20-somethings in the latest Urban Outfitters apparel, TOMs shoes, and the iPhone 4.0 Bible app aptly describes attendees at the zie uber cool Catalystconference. Jokes spouted off via hashtags and twitter streams surprisingly are understood and laughed at—via their iPhone. Anticipatory vibes charge the air while the emo rockers flipped their long bangs to the side before rocking out for Jesus.
The gospel shared. Lives changed. Dialogue conversed. Opinions shared. The Church grows.
On Saturday I stood in a line for the Beth Moore/Living Proof conference at 6:54am with women dressed in khakis carrying burlap totes displaying graphics from their latest attended retreat. Others wore slacks and carried Brighton bags with matching jewelry. And others, like myself, wore jeans and jewelry too big for a Saturday morning. And virtually everyone had a bible. Like one you carry. In your hand. With a cover.
Beth Moore conference at Mariners
I made mental notes of the differences of each conference both held at Mariners Church in Irvine. The campus swarmed with over 3,600 attendees for each conference and the ambition was like the same anthem sung by two different countries: Solo deo gloria. To God be the glory.
In attending both conferences I’ve been given the unique opportunity of voyeur du jour. Yes, I could watch from afar and see if the criticism of the Blogosphere of Haters is true. As we know, when people take stands for a cause or movement, there are bound to be haters; people who cast stones from behind computer screens shielding their identity through anonymity or aliases. But I’m a witness. I’ve seen the work that is being done. And I love it.
On Saturday the gospel was shared. Lives were changed. Dialogue conversed. Opinions shared. The Church grew.
In a great blending of two different worlds, Catalyst invited Beth to be part of their east coast conference in October. If you’ve never attended a Catalyst conference, you must! It’s like a youth ministry lock-in hyped up on Fun-Dip and Mountain Dew… except it’s for adults. In two days you learn a semester’s worth of seminary and real life missional application in labs, main sessions, and conversations with raddest people in church ministry.
At the end of my voyeuristic adventure, I fell some where in between both worlds. Like the ethnically mixed love-child of both ministries. I have an iPhone and carry a bible, wear vintage jeans with high heels, use hashtags and take notes, and yes, teach through relevant issues within a biblically-based context of exegesis and absolute Truth. Oh yeah, I went there.
In the end, our purpose as the global Church is the same: Solo deo gloria.
{If you’ve been to either conference, feel free to share your experiences! Get the word out :)}
haven't been to any of the conferences but i love this post. =]
coz you just shared the heart of what God is trying to do during this time… which is to build a bridge to close the gap of generations by allowing the older to teach the younger ones as the younger generation receives wisdom from the well-seasoned ones….and it also allows the younger generation to infuse some zeal and passion to the "older" ones as well. =]
"in the last days He will pour His Spirit…young men will see visions…old men will dream dreams"
Truth with a capital 'T'? Uh oh…you went THERE!?! 😉
I love you and I'm so proud of all you're doing!
I lovelovelove this. So very in the middle here, too… and I love that we don't have to draw lines.
Great post! I haven't been to either conference, but I can oh so picture both of them.
As a Mama of 6 young adults (plus 6 littles) I have learned to trust my children's relationship with the Lord, even when it doesn't look just like mine. While there have been times that Papa and I have had to re-direct some of our young adult children back to the basic doctrines of God's Word, we still respect their need to "look different". We couldn't be more thankful that we have six 20-somethings that love Jesus. Even amongst those 6, we have very different styles. One son always keeps his hair very short, owns suits and ties, and is very conservative theologically, while one son has tattoos, piercings, and different hairstyles every month. He has had his wild times over the years, but we always rejoice when he comes back to his roots of faith. The other 4 are all somewhere in between these 2 brothers … in theology, in personality, in style. But, they all love Jesus and they all want to live for and serve him, in their own way (and with their own levels of commitment).
All of our children know that we love them, no matter the church they attend, the clothes that they choose to wear, the hairstyles they have. We love them and trust them to make their own way in their own relationship with Christ. One son would probably really like the Catalyst conference, while another son might not. One daughter would probably like the Beth Moore conference, while her identical twin would probably not. They are all individuals, just as their faiths are all individualized.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts on this. Love it!
Heading your way in August, and hoping to meet for coffee (or a competitive family card game … or a day at the beach …)
Mama D's Dozen
(ages 8, 8, 10, 11, 13, 17, 19, 21, 21, 23, 24, 26)
I have been to a Beth Moore Conference and it was incredible to be in a room of a few thousand women expecting to meet with Jesus…..and meet Him there we did! The woman can bring it!! I would love to know how she was received at the Catalyst conference. I was recently blessed to lead worship at the Exodus International conference this month and the same holds true. If you have a room full of people, amount not mattering, with the single goal of meeting with their Savior and Love, He will be there and will blow your mind with a powerful move of His Spirit. Our God dwells within the unity of His people, no matter what walk of life they are from. I echo Jasmine, I am so very proud of what you are allowing God to do through you…..you bless me and so many others! Give your mom a squeeze from Tami Yee….
Bianca,
Love this post! I'm going to Catalyst and Beth Moore this year…just not in the same weekend. I agree with you about straddling the line between two worlds, and finding God in both. To God be the glory indeedy!!
I probably straddle these two worlds too…except for the fact that I've never heard or read or studied under Beth Moore. (Gasp) My time is coming…I'm about to pick up So Long Insecurity.
I JUST discovered her like 2 months ago. So many people told me to look her up, but it wasn't until I found out she was going to speak at Catalyst (which I still want to go to by the way… get the couch ready), that I got some info 🙂
I am reading/book clubbing her book So Long Insecurities. I am a little imtimidated to read it…
I might die. I just read in the comments that you just discovered Beth 2 months ago. WHAaatTTttt? So.Much.Wasted.Time. Haha. Secondly, you got there BEFORE 7 am??? That's how I got a ticket and a 3rd row seat. That's why you did your eyeliner in the car like I did. You're giving Millie a run for her money with the whole BFF thing. I mean, really.
Have your thought on adding some social bookmarking buttons to your website web site? At least combine one for Digg so we can digg you up!
I think youve created some really interesting points. Not also many people would truly think about this the way you just did. Im really impressed that theres so a lot about this subject thats been uncovered and you did it so well, with so much class. Great one you, man! Genuinely terrific stuff here.
Youre so right. Im there with you. Your weblog is unquestionably worth a read if anyone comes across it. Im lucky I did because now Ive got a whole new view of this. I didnt realise that this issue was so important and so universal. You surely put it in perspective for me.
Wow! what an idea ! What a concept ! Beautiful .. Amazing. TY a ton for posting, it was very informative and helped tons. terrific 🙂 tremendous.
cheap health insurance yirou florida home insurance 835 auto insurance quotes %-)))
auto insurance :-]] home insurance ckiob low income health insurance 8(( infinity auto insurance 801
Thanks for the concepts you have contributed here. Also, I believe there are several factors that keep your motor insurance premium decrease. One is, to bear in mind buying autos that are from the good directory of car insurance firms. Cars which might be expensive are more at risk of being lost. Aside from that insurance coverage is also in line with the value of the car, so the more pricey it is, then higher the particular premium you only pay.
I dont mind sitting within my pc and doing nothing but getting surprised about how great and fantastic this blog of yours is actually. There’s no other site that will keep me personally glued for some time apart from yours. Please keep it up!
What a lovely day for a 3846628! SCK was here
I am really thankful for the author with this post to create this lovely and informative article live for us. We really appreciate ur effort. Continue the nice work. . . .
damn that’s beautifull!
There is obviously a lot to know about this. I think you made some good points in the Features also.
I am shocked, I must say. Really scarcely do I go through a blog that is both educative and enjoyable, and let me tell you, you might have hit the nail on the head. Your idea is certainly outstanding; the issue is something that insufficient people are talking smartly about. Now i’m happy that found it in my try to find something about it.
I wanted to say this blog is almost amazing. I always like to hear something new about this because I have the similar blog in my Country on this subject so this help´s me a lot. I did a search on the matter and found a good number of blogs but nothing like this.Thanks for writing so much in your blog.. Greets,
MetabolicMetabolic side effects have included anorexia, decreased appetite, and weight loss (primarily with prolonged therapy). ,
It’s perfect time to make some plans for the future and it’s time to be happy. I have read this post and if I could I desire to suggest you some interesting things or tips. Maybe you can write next articles referring to this article. I want to read even more things about it!
I think this is among the most important info for me. And i am glad reading your article. But want to remark on few general things, The website style is ideal, the articles is really excellent : D. Good job, cheers
This is very interesting, You are a very skilled blogger. I’ve joined your rss feed and look forward to seeking more of your excellent post. Also, I have shared your site in my social networks!
Hi, i think that i saw you visited my blog thus i came to ?return the favor?.I’m trying to find things to enhance my site!I suppose its ok to use a few of your ideas!!
You could certainly see your expertise in the work you write. The world hopes for more passionate writers like you who aren’t afraid to say how they believe. Always follow your heart.
A person essentially help to make seriously posts I would state. This is the very first time I frequented your web page and thus far? I amazed with the research you made to create this particular publish incredible. Wonderful job!
I just couldn’t depart your website prior to suggesting that I really enjoyed the standard information a person provide for your visitors? Is gonna be back often to check up on new posts
Thanks for the thoughts you share through this website. In addition, quite a few young women who become pregnant usually do not even seek to get medical health insurance because they are concerned they would not qualify. Although a lot of states at this point require insurers produce coverage in spite of the pre-existing conditions. Premiums on these types of guaranteed programs are usually larger, but when with the high cost of health care it may be the safer route to take to protect the financial future.
Good day! I simply would like to give a huge thumbs up for the good info you may have here on this post. I shall be coming back to your blog for extra soon.
Congratulations on having one of the most sophisticated blogs Ive come across in some time! Its just incredible how considerably you can take away from something simply because of how visually beautiful it’s. Youve put together a terrific blog space –great graphics, videos, layout. This is surely a must-see weblog!
norse valkyrie tattoos, brooke burke derek hough, =DD, animated baby photos, 8671, lady palm, %D, Sarah Palin boobs, 034423, birch tree tattoo pictures, %]]], newborn portraits, 2363,
Hello can I quote some of the news from this post if I furnish a constituent burdening someone to your site?
Very nice post. I just stumbled upon your blog and wished to say that I have truly enjoyed browsing your blog posts. In any case I will be subscribing to your feed and I hope you write again very soon!
Be progressive your [u]buy imitrex in the usa[/u] and vecuronium freckles sesquioleate you are moping cefdinir.
I appreciate the extraordinary delivery you share in your articles. I’ll bookmark your blog and comprise my readers read here often.
Thus, stoic importers between [b]what is flomax for men[/b] and hectares owed by this rompa are unlikely.
fosamax osteonecrosis of the jaw ,
Over the years Pepsi has been known for coming up with and selling strangely flavored versions of their well-known Pepsi soda. They’ve experimented with clear, white, clear, red, and now they’re going blue with Pepsi blue.
I have discovered some points through your website post. One other stuff I would like to convey is that there are various games on the market designed mainly for preschool age kids. They include pattern recognition, colors, animals, and shapes. These commonly focus on familiarization rather than memorization. This makes children and kids occupied without feeling like they are studying. Thanks
One other issue is that if you are in a circumstance where you would not have a co-signer then you may actually want to try to wear out all of your federal funding options. You will find many grants and other scholarship grants that will offer you funds to support with university expenses. Thank you for the post.
What a awful mail! Offer you for sharing it on your site.I’ve been visiting your blog for a while conditions and I always get a jewel in your recent posts. Thanks in search sharing.
I think youve made some really interesting points. Not too many people would essentially think about this the way you just did. Im definitely impressed that theres so a lot about this topic thats been uncovered and you did it so nicely, with so very much class. Superior 1 you, man! Seriously terrific things here.
In the past few years Pepsi has been known for composing and distributing strangely flavored versions of their famous Pepsi soda. They’ve gone clear, white, clear, red, and now they’re going blue with Pepsi blue.
I’ve learned several important things via your post. I would also like to express that there will be a situation that you will apply for a loan and never need a co-signer such as a Government Student Aid Loan. When you are getting a loan through a classic creditor then you need to be ready to have a cosigner ready to enable you to. The lenders will probably base their very own decision on a few issues but the greatest will be your credit history. There are some loan merchants that will as well look at your work history and make a decision based on this but in most cases it will be based on on your credit score.