Saturday, July 11, 2009

Highlights from Youth America 2009

2004 was my first Summer Camp as Youth Pastor at our church. This was the largest group we have ever taken (47- was 50 but 3 dropped on the day of) and was one of the best if not the best experience ever. These are just some highlights / quotes / thoughts / etc. from the week.

Things I heard
-Rulers do 3 things - Build Cities (Nehemiah 2:17) / Wage War / Make Big Decisions

-When will we stop crossing the road and start caring? What will revival look like?

-Pursue the presence and NOT the pedestal?

-You are pursing the pedestal if you
  • Live in the applause of people
  • Do not enjoy the Pursuit of Jesus - its more about what He's doing through and not in
  • Doing replaces being - you pray/read/preach/serve because you are the pastor. Are you more concerned with DOING for Jesus or BEING LIKE Jesus.
  • Plagued by "ComparISIN" - you compare yourself and your sins to others to make yourself feel better.
-Are you a Hireling or a Son of the House?

- Teenagers need leaders:
  • Who get them.
  • With Vision
  • Who earn their Respect
  • Who are Relevant
-Don't focus on Growth. Focus on Health because healthy things grow.

-God lives in what we believe about ourselves, but He is NOT moved by what we believe in ourselves.

Things we did:
- We had several teenagers recommit their life to Christ, some filled with the Holy Spirit, and even some commit to finding their place in ministry.

- I had the honor to speak Wednesday morning about ruling the world. It starts by simply doing what's expected. Before David faced and conquered his Giant he did what Jessee had instructed. Had he not babysat the sheep he wouldn't have fought the lion and bear. Had he not delivered the food the army he would not have seen Goliath. He was able to do the exceptional because he was faithful in doing what was expected.

-Harvest is starting a new NextGen 1 year internship and we have 4 young adults committing to the 1 year life changing experience that begins in about a month.

-We formed new and strengthened existing relationships with Church of the Harvest.

- Got to be apart of the recording of the New Live Worship Album.

-Had an amazing time of prayer, discussion, and bonding during our recap of the week on Thursday morning. The Holy Spirit was all over the place.

-In competitions our church won:
  • 2nd in Jr. High Basketball
  • 2nd in High School Basketball
  • 2nd in American Idol Competition
  • 1st in Vocal instrumental Competition
Things I thought about:
-Revival will start from within the CHURCH but not "inside" the church.

-I don't want anyone to give me credit beyond what they see in my life and hear in my message~2nd Cor. 12:6.

-God, I'm sorry for not trusting, I'll do whatever you want - just show me.

1 comment:

Vince Farrell said...

Thanks for sharing, those are some good statements.

I've got a young lady who has contacted me about possibly going to YA next year, I told her that I'd hook her up with a great church that goes every year. So keep me posted when you start promoting next year....hey! if my schedule allows maybe I could go as one of your youth leader/helpers (whatever you call them) lol