(Listen to why we invited Crawford Loritts to speak at this year's pastors conference.)

Crawford Loritts served for nearly 30 years with Campus Crusade for Christ. I knew that anybody who has given that long to Campus Crusade must have a real heart for God and for evangelism.

Then I learned that he had become the senior pastor of a church in Roswell, Georgia. I was surprised to learn that it is primarily a white church (and he's not white!). I thought, "That's unusual!"

And on top of that he has written a book on fathering.

That was enough—almost—for me to call him. But then I went to hear him at the Gospel Coalition. In his message he alluded to his dad in a way that was remarkably powerful and compelling. He spoke about his overwhelming influence on his life and his desire to be like that for his children and for others. So I thought, "There it is. I get everything in this guy! I get the Campus Crusade, evangelistic piece; I get the pastoral piece; I get the ethnic piece; I get the fatherhood piece. Why wouldn't I choose Crawford Loritts?"

In terms of theology, he was quite willing to align himself—carefully—with the reformed position, even though he probably wouldn't wear it on his sleeve the way I might. But I'm thrilled that he is willing to come.

I wrote and gave him some of these reasons for inviting him and he's bringing all of that when he comes.