iCrucified

Whew! I’m back at the Holiday Inn Express in Ashland, Ohio…the end of the first day of the Sticks Conference. All in all it was a great day. I think the folks at New Hope Community Church have done a fine job and are proving to be incredibly gracious hosts. Kudos out to the volunteers and staff! I’ve taken a few minutes and transcribed my notes to something legible (although they may not make a lot of sense to anyone else) and have included them below. FWIW, Tim Stevens (who I’m looking forward to hearing tomorrow) blogged a great summary of the talks today on his blog LeadingSmart.com

The first session was inspirational words of encouragement from Mark Batterson, who I had the privilege to finally meet in person. He is genuinely a warm and approachable guy. I enjoyed just sharing with him what a blessing it has been to track the progress of NCC and his growth as an author over the last few years. Following Mark, was another inspiring talk from Barry Worcester who hails from Ada, Oklahoma. Wrapping up our inspire session in the morning was our conference host Charles Hill. Here are my takeaways:

Mark Batterson (NCC Church Washington D.C.): Sticks Conference  - Inspire Session 1

Shared from Matthew 10:5-16

My “take-aways”

• Always remain dependent upon the provision and direction of God
• …moment by moment sensitivity to the Spirit of God will be the vehicle to reach the destiny God has planned for you and the ministry He has called you to partner in…
• Look into the Advent Conspiracy (Rick McKinley and Don Miller)

“I’m sending you out as sheep among wolves…be as shrewd as snakes and innocent as doves.” (Jesus)

• Check my motives all the time…
• Return or remain in that primal place of calling… a white-hot passion for the desires of Christ… “calling mankind back to himself”

“Contextual  Intelligence” -+- “Shrewd as Snakes”

We can use Trojan Horses in our efforts to expand God’s Kingdom

• Technology
• Books…
• “Third Places” (eg. “wells,” skateparks, coffeehouses)

Principle of the “Purple Cow” (Seth Godin)

• How “visible” are you in your community?
• “If you are not visible, you are invisible…” 

“Little things are big things!”

“Broken windows send subliminal messages…”

“Aesthetics are important!” (Consider Exodus 12)

Barry Worcester (H2O Church Oklahoma): Sticks – Inspire Session 2

Talked about “Moses” People and “Joshua” People

• Exodus 6:12
• Numbers 14:22-23

Moses People – Suffered from “failure to try” always looking back at their “success” (Egypt??? Was success?)

Joshua People – “Let’s do it!!!” attitude (Crossing Jordan River at flood stage)

We have to be risk-taking people…having the attitude that we will do what God has called us to do no matter what other people might say.

Isaiah 42 = ZEAL

Risk Takers Beware

• Failure will be part of what you do
• Learn from your mistakes and correct them (be like the Joshua People as they conquered the Promised Land)

Charles Hill: Sr. Pastor of New Hope Church – Loudonville, Ohio

Charles shared a thought-provoking and “soul-challenging” message from 1st and 2nd Samuel (The Life of Saul) and the life of Peter the apostle of Jesus. I think Charles’ message was very timely and encouraging. There were a number of affirming “amens” and emphatic “head knods” (saying yes-right on) coming from me as he shared his heart with us. A couple of points he made (and I don’t know if this one is a quote that is attributed to Charles or not…but he said:

“A subtle shift can make a substantial shift in a leader’s soul”

I like that…his point was to walk closely and with sensitivity to the guidance of our Lord, so we do not run ahead or attempt to purport our own agendas. A second quote he shared, this one from Karl Barth:

“Courage is fear that has said its prayers…” (Karl Barth)

I stand encouraged, inspired, and ready to sign on with the “Joshua People.” The harvest awaits…send me.