If Paul Had PowerPoint

I have heard Gordon MacDonald several times.  He is a powerful communicator and is exceptionally facile with technology.  So if he has these thoughts, I am encouraged when my own forays into conference/retreat presentations create uncomfortable moments.  This was published in Leadership Journal in 2003

If Paul Had PowerPoint
Without Windows NT, is it a wonder the gospel ever escaped Jerusalem?
Gordon MacDonald, editor at large

October 8, 2003

When my imagination gets out of control, I think about what it must have been like in the days when the Apostles (Peter and Paul, for example) were preaching. Sometimes, I wonder if they would have had patience with our ways in today's world.  For example, a considerable amount of my time is spent speaking at pastors conferences and other similar events. I feel complimented when I am asked to participate. I have never quite gotten over the notion that people are willing to invite me to their church or their conference and give me a chance to open my heart. Accepting the invitation is relatively easy. It's what often comes afterwards that gets complicated.  That's where I get to thinking about Peter and Paul. Imagine letters going out to them that sound like this:

To: Peter, c/o Jerusalemchurch.org
We are looking forward to your preaching in the Temple square on Pentecost day 9 months from tomorrow. Since we are about to send out our first wave of publicity, we would like to ask your assistance. We need a topic and a brief outline (100 words or less) of your remarks. Three months from now, we will ask you to submit your Scripture references and any quotes, plus a complete outline so that our graphics department can provide a handout for the several thousand we anticipate attending. Additionally, we will need you to sign the enclosed tape/video release form that will give our production department the right to sell "product" during the conference. If you have any books you'd like to recommend, we will be happy to order these and sell them in our bookstore.

To: Paul, c/o Antiochchurch.org
The Mars Hill Society has been sponsoring guest lectures for many years, and we are looking forward to your participation next year. We will be sending a contract for your signature. Please return with your Social Security number. In preparation for that time, we would appreciate a biographical kit that includes information about your life and work. Three 5x7 press photos, one in color if possible, would also be appreciated. Please include your academic credentials and titles of anything you have written.

Our A/V people will want to know if you prefer a lapel or hand-held mike. Do you have any personal needs for water or food? Your hotel accommodations will be underwritten for the night before and after the speech. You will be given a per diem reimbursement for all meals on the day of the speech. Phone calls, in-room movies, and any other items will be at your own expense. Could you please send us your required fee for appearing?

Then the day comes:
Peter (his first words at Pentecost): "Hello, hello…am I on? Am I on? Testing, check, check, check…"

Paul (his first words at Mars Hill): "I'm thrilled to be here today so that—You can't hear in the back row? HOW'S THIS? CAN YOU HEAR ME NOW? I was going use PowerPoint in this presentation, but the computer…"

(With apologies to all of those who invite me to speak and whose job it is to send me e-mails not dissimilar to these. I was just having fun.)