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5 things I enjoyed about NYWC (AKA “Youth Specialties”) this year:

Greg Stier
Greg Stier

NYWC-large-logoIt’s 7:15am on Sunday morning and I’m at Atlanta’s Hartsfield Airport waiting to board my flight. It’s been a great couple of day’s at YS. Here were 5 things I enjoyed:

1. Getting to hear Tullian Tchividjian preach live.

I’ve listened to Pastor Tullian’s podcasts for awhile now but absolutely loved hearing him live. He is super animated and his words are like well-driven grace nails. Powerful! Also had the privilege of seeing him back stage and getting to know him a bit (Thanks for the intro Brian Aaby!)

2. The focus on prayer

This year the focus on prayer was palpable. It was programmed into everything and you could tell. From backstage to on-stage to prayer sessions to prayer spaces and places, prayer was everywhere. And when that happens God’s unction empowers our function. It sure did at YS this year.

3. YS explores

The Friday morning big room segment called “YS Explores” was new this year. Seven of us did a seven minute segment on the subject of outreach with fast moving slides behind us that supported our points. It really raised the temperature of evangelism in youth ministry and helped us all look at outreach as a seven-faceted diamond from various perspectives. Powerful!

4. Connecting with old friends

From Propaganda to DJ Promote to Bobbito the Chef to tons of youth leaders I’ve gotten to know over the years it was a great time of connection and re-connection.

5. Mark Matlock’s leadership

Mark has been the President of YS for awhile now but this year he really came into his own. I love the pastor-meets-teacher-meets-facilitator-meets-“let’s do this thing together” guidance that he gives Youth Specialties. I believe God has great things in store for Mark and the staff at Youth Specialties as they keep their eyes on Jesus, relentlessly make prayer an emphasis, continue to love on youth leaders and powerfully equip them to build Biblical, gospel-advancing, Spirit-empowered youth ministries.

Well done Youth Specialties!

What did you love about YS this year?

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