught and the savior that they worshiped, they and the savior that they worshiped, they and the savior that they worshiped, they loved, and they taught so many of us to loved, and they taught so many of us to loved, and they taught so many of us to help love even more. So, that's one way help love even more. So, that's one way help love even more. So, that's one way helped change my life. It's good. In helped change my life. It's good. In helped change my life. It's good. In 2008, I read a little book called Young, 2008, I read a little book called Young, 2008, I read a little book called Young, Restless, and Reformed. Mhm. And I Restless, and Reformed. Mhm. And I Restless, and Reformed. Mhm. And I didn't know the author, Colin Hansen, didn't know the author, Colin Hansen, didn't know the author, Colin Hansen, but I wrote him a letter that I never but I wrote him a letter that I never but I wrote him a letter that I never sent. Oh. And I looked for it. I I don't sent. Oh. And I looked for it. I I don't sent. Oh. And I looked for it. I I don't seem to have kept a copy. And the reason seem to have kept a copy. And the reason seem to have kept a copy. And the reason I wrote him a letter, he wrote about I wrote him a letter, he wrote about I wrote him a letter, he wrote about this world that I was just discovering this world that I was just discovering this world that I was just discovering of of convictional, glad reformed of of convictional, glad reformed of of convictional, glad reformed theology. And this was a world I didn't theology. And this was a world I didn't theology. And this was a world I didn't know. I I was, you know, very inshed in know. I I was, you know, very inshed in know. I I was, you know, very inshed in the generally evangelical world. And

the generally evangelical world. And the generally evangelical world. And happily so. So, I was I was discovering happily so. So, I was I was discovering happily so. So, I was I was discovering reformed theology and what he was reformed theology and what he was reformed theology and what he was writing about. But when I read the book, writing about. But when I read the book, writing about. But when I read the book, my thought was, "Where are the my thought was, "Where are the my thought was, "Where are the women?" And I didn't send it to him women?" And I didn't send it to him women?" And I didn't send it to him because I thought it he didn't know me. because I thought it he didn't know me. because I thought it he didn't know me. I was like, "He'll think I'm saying, I was like, "He'll think I'm saying, I was like, "He'll think I'm saying, hey, I want to be the woman." Uh, but hey, I want to be the woman." Uh, but hey, I want to be the woman." Uh, but anyway, but it was like, "Where are the anyway, but it was like, "Where are the anyway, but it was like, "Where are the women?" So, um, you know, when I think women?" So, um, you know, when I think women?" So, um, you know, when I think about what TGC has meant to me, you about what TGC has meant to me, you about what TGC has meant to me, you know, this is where I have found my know, this is where I have found my know, this is where I have found my sisters and my brothers, sisters and my brothers, sisters and my brothers, um, who I've come to love so much, I'm um, who I've come to love so much, I'm um, who I've come to love so much, I'm so grateful that when I came up with the so grateful that when I came up with the so grateful that when I came up with the idea, hey, I I want to I want to go idea, hey, I I want to I want to go idea, hey, I I want to I want to go around and talk to all of my favorite around and talk to all of my favorite around and talk to all of my favorite theologians and Bible teachers and theologians and Bible teachers and theologians and Bible teachers and record it for this podcast. Help me record it for this podcast. Help me record it for this podcast. Help me teach the Bible. Help me teach the teach the Bible. Help me teach the teach the Bible. Help me teach the Bible. That's right. Go check it out. Bible. That's right. Go check it out. Bible. That's right. Go check it out. And and Colin said, "Yes." And that's And and Colin said, "Yes." And that's And and Colin said, "Yes." And that's been a thrill of my life really to it been a thrill of my life really to it been a thrill of my life really to it was really all just for me to invite was really all just for me to invite was really all just for me to invite myself to their offices to talk about myself to their offices to talk about myself to their offices to talk about the Bible. And so um I yeah I just the Bible. And so um I yeah I just the Bible. And so um I yeah I just pinched myself to get to be a part of pinched myself to get to be a part of pinched myself to get to be a part of TGC. I'm glad for all I've learned and TGC. I'm glad for all I've learned and TGC. I'm glad for all I've learned and all the people I know and just to get to all the people I know and just to get to all the people I know and just to get to be a part of something having such a be a part of something having such a be a part of something having such a significant gospel impact in the world significant gospel impact in the world significant gospel impact in the world is a profound privilege. So great. And is a profound privilege. So great. And is a profound privilege. So great. And my one sentence would just be TGC with my one sentence would just be TGC with my one sentence would just be TGC with all the things that it did for me all the things that it did for me all the things that it did for me personally helped me to be a better personally helped me to be a better personally helped me to be a better pastor in my local church by modeling pastor in my local church by modeling pastor in my local church by modeling what charitable convictional pastoral what charitable convictional pastoral what charitable convictional pastoral ministry looks like and also giving me ministry looks like and also giving me ministry looks like and also giving me resources so I could help know how to resources so I could help know how to resources so I could help know how to help my people in a way that was clear help my people in a way that was clear help my people in a way that was clear and trusted 700 words or less just to

and trusted 700 words or less just to and trusted 700 words or less just to help me get started on a theological help me get started on a theological help me get started on a theological subject that I needed just to understand subject that I needed just to understand subject that I needed just to understand in a way particularly in the cultural in a way particularly in the cultural in a way particularly in the cultural apologetic space. So super grateful. So apologetic space. So super grateful. So apologetic space. So super grateful. So I hope this has been helpful for you uh I hope this has been helpful for you uh I hope this has been helpful for you uh to know a little bit more about some of to know a little bit more about some of to know a little bit more about some of the background behind uh TGC. We are the background behind uh TGC. We are the background behind uh TGC. We are stewards of the legacy of the last 20 stewards of the legacy of the last 20 stewards of the legacy of the last 20 years. Uh institutions matter. Uh years. Uh institutions matter. Uh years. Uh institutions matter. Uh organizations like this are helpful organizations like this are helpful organizations like this are helpful because in particular TGC is trying to because in particular TGC is trying to because in particular TGC is trying to hold the center. Coalitions are hold the center. Coalitions are hold the center. Coalitions are beautiful. You might not be surprised. beautiful. You might not be surprised. beautiful. You might not be surprised. They're also complicated. You got people They're also complicated. You got people They're also complicated. You got people with differing viewpoints and with differing viewpoints and with differing viewpoints and personalities, backgrounds, and uh in personalities, backgrounds, and uh in personalities, backgrounds, and uh in the middle of a society where coalitions the middle of a society where coalitions the middle of a society where coalitions and um organizations are dividing, and um organizations are dividing, and um organizations are dividing, fracturing, going their separate ways, fracturing, going their separate ways, fracturing, going their separate ways, we'd like to create a beautiful we'd like to create a beautiful we'd like to create a beautiful different environment in the context of different environment in the context of different environment in the context of TGC. Quite frankly, who knows if the TGC. Quite frankly, who knows if the TGC. Quite frankly, who knows if the center can hold, but someone has to try. center can hold, but someone has to try. center can hold, but someone has to try. And TGC is the organization that's going And TGC is the organization that's going And TGC is the organization that's going to try to do that in order, in other to try to do that in order, in other to try to do that in order, in other words, to try and help renew and unify words, to try and help renew and unify words, to try and help renew and unify the contemporary church in the ancient the contemporary church in the ancient the contemporary church in the ancient gospel. That's who we are. It's what gospel. That's who we are. It's what gospel. That's who we are. It's what we've been doing, and that's what we're we've been doing, and that's what we're we've been doing, and that's what we're going to continue to do because we think going to continue to do because we think going to continue to do because we think the gospel is not only important, but it the gospel is not only important, but it the gospel is not only important, but it also brings people together in a way also brings people together in a way also brings people together in a way that says something really, really that says something really, really that says something really, really powerful to the world and then impacts powerful to the world and then impacts powerful to the world and then impacts local churches every seven days. So, local churches every seven days. So, local churches every seven days. So, we're so grateful that you're here and we're so grateful that you're here and we're so grateful that you're here and thank you for your prayers for uh the thank you for your prayers for uh the thank you for your prayers for uh the Gospel Coalition. With that, let's pray Gospel Coalition. With that, let's pray Gospel Coalition. With that, let's pray together. Let's stand and uh pray as we together. Let's stand and uh pray as we together. Let's stand and uh pray as we move into our next keynotes move into our next keynotes move into our next keynotes address. God, we thank you for your

address. God, we thank you for your address. God, we thank you for your mercy and grace to us. We are humbled to mercy and grace to us. We are humbled to mercy and grace to us. We are humbled to be both in this room knowing that we be both in this room knowing that we be both in this room knowing that we would not be here apart from your would not be here apart from your would not be here apart from your goodness and grace. We are a broken goodness and grace. We are a broken goodness and grace. We are a broken people, a but now kind of people. We are people, a but now kind of people. We are people, a but now kind of people. We are a grace loving, miraculously changed a grace loving, miraculously changed a grace loving, miraculously changed people. We are Ephesians people. It's people. We are Ephesians people. It's people. We are Ephesians people. It's our story that we're studying and we're our story that we're studying and we're our story that we're studying and we're seeing ourselves and we're also seeing seeing ourselves and we're also seeing seeing ourselves and we're also seeing you. And it's so great to sing together you. And it's so great to sing together you. And it's so great to sing together to hear 7,000 people singing ac to hear 7,000 people singing ac to hear 7,000 people singing ac cappella. It just there's nothing like cappella. It just there's nothing like cappella. It just there's nothing like it. It reminds us of what heaven is it. It reminds us of what heaven is it. It reminds us of what heaven is going to be like. So we thank you for going to be like. So we thank you for going to be like. So we thank you for that foretaste of what is yet to come. that foretaste of what is yet to come. that foretaste of what is yet to come. And we pray you'd use this conference to And we pray you'd use this conference to And we pray you'd use this conference to build new relationships, to um renew old build new relationships, to um renew old build new relationships, to um renew old ones, help us find helpful content, and ones, help us find helpful content, and ones, help us find helpful content, and then help us just to to to savor what it then help us just to to to savor what it then help us just to to to savor what it means to meet with you and to worship means to meet with you and to worship means to meet with you and to worship together. And we bless you and praise together. And we bless you and praise together. And we bless you and praise you in Jesus name. Amen. Amen. you in Jesus name. Amen. Amen. you in Jesus name. Amen. Amen. [Music]