As I was working on my dissertation this week, I took a break from reading “Manichaeism and Judaism in Light of the Cologne Mani Codex” (no kidding!) by walking through Princeton University.  In case you’ve never done the same, I’ll say this: it is an incredibly impressive campus, and it is clear that the University continues to spend millions to restore and maintain the original stone buildings.  But impressive as the structures are, they’re useless without the students who walk through them.  Princeton University may drop a dime or two on renovation, but what the leadership is really investing in, is the development of some of the best young minds of the next generation.

As I was walking, the lesson for us was very clear.  We need to take particular care to preserve the precious truths of our faith within this next generation.  We need to remember that we exist to pass on what we learn, that these truths have a short-lived advantage if they aren’t developed in the minds of those who will soon stand in our shoes.

Later this year we will devote a whole series to these thoughts; for now, I had better get back to the codex…

Mark Batterson pastors National Community Church down in DC. I have met and read him. He mentioned in his blog that his goal is to turn “attenders into inviters.” I like that. You know you did something right when those attending start becoming excited enough to invite their friends.

And it really should just happen — it shouldn’t take a program or a drive. It should just be the natural result of people who are excited about being part of a community that has purpose. That’s my job: to make sure we focus on purpose. Jesus did that. “I have come that you might have life, and have it to the full.” This coming week we will be announcing 38 new members for PAC. Somebody must have become an inviter!

If you want to read Mark’s blog more regularly, you can find it here. I included a link at the right of this blog — here you can also see some other links that I like. Check them out. Better yet, pass your favorites along to me.