Last night was probably one of the best general sessions I had been to at YS.  They had an interesting format, 3 speakers, 18 minutes each, 6 minute discussions with those around you after each speaker, 6 minutes of questions that were submitted via text message.  (not real sure about the times but it was something like that. 

The first speaker was Margaret Feinberg.  Appreciated what she had to say and the spirit she said it in.  I felt that her message may have gotten a little lost out of the three but here’s also what I think I know.  There were some people who probably really connected with her.  Some who really needed to hear another woman speak (that doesn’t work on staff for YS.  We love/appreciate you Jeanne). 

Margaret spoke about her journey, personal, professional, the call of  God, the storms, the joys, and the journey with Him.  My favorite part was when she said something to the effect of “We like to think that surrender is one big decision but it’s not.  Surrender is thousands of  decisions that shape our commitment”.  In contrast to the prosperity gospel and whatever, I always appreciate when we are reminded by discussing sacrifice and surrender. 

The second speaker was Andrew Marin.  Jeanne said in her introduction that this is a discussion that we have had for a while but haven’t had it up front in a general session yet.  She said we found someone who can do that and he was Andrew.

Andrew began my sharing how his 3 closest friends in 3 consecutive months revealed to him they were gay.  Indeed that’s pretty crazy.   Long story short – In order to understand homosexuality, his friends, and the Gospel more, he moved to a part of Chicago that had a large gay population, went to gay bars, events, and tried to become as  he said, “the gayest straight guy in Chicago”.

Very, very true that we as believers need to do a much better job for the homosexual community.  We should begin by bringing them into our churches.  Andrew suggested that almost every school has a Gay-Straight Alliance that we could be a part of. 

Since this is a blog, I feel I can write this.  I think one of the memorable moments was when he said something like, “We need to stick it to the man” in referring to how some institutions need to woken up.  Not sure if that’s the best use of these types of expressions concerning the subject but everyone around me quietly laughed for 20 minutes.  It’s a room full of youthworkers so understand that but as for me, I’ll never forget to include this part of the story. 

But I don’t want to pick on stuff like that or which Scriptures he used and didn’t use (he was clear that he thought the Scriptures taught that homosexuality is a sin) but it was good to have Andrew as part of the night. 

The last presenter was Soong Chan-Rah who was introduced by Marko explaining the genesis of this relationship.  If you were part of the YS’s email list, then you know that in one of the skit books, there was a Chinese restaurant owner as a character that was made fun.  It included the broken English, to the phonetically spelled mispronunciations to other offensive stereotypes.  It was Soong who brought it to Marko’s attention which quickly led to a huge apology, retraction and in short, a humble and beautiful moment in resolve and reconciliation.  So they reminded some of that story.

Not sure what was the highlight but was thrilled when Soong Chan- Rah said something to the effect of “we interpret Christianity through a western white understanding not through the Scriptures”.  It’s a shock value statement of course.  (There is no such thing as an objective interpretation of the Bible by the way) and this isn’t me saying, “yeah Sonng sure told them!!  Well maybe  a little but seriously, what I am celebrating is that we are having these discussions on a bigger level and in this case, in a general session.

I went to his talk-back session and there is just so much to try to say here that I’ll have to continue later.  I recommend that you get the mp3 of this session though.  (I will be just to process it again).  

For Seminar Series 1, I hopped around until I ended up at Marko’s Starting Right So You Don’t End Wrong.  The schedule suggests that it’s targeted for those who are in their first 2 years but I think I need to be reminded of many things after these 8 years.  Besides I like the guy and appreciate his stories.  He talked about the many misconceptions we have in youth ministry, many of them he held personally and was very up front of his mistakes.  (That’s cool because I’m still trying to figure out which one to admit as my first mistake – lol).

Aside from being reminded of these things, I regretted once again, not having all of my youth leaders here.  (I know, I know, I can order the dvd and play it for them) but these are some of the discussions we spend time on (sometimes too much time) in our youth leaders’ mtg.  (I just need to bring them here next year and get them saved ;-). 

Marko was gracious in answering questions that came up throughout the seminar.  A couple good questions were voiced and Marko gave some good answers ( I can update this later if anyone is interested in the Qs).  Good seminar, glad I ended up there.

Day 1 Recap

Got in the General Session toward the end of Newworldson’s set.  They looked like they were having a good time and people were liking them. 

Sat in up close to the band stage left of center with the speakers seemingly inches away from our ears.  Who’s dumb idea was that?  Oh mine.  I saw seats up front.  We sat in front of a couple that went to my (and my wife’s) alma-mater, Liberty University.  Always good to see fellow alumni.  

Starfield led us in worship and I must say, even though they are Canadian, they’re pretty good.  (Kidding, kidding, you’re supposed to make fun of Canadians.  It’s an expression of love and allows them to feel distinct in their un-americanness.  If we treated them like we treated Americans, they’d be offended that you didn’t appreciate what makes them different – you see?)

The speaker was Mike Pilavachi.  High energy youth pastor who’s been around from London.  He shared some of his failures, frustrations, and even a couple of things he got right.  He revealed that Matt Redman came up through his youth group and recounted a couple of stories about Matt.  He spent a lot of time talking about Jesus’ interaction and discipleship of the 12.  Appreciated he was the first speaker, brought some normalness to youthworkers and I had never heard him before.  

I enjoy coming to the YS Conference.  It’s always been a great thing for me, my family & inner circle, and my ministry.  Glad to be here with some our Jr. High Pastor also named Tim and a couple of guys from my cohort at Biblical Seminary, Jeremiah, KJ and his wife, Arin. 

Each year, I look forward to this event and if you know me, you know enjoy going to conferences and lectures and seminars and whatever.   There’s a story or two in how these YS Events have shaped certain parts of my story but I’ll save that for another day, because I’m pretty tired.