Back in January I was able to attend the Pastors Conference at First Baptist Church in Jacksonville, Florida. The theme for 2012 was “God in the Life of the Pastor”. This is a conference that I look forward to each year. The quality and calibre of the speakers enlisted is top-shelf. It has been my experience that the some of the most gifted and passionate pastors, seminary presidents, seminary professors, church planters, missionaries, convention presidents, mission board presidents, and evangelists have shared the stage in order to encourage hurting and discouraged pastors and layman who have made their way to FBC Jacksonville to be encouraged, motivated, loved on, and cared for. I know this for a fact. I have been one of those pastors who has limped into this conference just needing to be preached to. This year was no different. I have heard some great sermons at this conference. Adrian Rogers, Junior Hill, Bailey Smith, Jerry Vines, Mac Brunson, Johnny Hunt, Paige Patterson are just a few of the men who have blessed my heart tremendously. This year, I believe I heard one of, if not, the best message I have ever heard. Dr. David Allen, Dean of the School of Theology at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary delivered a message entitled “The Pastor and His Preaching”. As I sat and listened, I was amazed, encouraged, challenged, thankful, and hopeful. Below is Dr. Allen’s message from that day. I pray you enjoy it as much as I did. Thank you Dr. Allen and Dr. Brunson.