Unleash Recap (Part 1)

I got the privilege to go to NewSpring’s Unleash Conference today. It was an incredible experience. It was amazing to see what God has done here! This will be a 2-part review! One with a summary of key takeaways and another of the practical ministry takeaways. Here were my big takeaways:

It’s All About Making Jesus Famous One Life at a Time - This is NewSpring’s Vision. It is beyond evident that the vision is burning in the hearts of every staff member and volunteer. Everything they do as a church, is done with the intention of changing people’s lives. When I say everything… I mean everything!

Quit Playing Games and Start Preaching the Word - I love how simple Newspring is. I.E. The youth – ALL they do is preach, worship, small groups, and a summer camp. It’s all centered around pointing teenagers to Jesus. Period. I love it!

People Act Like they Don’t Know Christ, Because they Don’t Know Christ - Let me clarify! They had a 5th grader that went to their childrens ministry for the first time. He saw a PS3 and Wii and said, “They have a PS3! A Wii! This s*** is awesome!” Those are the people we’re trying to reach, we need to have people like this coming to church! Instead of correcting them, let’s love them and point them to Jesus. They’ll only change as a result of knowing Him!

People Can Believe in You and Go to Hell - I love Perry. He was saying that we should never try to get people to believe in us or think we’re awesome. We need to constantly be getting their eyes off  of us and onto Jesus. He’s the only one that can save them.

Celebrating Wins is Critical – Every staff meeting they start with sharing victories in their church. Then they celebrate them – this fuels them with passion every week becasuse it helps them recognize they are doing what God called them to do!

They Don’t Know How They Grew! - Twice in their church their attendance has doubled in a one week span… from 400 to 900 and 4,000 to 8,000. What did they do? Nothing… They have no idea how it happened! Perry always relays it like this: Leadership is as easy as listening to God. Then do what He  says! Perry said, “If you can explain what God is doing in your church, He’s probably not that involved in it!

I loved being at Newspring! I know it definitely fired me  up to come home and do more for Jesus. I’m so glad they are doing what God called them to do and inspiring the body of Christ while they do it!

Tomorrow I’ll talk about the practical things I learned that we can implement in our ministries!

Porn

But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart. – Matthew 5:28

Every second – $3,075.64 is being spent on pornography, Every second – 28,258 Internet users are viewing pornography, Every 39 minutes: a new pornographic video is being created in the United States?.

I’ve never met anyone who is addicted to porn who is actually proud of it. Everyone I meet is hurting, has caused pain to people around them, and longing for a way out. It’s the easiest thing to hide, but one of the hardest things to come clean to somebody about. The shame can be almost unbearable. So how can you get free?

1.) Repent and Pursue God - In James it says, if you draw near to God, He’ll draw near to you. Though you’ll feel so distant from God it’s not even funny, if you’ll pursue Him, His desires will start becoming your desires, and porn will become less and less of a temptation.

2.) Recognize You’re Not Alone - There are millions of people struggling with the exact same thing you are and feeling the exact same way you are. You’re not alone.

3.) Humble Yourself and Tell Somebody that Loves you Unconditionally – This is the hardest step. Find somebody you know will love you regardless, and will walk you through the journey to freedom.

4.) Get Accountability - The video above is promoting 2 programs: X3Watch and Safe Eyes - both are accountability software that will block sites you shouldn’t be going to, and send any questionable sites you do visit to two accountability partners of your choice.

5.) Control Your Thoughts - You can control your thoughts – that is a fact. Philippians says to think on Good things only! What you put in your heart through what you watch and listen to, will fill your thought life. If you’ve been watching porn for a while, you’re probably filled with bad thoughts. Focus on putting positive deposits into your heart (go to church, listen to sermons, read great articles). Garbage in, Garbage Out. Purity in, Purity out!

Another Great Resource is XXX Church which is headed up by Craig Gross – you’ll find tons of great videos and articles to help you.

I hope this helps you – if you’re in need of someone to talk to – Send me a message on Facebook – I’d love to talk to you.

Develop Your Gift

²⁹For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance. – Romans 11:29

Once you discover your gifting it’s critical that you do everything you can to develop that gift. Since it is the area of your gifting, you’ll naturally be better in that area than the majority of people. As a result you’ll think you can wing it and get by, you’ll be tempted to take short cuts, and be tempted not to develop your gift as much as you could because you think you’ve already arrived.If you take that approach – you’re on a straight path to mediocrity. In the end, success will depend on how disciplined you were to develop your gift.

Here are some ways I’ve developed my gifting… Hope they help!

• Do Something Everyday that Develops Your Gift – If it’s speaking – speak daily, writing – write daily, sports – practice daily, an instrument – play everyday… More important than all of the learning is the doing. Be someone who actually puts into practice what they are learning.

• Books, Books, and More Books – There is no better way of learning than through the experiences of others. with books you can learn what it took someone a lifetime to learn in a few hours. Leaders are readers!

• Listen to Podcasts, Lessons, Etc. - There are tons of audio lessons that will help you develop your gift. Find them and listen to as many as you can!

• Get Around People Who are Doing it Better Than You - Find the people who are well developed and doing big things and contact them and see if you can take them to lunch or breakfast. Pay them if you have to, get around them, and ask them as many questions as you can!

• Look for Coaching Networks - Coaching Networks are becoming huge. They involve a high quality leader who is willing to invest in a handful of people over a 6-9 month period. I’d highly recommend this – it’s changed my life!

• Conferences – Conferences are a great way to get around people who are “tearing it up” in the area you’re wanting to develop. Find conferences based around what you want to develop and be willing to pay the price to go. It’ll be worth it.

What are some things you do to develop your gift?

Ministry Highlight: Moore Life Ministries

If you know me, you know that I love Keith Moore’s ministry! In fact, other than my church, he is pretty much my only source of spiritual food. Honestly, I can’t find much better in the body of Christ today. You’ll find the majority of people at my church listening to Brother Keith on a consistent basis. Keith was one of Kenneth Hagin’s right hand men for 20+ years before he launched his own ministry.

Website: www.moorelifeministries.com

Free Downloads: Keith offers ALL of his sermons online for free download…Unbelievable!!!

Here are some of my favorite series that I recommend listening to… You can also browse the thousands of other sermons available.

• Faith and Patience (Soooo good!)
• The Truth about Temptation
• The Place of Prosperity
• Diligence
• Keeping the Love Command
• Without a Doubt
• Wisdom
• Free from All Fears
• Qualifying for God’s Best
• The Significance of Saying
• In Your Control
• Rules of Reaping
• Thanksgiving Victory

I hope that once you start listening to some of these messages that it will skyrocket your growth spiritually and you’ll find yourself in an entirely new place in a few months and years! Enjoy!

Ministry Highlight: World Vision

Ministry Highlight: World Vision

What they do: To Read About World Vision Click Here

Websites: WorldVision.Org + You can follow them on Twitter Here!

Get Involved: Find out how you can help – There are several options!

My Thoughts: I’ve been reading “The Hole in Our Gospel” by Richard Stearns, the president of  World Vision. This book has been transforming the way I see global issues facing our world and really challenging me about my part in doing something about it. Since reading it, I’ve become a sponsor for a child in Africa. For $30 a month you can provide: Clean Water, Nutritious Food, Health Care, including AIDS Prevention, Educational Opportunities, Spiritual Nurture, Care for Sick or Dying Parents. and HIV and AIDS counseling for a child. I’d highly recommend picking up the book, sponsoring a child, and getting involved in any way you can… It’ll change your life, and more importantly… the lives of others.

Ministry Highlight: Finish Line Ministries (Pastor Larry Bettencourt)

What They Do:

FINISHLINE MINISTRIES seeks to serve and strengthen the vision of the local church by providing practical insights through these methods:

1. by COACHING – Mentoring emerging Youth Pastors and leaders. IE. (Personal coaching on the “How to” of youth ministry)

2. by EQUIPPING – Enhancing church members and staffs how to “Align” to the Vision of their pastor. IE. (Teaching HELPS ministry messages and church “Master Planning”© concepts*) *independent consulting

3. by TRAINING – Teaching practical leadership principles and hosting youth ministry leadership workshops / conferences. IE. (ACHIEVE: monthly “the AM” leadership breakfast and 1 day STUDENT MINISTRY leadership events)

Personal Testimony: I’ve blogged about Pastor Larry a lot so I’ll keep this brief. I can name so many people and ministries that have never been the same because of having Pastor Larry’s investment in them, including my own. I wouldn’t be in ministry or anywhere in life if it weren’t for this man.

I’ll just say that if your a youth pastor, youth leader, senior pastor, etc. You need to bring Pastor Larry by your side and have him work with you and your team. He has the experience and the coaching skills necessary to take you and your team to another level. On top of consulting, he is an incredible communicator for your church, youth ministry, youth retreat, or youth camp. If you’re interested in having him consult with your team or speak at your church or event, e-mail him at larry@finishlineministry.com.

Pastor Larry’s Bio:

• Over 20 years Youth Pastor and Associate ministry experience
• 13 years as Associate Pastor of Victory Family Church- assisted Pst. John Nuzzo in establishing Victory as a one of the prominent churches in the Northeast, seeing growth from 70 to over 2,000
• Oversight of ministries include: Youth, Children, Helps, 20 something, and Pastoral care
  (Started 2 youth groups and managed completion of 10,000 sq. ft. Youth Center)
• 17 years of hosting and organizing youth camps and leadership seminars
• Master in Organizational Leadership
• Football assistant coach- at Geneva College (3yrs) and Seneca Valley High School (10yrs)
• Married to Kim for 17 years
• 4 awesome daughters

Check out and Buy Pastor Larry’s Latest Book: Put it Behind Ya

Check out Pastor Larry’s Blog: http://larrybettencourt.wordpress.com/

Check him out on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/lbettencourt

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/people/Larry-Bettencourt/1074867622

Here is an interview my good friend, Cory Vogan, had with Pastor Larry in March, 2009:

Pastor Larry Bettencourt Interview from Bubba Smith on Vimeo.

Ministry Highlight: The Cadre (A Must for Youth Pastors)

What they do: A coaching ministry for youth pastors – Jeanne Mayo, who has been in youth ministry for 40 years personally mentors you along with several other youth pastors around the country through a monthly conference call and two retreats to her house in Atlanta.

What You’ll Get:http://www.youthsource.com/ylc/cadre_about.html

Website: http://www.youthleaderscoach.com/cadre.html

Apply Here: http://www.youthsource.com/ylc/cadre_requirements.html

Personal Testimony: I’ve just wrapped up my first year of being mentored by Jeanne through this program and I can definitely say it was life changing! This is such an amazing experience in so many ways – whether it’s gleaning wisdom from Jeanne’s 40+ years of experience, developing friendships with some of the greatest youth pastors in the country, or all of the surprises you get throughout the year, this will be an experience you’ll never forget. I’ve heard testimony after testimony of the principles learned through this ministry, when applied, have revolutionized youth ministries around the country. If your a youth pastor, you need to sign up for this ministry right now – it’s beyond worth the money. Get ready for a life change…

Ministry Highlight: Toms Shoes

Ministry Highlight: Toms Shoes

What They Do: For every pair you purchase, TOMS will give a pair of shoes to a child in need.

Website: http://www.tomsshoes.com/content.asp?tid=271

Get Involved: Click Here

Buy a Pair of Shoes: Click Here

Ministry Highlight: Life Without Limbs

Life Without Limbs – Nick Vujicic

You won’t be able to watch this guy speak and not be inspired and have your life changed forever.

What They Do: Click here

Website: www.lifewithoutlimbs.com

Get Involved: Click here

You can find tons of videos on You Tube from Nick… I’d highly recommend all of them! Here is one of them:

Ministry Highlight: 19 North

19 North

In Honor of the “Big Announcement” This Weekend I want to Highlight on of the Best Ministries in Pittsburgh

Check 19 North Out on the Web: Twitter, Facebook, Mosez

19 North has changed my life along with the lives of hundreds of other twenty somethings and they’re raising the lids of other college ministries all throughout the region.

If you’ve never heard of 19 North or have and haven’t been there in a while – this Saturday is the perfect time to go. First of all, there is a huge secret that will be brought out into the open! Second, Zack will be starting a new series called “One” where he will be sharing the vision God has put in his and Lauren’s heart for 19 North. It’s a perfect time to get plugged in. Here is so more info:

Pastor: Zack and Lauren Blair

When: Saturdays at 8:30 p.m.

Where: Victory Family Church

What: 19 north is a ministry where more than 130 18-30 year olds, married and single, have been gathering for one purpose, to elevate God in the lives of the 20-somethings in this region.

19north is not a “singles-gathering.” We’re not a “meat-market” and never will be. We’re not interested in entertaining this generation; we’re interested in changing this generation. Our heart is to go deeply into the Word of God without compromise, to go deeply into worship, and to teach 20-somethings how to experience God in college, as a single parent, as a husband, as a wife, in the work-place, and wherever they go, in ways relevant to them. Everything that we do revolves around one principle: to greatly impact others so they can make a great impact.

We believe in you and we want to give you every opportunity to grow in the calling that God has for your life.

BE THERE EVERY SATURDAY – IT’LL CHANGE YOUR LIFE!