Thoughts from the NewSpring Staff Leadership Conference

Below are some of the notes that really stood out or hit home during SLC. I felt like so many things were spoken directly to me—it was crazy. I'll probably add a few more sessions later when I have some time!

"Before God can use a man greatly, He must first wound him deeply."

"To get to another mountaintop, you have to go through the valley."

"Spiritual maturity is when you begin understand that our circumstances do not alter his character."

"Jesus loves it when we're raw and honest and not pretending everything is ok."

"He is greater than what I'm going through"

"God uses the pain in our lives for the sake of others."

"We can't give in or take shortcuts."

"Do not be afraid. Do not be afraid. Do not be afraid."

Why are you here? Burden + Opportunity = Calling

Calling x Gifting (what God made you to do) = MLP (Maximum Life Potential)

Your ministry is NOT your walk with Jesus.

God will not require something of us that he hasn't already given us.

There's nothing you will pour out that Jesus won't give you back.

Sometimes you just have to admit I don't really know who you are or trust you. From that God can work and help you grow.

Not taking a sabbath is disobedience.

People will follow why you do what you do rather than what you do.

Jesus had all kinds of people on his team regardless of their personality.

Things that happen to us are not accidents. Things may not make sense now, but Jesus has gone before us and prepared the way.

The things you do or don't do always make a difference.

We have to live out what is being preached from the stage more than anyone else in our church.

As leaders, we can't lead people to a place we're not already going.

You cannot be a disciple without discipline.

Pain is a reality.

Spend your life doing what you're passionate about.

You won't make it long term if you don't trust God. You learn to trust God by trusting God. You never trust God until you have to. God makes sure that you have to.

Do you believe that God wants to be for you and others what he says he will be in his word?

We can't minister to others and be unbelieving about their situation.

Only one thing in this life is inevitable—God's will.

Always have the choice: either God's sovereign or your a victim.

Walk in faith and don't give up.

If Joseph had never gone through prison, he never would have fulfilled his dreams or been ruler of a nation.

God always moved when things seemed inevitable.

Knowing why doesn't take away pain.

You are not an army of one.

Do you want to get well? Somebody has to go first.

God loves and and cares deeply for you and what's going on in your life.

Are you willing to do a little bit of work to see someone meet Jesus?

Because peter went after the one, God gave him an audience with everyone.