CIY's National Youth Leaders Convention - Joplin, MO - Wednesday

Wednesday morning Dan Kimball spoke on “Waves of Change.”
[He is the author of the book Emerging Church which Scott Simons bought last summer, read and passed on to me and Tom. Then I bought two more copies for key leaders read.]
Culture effects people – people live in culture.
Matt 9.36-38 – Jesus had compassion for the people.
Why do so many 18-30 year olds leave the church after HS graduation?
Modern Era- Judeo-Christian society
-Church got stuck in the 1940s-1950s-1960s
-Para-church organizations sprung up to fill the gap.
-People left churches because they were not connecting
-1980s churches became “seeker-sensitive” and have successfully reached out to many of the disenfranchised former church goers.
Post Christian Era
-Under 30 year olds don’t align with the Judeo-Christian worldview and Christian values.

Observations:
Everyone is not in alignment with the Judeo-Christian God.
Judges 2.11
Book: A New Religious America, by Eck. “Most Christian leaders remain unaware.”
BOARD GAME: “Enlighten: For Seekers. Age 12 and Up.” It’s for all religious seekers and explores several religions.
The Christian Subculture. [Christian ghetto]
There is an openness to spiritual things.
Kabbalah – an ancient faith that is growing in popularity.
Christianity is an ancient mysterious faith.
On the street interview: “What comes to your mind when you hear the name Jesus?” “What comes to your mind when you hear the name Christian?”

While in the rental car we were listening to the Apologetix Greatest Hits double CD that was given to us FREE. Some impressive songs. They are talented musicians.

Question: Ask: What do we need to do/change to change our meeting time?
Ask = Aric, DJ, Scott, Tom, Patrick, et al

Wednesday seminar #1 Dan Kimball Emerging Worship
*see handout
Isn’t worship more than singing and preaching? Why do we get together? His outline:
1. Why things are changing – some history on modern seekers v. post-Christian seekers
2. How we see truth proclaimed with more than only words and music [in the Bible]
3. Some thoughts about learning in the Church – learning styles differ among adults, too.
4. Creative worship expression beyond preaching and singing.
A. Prayer
B. Scripture
C. Sacred space
What emotions, feelings, and connections does our architecture convey?
D. Music
It’s not a performance! Should the band be the focal point?
E. Spoken word
F. Fine arts
G. Interactive prayer stations.
H. Visuals
I. Video
5. Putting together a whole worship experience
6. A closing word

Wednesday seminar #2 Darrel Mansfield Depression
Bio: Gentle Faith Band – Calvary Chapel –moving to Salem – Elsenor Theater
1971 Depression – attempted suicide
Has 7 kids
2001 Attempted suicide - Mental hospital for 2 years

Determined a “Depressive Episode” 2x in his life – not chronic illness
Used hospital stay (2 yrs) as a divine appointment. Studied all he could about
mental illness. In group sessions and teaching videos. Classes. Going to write
about a book about experiences.

www.darrellmansfield.net

Spiritual Whimp? – Second class citizen of heaven? No, mental illness – the Brain is an organ
– it is an illness. It gets sick.

Church members in mental hospital what can church do?
-Show you care and are there for them. Phone calls, letters, visit.

Find out who Christian doctors, psychologist, counselors are in area to refer people.

Wednesday Night Dan Kimball spoke at the main session.
Illustration: the Ramones - Disco, glam-rock. They stayed true to their mission. They were extremely passionate to their mission = punk. They were extremely knowledgeable of other genres. Bono said, “With out the Romones there would be no U2.”
Look at what Jesus said and how it applies to us.

Matthew 9:36-38

Matthew 10:16 – sheep with wolves...be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves.

Snakes- Wise - thinkers not just responders. Ask a lot of us. Which battles to take up.
Be observant – Watch what’s going on. Sit, watch and observe what’s going on in culture.
Why do thy get so excited on Mexico mission trips? Ask them.
“I get to serve God.” Why are missions always somewhere else?
Aralcatnas – Santa Clara

Psalms 78:72

Darrel Mansfield and Eric Turner concert Wednesday night rocked! They must be two of the best blues musicians alive. I purchased a CD. I also have two earlier cassettes of Mansfield’s.

On both Tuesday & Wednesday nights Aaron, Ben, Jeff and I went to the open-gym to play basketball at CHCC until after midnight.