Archive for May, 2008

I’ll take that to go!

Posted in GODencounters, training with tags , on May 30, 2008 by Zane

carry out GEA couple days ago, I had the opportunity to attend the “Carry Out GODencounters” training seminar in Orlando. Not being a native of Florida, but having heard about GODencounters, I was curious to know what the big deal was about.

Here’s a brief report for those of you who may have wanted to be there, but couldn’t make it.

I found out that GODencounters began as the young adult division of the Florida conference campmeeting.

circa 2002

Seven years ago, the young adult attendance had dwindled to a few people meeting in the backroom of a church. Sensing that God wanted to do much more, concerned young adults and their ministry leaders gathered to pray and plan.

As you can see from the recent blog posts, things have changed dramatically since then!

circa 2008

What began in Florida has started to catch on in other places. Since its inception, similar retreats have been held in other regions. This summer, the young adult division of several conferences have organized gatherings styled after the GODencounters in Florida.

So what does it take to plan, organize, and execute a GODencounters event, or similar type ministry to young adults?

Obviously, I can’t recount the whole day, nor will I assume that the same people/resources and potential attendees are available everywhere.

Here, however, are few points that I took home, and that I think could be applied to a variety of ministry settings, especially those seeking to reach/involve young adults.

prayer1. Content/theology drives method. GODencounters involved more than finding a worship band, flying in an effective speaker, and stringing up some lights. The seven year cycle devoted to specific themes was very well thought out and systematically covered some of the major themes of the Bible. The presenters/music/videos etc. were selected with the intent of effectively communicating the specific theme and helping participants experience it.

Familiar themes (or perhaps not so familiar!) like worship, gospel, grace, prayer, Sabbath, sanctification, and celebration formed the theological loci of these gatherings and were combined in fresh ways with other lesser known ones (at least in Adventism)–the present kingdom of God, spiritual disciplines, i.e. some of the ancient practices of the early Christian church, and social justice–forming a relevant and rich spiritual cocktail.

team2. It takes a team. GODencounters took more than one or two people making phone calls. There was a team of people praying, planning, and executing together. We heard presentations from the graphic designer behind the PR, the team in charge of “staging” and the café, and those who organized the prayer room. In other words, GODencounters was not a one person show.

3. Details matter. I was surprised at the level of thought and care that went into things like the look and feel of the advertising, creating an ambiance, and having an up-to-date and relevant literature table. This makes sense though, at least if you’re trying to reach young adults, as that at least that much time and effort has gone behind designing and marketing popular non-spiritual items, events, venues, etc. in the real world.

dee4. Resources are available. There’s no need to re-invent the wheel. Information/resources are available and those that have gone before are eager and willing to share and help. For example, I found out that the graphic designer for the original GODencounters is willing let others use the graphics he’s designed. I also met the couple that was in charge of staging/decorating (who, by the way, are professional interior designers); they were packing things up and heading up to Georgia-Cumberland to help them organize the first GODencounters there.

Overall, I really appreciated the time and effort of the presenters the time to share their experiences and their consistency over the past seven years.

It’s exciting to see what the God has done in Florida, what’s happening there and in other places today, and the exciting future that lies ahead!

logo

Georgia Cumberland GODencounters

Posted in GODencounters with tags , , , , on May 30, 2008 by aamphd

invite

[blog by Lisa Hope] The passage in Jeremiah 24 keeps going through my head this week: “I will give them a heart to know me, that I am the Lord. They will be my people, and I will be their God, for they will return to me with all their hearts” (v. 7).

Wednesday marked the beginning of GODencounters at Georgia-Cumberland camp meeting. The encounters café filled as young adults entered this space where life’s pressures could be left outside the door.

Lisa chats

Even as I was leading out in things and trying to make sure the details were taken care of, I was able to stop and be still. And it was good! It’s good to worship God with friends—both old and new—and to take time to reflect on what might be keeping me from returning to God with all my heart.

Worship as a Way of Life is our theme this week. Returning to GOD with all my heart is essential to make that a reality. But how do I do it?

As Joe Harness was leading worship, he talked about how he’s so prone to wander… prone to leave the God he loves. In my heart I said, “Yep. Me, too.” So many things demand my time and attention… and my heart.

I’m encouraged, though, that God promised to give me a heart to know Him. I’m glad He knows it doesn’t come naturally for me and He makes all the provisions to bring me to that place of facing Him with an open heart—the whole thing—to worship Him with my life.

God, may You remove my heart of stone and give me a heart of flesh that knows You. Teach me what it truly means to return to You with all my heart. Be present in amazing ways at GODencounters here in Georgia Cumberland. Thank You!

Bringing a Smile to God’s Face

Posted in GODencounters with tags , , , , on May 28, 2008 by aamphd

asian smiles

I will take many moments with me from GODencounters Florida. But I believe I will most cherish all the smiles. Yes, being surrounded with all those smiles is a mental picture I will relish.

band smiles

Sebastian encouraging us to jump (or was it hop) for joy made me smile. Little ones like Orlando, Jr., Sadie, and Elle just inspire grins galore. In addition to exceptional leadership, Dany’s antics made us all smile. My girls made me smile. The familiar faces and the new generation of GODfollowers brought a smile to my heart

guys smile

Amidst all the grins, I can’t help but imagine that GOD was also smiling as He joined in the Kingdom-sized party.

crowd smiles

To watch His family sing and cheer and share and pray and play and party. . . it would seem that such could only bring a smile to His Face.

family smiles

Dear GOD, may our party honor You and bring You delight. We find Your courts to be home, an easy place to play and praise with reckless abandon. We find Your love liberating, giving us freedom to express our joy in You.

minus one smile

May our lives bring You happiness, may our song bring You glory, may our party continue into eternity,

face to face

and may the day be soon when we see Your smile. . .

face to face.

Amen.

Undignified

Posted in GODencounters with tags , , , , , , on May 25, 2008 by aamphd

GE Jubilee

It is fitting that GODencounters again was packed to the gills with young adults. Once the main floor and balcony swelled, the overflow into closed circuit classrooms took in the additional worshippers seeking to celebrate their GOD.

So in many ways it seemed like an awkward venue for Pastor Bernie Anderson to share his “story” which details his struggle with pornography. This seemed like an unlikely occasion to share so candidly the pain he caused his family, the overwhelming bondage of addiction, and the public confession of a secret sin that would presumably ostracize him from ministry circles. It all seemed rather, well. . . undignified.

But as Bernie revealed more and more of his story, the tie to Jubilee became clear. When Jesus sets you free from sin, from secrets, from the slavery that Satan has in mind, there is a liberation that is hard to contain.

It reminded me of the passage in John which tells of the experience of the Samaritan woman: “Then, leaving her water jar, the woman went back to the town and said to the people, ‘Come, see a man who told me everything I ever did. Could this be the Christ?’ They came out of the town and made their way toward him.”

When one is set free by Jesus, when one tastes the water of life, it is difficult to keep it to yourself. A party breaks out in your soul.

Matt Redman’s classic worship song lauds

I will dance, I will sing to be mad for my king
Nothing, Lord, is hindering the passion in my soul
I will dance, I will sing to be mad for my king
Nothing, Lord, is hindering the passion in my soul

And I'll become
Even more undignified than this
Some would say it's foolishness
But I'll become
Even more undignfied than this. . .

King Jesus, may I with reckless abandon proclaim the passion in my soul that has sprung up because of your grace and forgiveness. Thank you for liberating us, but further for inviting us to the party. Even as the world may deem it undignified, may I tell “our story” with exuberance because of your extravagant goodness. May I become even more undignified as you are glorified. Amen.

Summer of GODencounters

Posted in GODencounters with tags , , , , , on May 24, 2008 by aamphd

The GODencounters Conference started Friday night in Florida, launching a Summer filled with gatherings all along the eastern seaboard.

The Kingdom of GOD is a Party expresses the theme for young adults gathering at the Forest Lake Church, culminating a 7-year discipleship cycle. Sebastian Zaldibar led worship as GODfollowers filled the church with joyful voices of praise. Bernie Anderson expressed how he and we can relate to Zacheus’ desire to join the Jesus party. The rain did not dampen the enthusiastic crowds who mingled in the encounters cafe to round out a full evening of inspiration and fellowship.

cafe volunteers

It was sweet to “sit back” a bit and watch new generations of leaders and volunteers bring the GODencounters [GE] party to life. I reminisced over summer’s past, and how intense and wonder-filled my experiences with GE have been at these times of corporate worship. The spirit-filled moments, the late night conversations, the laughter, the intense collaboration to bring young adults together for His fame.

Join Us Live ONLINE! Even if you can’t be here in person, you are welcome to catch worship online, streamed lived from GODencounters. Plan to join us Saturday, May 24th @ 9:00 am, 11:00 am, and 7:30 pm. Sunday, May 25th will be the culminating worship at 7:30 pm [all times are Eastern Standard Time zone].

Over the next couple of days, I will be blogging on the GODencounters gatherings–sharing photos and commentary. Would love to have you pipe in as well.

IGNITION trailer

Posted in ignition with tags , , , on May 21, 2008 by aamphd

Garage Voice

Posted in Uncategorized on May 18, 2008 by aamphd

Congratulations to Garage Voice on their first award winning music video.

I’m just getting acquainted to the band by referral of young adults.  Would love to have those of you who know them and what they are about to offer your comments and reviews.

A Community To Each Other

Posted in Uncategorized with tags , , , , on May 14, 2008 by aamphd

Dallas young adult event

A Dallas area young adult event will be held May 16-17, 2008, at the Las Colinas Church, 3343 Country Club Dr. W, Irving, TX 75038. The event begins at 8:00 PM Friday night with Café Renewal and continues Sabbath with services beginning at 10:00 AM. For more information you may email John Merafhe at john.merafhe.osv@fedexkinkos.com or go to Texas Conference Young Adult Ministries Department.

Lane CampbellLane Campbell [lcampbell@texas-adventist.org], serves as the young adult ministry director for the Texas Conference and through his leadership has put the lone star state on the map of ministry to new generations. With area gatherings and collaboration to foster leadership at the local level, young adult ministry is seeing a surge in this vast territory of the NAD.

Supported by a visionary conference administration, Campbell is serving his constituents and the larger North American Division. In the past two years, the Texas Conference has been host to large NAD-wide events, Just Claim It Prayer Conference and the Youth/Young Adult Ministries Leadership Summit. At both gatherings, Campbell and his team orchestrated tremendous young adult initiatives that have raised the profile of young adult ministry across the division.

Special appreciation to Lane Campbell and his team at the Texas Conference for their tremendous dedication and innovations to deepen the devotion of young adults to Jesus!

Young Adult Convocation

Posted in Uncategorized with tags , , , , on May 12, 2008 by aamphd

You Got Served

The Illinois Conference invites you to Young Adult Convocation, Saturday, May 17th, 9:45 AM, at McAninch Arts Center, College of DuPage, 425 Fawell Blvd, Glen Ellyn, IL 60137. Hosted by Oasis and MyTown Ministries, featuring Damian Chandler and Okios Principle 2.0. Stay tuned for more info and service opportunities. For more information contact Oasis, oasiss07@gmail.com

The Illinois Young Adult Convocation is a delightful example of grassroot young adult synergy coming together to bring worship to GOD. The first “convo” was held last year and returns with leadership from Oasis, which began out of a desire to create a spiritual “refuge” for young adults. Networking for community service, worship, discipleship, and fellowship, these young adults have met throughout the year offering a spiritually refreshing break from the norm.

When I spoke for the convocation last year, I arrived to the art center which was buzzing with activity. Young adults setting up the worship band, preparing breakfast, transforming the theater into a space for worship, fellowship, and fun. Smiling faces were everywhere. Eager volunteers donning “Oasis” shirts were quick to greet those gathering. The theater was quickly packed with hearts seeking, the Way, the Truth, and the Life.

oasisI was blessed by their enthusiasm, their desire to reach out to their peers. I was also impressed by their talent and their willingness to use whatever their gifts were for ministry. Over this past year, I have watched from a distance, curious as to the longevity of their vivacious zeal. It has been refreshing to see their devotion to Jesus and each other grow, albeit with the bumps and hiccups of authentic life together. There is a tangible spirit that is magnetic.

It reminds me of what I imagine the Acts 2 church was like. People saw what was going one with the 1st century church, and liked it. And each day more were added to the Jesus movement as a result.

If you get the chance, stop by the “convo.” Take a look around. Step into worship. Share a meal with them. Tell me what you find.

convo pic

Here’s just one shot from the convocation!  More up on Oasis’ MySpace page.  Would love hear all about convo and what is next!

New Contributor

Posted in Uncategorized on May 8, 2008 by Bill

I’d like to welcome Chris Bullock to our stable of writers. As he notes in his bio, which I’ve just added to the “about the authors” page, Chris is planting a new church in Atlanta, GA, called FUSION. He’s been a pastor for 10 years in Colorado, Tennessee and Georgia and has worked in youth and young adult ministries, as well as lead pastor. His passion is for secular postmodern society to experience a revelation of Jesus Christ. He is married to Sonya, and has two children.

For a little more about Chris’s ministry, check out this article.

Welcome, Chris!