It’s sunny and warm down here in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, which is a very nice break from the autumnal chill that has got into the air back in New York lately.

Speaking of warm, that’s a good word for the welcome from the host church of the Multi-Site Church Conference – Sea Coast Church – www.seacoast.org It’s a bit disconcerting at times for a New Yorker to have everyone saying hello to you, shaking your hand and generally smiling, from the time you get out of the car. It seemed like there were greeters every three steps, so we definitely got the point that they were glad to have us around. Great job Sea Coast!

Free lattes before the conference began, Coldstone Creamery ice cream during the first break and shrimp in sauce over grits during the second helped with the general feeling of being welcome here in the south. I am proud to say that I skipped the ice cream!

This twenty year old church has 10,000 people in worship services on 13 campuses every weekend, which makes the leaders guys that are worth listening to. I enjoyed hearing Mark Batterson again too. Mark’s church – National Community Church in DC (www.theaterchurch.com) – is establishing a network of congregations in movie theaters around the nation’s capital. Wise man to use movie theaters. Is there anywhere else to do church???

I bought his new book, Wild Goose Chase. He’s a good writer, easy to read and with a load of snippets that make you stop and think.

Plenty to make us think during today’s session and a full day ahead tomorrow, starting at 8.00am with breakfast at the church – thankfully it’s only five minutes from the hotel.

Ran into my old friend Gary Lamb today while having breakfast in the hotel. That was a pleasant surprise as I didn’t know he was going to be here. I may be able to hang with him for a bit tomorrow – it’s good for this reserved Brit to spend time with a 200% redneck!!!