Did you walk away from your last conference changed? Every year, the Orange Conference has a theme where speakers look at the same topic from different angles to help attendees gain a changed perspective. Over the years we have been taught to “Say yes to the next generation,” “It’s just a phase, don’t miss it,” “Monday is coming,” and “To be for our neighbors.” These themes have radically impacted my life and ministry.
In addition to these themes, each year God has spoken a word to my heart that shifts my outlook.
In 2014, I walked away knowing that I needed to work on myself. In order for me to say yes to the next generation, I needed to be a better example and leader.
“The biggest leadership challenge I have is me.” – Jeff Henderson
“Every book you read is worth 2 years of life experience.” – Mark Batterson
“Competency isn’t the issue. Character is.” – Carey Nieuwhof
“Leaders, ask yourself, ‘What is it like to be on the other side of me?’ ‘How are you to work for?’” – Jeff Henderson
“You replace yourself by developing others, not by replicating yourself.” – Jeff Henderson
“It’s ok to not be ok, but it’s not ok to stay that way.” Parry Noble
In 2015, I was challenged to know and act like every week matters. It’s just a phase, don’t miss it, helped me see not only the development of each of the kids but that I was missing opportunities to make an impact with each Sunday.
“100 years from now, the only thing that will matter is a kid’s relationship with God.” – Reggie Joiner
“If you’re the parent of a 9th grader, you only have about 200 weeks left before graduation. Make it count.” – Reggie Joiner
“Every kid is one caring adult away from being a success story.” – Josh Shipp
“Children’s leaders, you aren’t keeping kids so that adults can go to church. You’re discipling children who will be the Church.” – Reggie Joiner
“Small Group Leaders, there is great power that comes with showing up every week.” – Reggie Joiner
In 2016, I realized that I was so worried about filling the kids with the head knowledge that I missed what mattered most. Monday is coming helped me see that I was teaching in a way that kids forgot the moment they left the room. I must connect Sunday to Monday.
“It’s not a question of: Will Sunday impact Monday? It already does. The question is: Will we be part of that conversation?“—Jon Acuff
“It’s not: How to we get them to come to us on Sunday? It’s: How do we go to them on Monday?“—Jon Acuff
“On Sunday, grace is expected. On Monday, grace is a surprise.”—Jon Acuff
“Following Jesus will make your life better and will make you better at life.”—Andy Stanley
“When it comes to my personal connection to the local church, it’s simple: the Church saved my life.”—Andy Stanley
And last year, 2017, I walked away realizing that I allowed busyness to get in the way of loving my neighbor. I must be like Jesus and invest my time in those who are different than me.
“Instead of seeing busyness as a badge of honor, maybe we should see it as a brokenness.” — Doug Fields.
“Some of your neighbors feel like you don’t love them because you act like you don’t like them.” —Reggie Joiner
“If there’s any entity that should lead the way in treating everyone like they’re invited to the party, it should be the church.” —Reggie Joiner
“Young people can download thoughtful preaching but they can’t download thoughtful mentoring.” —Kara Powell
“You can’t dismiss people and be in love with God.” — Andy Stanley
“Your love for God is demonstrated and authenticated by how we treat those around us.” — Andy Stanley
“We’ve got to stop acting like discipleship is about information, and realize discipleship is about relationship.” —Reggie Joiner
“Busy is the enemy of neighborly.” — Doug Fields
Now is the time to register for the next Orange Conference. I really hope to see you there!
Sign up and begin praying today to not only be move through the theme but also open yourself up for God to speak to your soul. REGISTER BY FEBRUARY 15 TO SAVE $50!