Although he lives one state north, Jimmy Holbrook will be a key player in the upcoming D6 Conference to be held in Frisco, Texas on September 23-25. (Find out more about the conference, here.) Jimmy Holbrook will be the emcee for the main stage events. He has been in full-time ministry for 16 years, and is the lead pastor at Harrah Church just east of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, where he has "transitioned the church from a more traditional model to one that is organic, relevant, and effective." He was also part of the inaugural class of Focus on the Family's Institute. Holbrook just published his first book, Shelter: Being an Intentional Parent in a Random World.
EY: What is your new book about?
JH: Shelter is about seeing your family as a "Shelter of Development." I challenge parents to accept the truth that developing people who live inside of their Shelter is the most important job they have to achieve. It is not about protecting and isolating our children from the dangerous culture we live in; rather, it is about developing fierce warriors FOR a dangerous world. If you read Shelter, you will discover that Christianity is not about a decision; it is about a lifestyle.
(To order Shelter or read more about it, click here.)
EY: Why are you part of the D6 Conference?
JH: I am happy to participate in the D6 Conference because I believe the family is what God has ordained to teach people who He is. The greatest influencer (good or bad) of children is parents. The D6 Conference's objective is to strengthen families. I am all in when it comes to that kind of a mission.
EY: What is D6 parenting to you?
JH: D6 parenting is about passing our lifestyle as Christ followers on to the next generation. It is an opportunity to shape a soul for Christ. I love the idea of being entrusted with an incredible opportunity to develop future warriors for the Kingdom of Christ.
EY: In your opinion, what is the number one danger facing American churches?
JH: I think the Church is failing to teach the next generation a proper Christian worldview. We are just telling children they must believe in Christ instead of teaching them why we believe what we believe. The Church must fully develop people in Christ. To me, that means people understand that Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life.
EY: What encouragement would you give to the Church to avoid/defeat that danger?
JH: Pastors must challenge people to think and live like Christ. We cannot afford to turn a deep grace into a cheap grace. We must be a force that brings about a cultural shift in the way people live.
EY: What do you enjoy in your free time?
JH: I love to take my family camping and wakeboarding at the lake. I am also an avid bow hunter. Other than that, I just love to hang out at the house.
EY: What is your favorite thing about Texas?
JH: As a life-long Sooner fan, my favorite thing about Texas is beating them in the Cotton Bowl. Other than that, I love the people. I think they are really close to what the people are like in Oklahoma. I can definitely relate to Texans!
For more information about Jimmy Holbrook, visit his blog and Web site.
Comments
good article, good interview, thanks for helping people with biblical parenting!
www.twitter.com/ccariker
Got something to say?
Examiner.com is looking for writers, photographers, and videographers to join the fastest growing group of local insiders. If you are interested in growing your online rep apply to be an Examiner today!