UNLEASHED....simply Uh-MAZING

Wow!!! That was how I left the conference yesterday. I have been reading his blog for about a month now, but in person Perry Noble was incredible. A big shout out to the entire staff and volunteers at New Spring. I think I hit every spiritual high and low that could be hit yesterday, and some of the things I have been dealing with recently were touched on yesterday. I realized how fortunate I am to be a part of something like Ridge Stone, and at the conference I gleaned some things that I intend to apply in my life and our youth ministry here at the Stone.

1. Simply put, it's all about God.

2. We need to get more creative in our ministry, by tapping every resource, leaving no stone unturned, and getting creative crazy in the way we bring the gospel to the students.

3. We need to pay attention. Get involved in our student's lives. Get more involved in the lives of our volunteers, and see to it that they get involved in our student's lives. I have been a firm believer in this ever since getting into the ministry. Students aren't dumb, and I truly feel you have to be real, and show a genuine desire to be a part of their lives. Our ultimate goal should be discipleship at every level.

4. We need to follow up with our new visitors on a more personal level through email, letters, or calls to simply let them know we enjoyed their visit and look forward to having them back. Our volunteers would be great for this.

5. Chris, Taylor, and myself need to be totally commited to God, the ministry, and ourselves. We need to support each other completely through prayer.

6. We need to plan to grow by planning ahead.

7. Make it fun. There has to be a "fun factor" in every service, or the youth will lose interest and quit coming. If they quit coming that means their friends quit coming, and we have failed at doing what Christ called us to do in the first place.

8. ALWAYS, ALWAYS bring them JESUS!!!!! No matter what the subject matter or topic make sure that Christ is in it. Period.

Well anyways, that's not necessarily all I got out of the conference, but those, to me, are the biggies. I am so pumped right now that I can't see straight. I am totally excited about what God is gonna do here at the Stone, not only in our church, but with our youth. Love God and Rock n' Roll.