Mar152007
Filed under: Leadership
Author: Tony Morgan
Perry stepped up to the plate for the final session of the day. Warning…Perry said this session might be controversial. We’ll see.
- The myth behind growing churches is this: It’s all about style. It’s not about style.
- Churches don’t grow without Godly leadership.
- Moses simply listened and obeyed.
- Have you ever felt like God was leading you to do something?
- Leadership is as easy as listening to God.
- One of the most common phrases in the first chapters of the Bible is this: “The Lord said to Moses…”
- Time with God is the most important thing you do. Period. (Especially for senior pastors.)
- How can you get a vision for your church without time with God?
- In the Bible, God never gave the vision to a committee. “The personnel committee, they’re of Satan.”
- “God didn’t ordain deacons to tell the pastor what to do.”
- Hebrews 13:17 — Your pastor is accountable to God.
- We fight over the dumbest things. And we handcuff the senior pastor. The pastor can’t even hire and fire the people on the staff team.
- “If you’ve never been scared, you’ve never heard from God.”
- If you’re not the senior pastor, you have to trust that he’s hearing from God.
- Moses did not compromise the vision.
- “Powerful people in your church will always try to alter your vision.”
- “As a pastor, I can’t please everyone.” I’d rather offend the people in the church seats than God who gave us our vision.
- People will leave. And that’s OK.
- Moses didn’t try to do it all.
- “Pastors, one of our biggest problems is that we think we’re needed.”
- Numbers 11:14-17 — The pastor can’t carry everyone. “You will not have to carry it alone.”
- “The pastor is not supposed to do everything.”
- “You have to surround yourself with Godly people.”
- Most of the people on NewSpring’s staff team come from NewSpring Church.
- “Pastors, you also need to learn how to rest.”
- Perry recommended pastors should only teach up to 40 to 42 weekends each year.
- Moses was willing to attempt the impossible.
- “God has never called us to do anything that’s safe.”
- “It insults God when we dream small dreams.”
- Stop using size as an excuse.
- Stop using facilities as an excuse.
- Stop using money as an excuse. “If it’s God’s will, it’s God’s bill.” God isn’t limited by money.
- Ask God for big things.
- “If you can sleep, it’s not a vision. If you can do it, it’s not a vision.”
Chris
March 15th, 2007 at 4:41 pm
This is great stuff and a great reminder! Wish I was there.
How different would things be if all of us could keep the mindset that Perry outlined here?
That’s the challenge, keeping the right mind and heart about who God is and who we are, easy to talk about, tough to keep doing day in and day out.
Josephine Branecky
March 15th, 2007 at 4:57 pm
He should have just ended it with…
“And now, go back, try your hardest to be a type A leader like me, and if you’re not, your a** [tony's edit] is going to get canned by the elders and you’ll be working at a McDonalds for the rest of your life.”
Puhhhllease, dude- give the rah rah Perry song a rest already.
Todd
March 15th, 2007 at 5:06 pm
“If you’re not the senior pastor, you have to trust that he’s hearing from God.”
“In the Bible, God never gave the vision to a committee. “The personnel committee, they’re of Satan.”"
Can you expand on those thoughts and provide some context? Those kind of bother me a little bit.
Tina Harkey
March 15th, 2007 at 5:16 pm
Wow, one of our staff said this conference was probably better than Drive. Due to a miscommunication with staff on my part we had to leave before the last session. But we were totally blown away. Not just by Perry - he’s hilarious, passionate and real - but by everyone serving food, working in the parking lot, taking time out to minister to God’s children so they can continue to minister. And then I came back to an email that two of the kids from our ministry received Christ. What a wonderful day.
Mike Jones
March 15th, 2007 at 5:16 pm
This guy sounds like a cocky and arrogant jerk.
I’d pack my bags & head back to Indiana if I were you & your family.
William
March 15th, 2007 at 5:56 pm
Mike,
What you call “cocky and arrogant”, I call having a backbone and saying what needs to be said.
Thank God for leaders like Perry, Pudge, and the rest of the Newspring staff, that listen to God’s vision and not the skeptisism of outside critics.
Joe Case
March 15th, 2007 at 6:12 pm
Tony…thanks so much for posting the “outlines”. I was there (great to see you) and it was freakin’ AWESOME. What some call cocky, arrogant or “type A”…is actually PASSION!!
Sorry to the Perry nah-sayers…they just don’t get it.
And to those who are bothered by the statements about committees and the senior pastor being given the vision from God…well, all they need to do is check their scripture.
Nuff said.
Blessings!
Joe
Jamie
March 15th, 2007 at 7:26 pm
Wow. Do people really attack leaders with vision? Hmmm….
Korah, Dathan, and Abiram set a great biblical example for attacking leaders with vision, didn’t they? They were just part of the congregation who wanted their vision/agenda heard, right?
BTW, Lee had the quote that rocked my face off today. Something to the effect of, “There is no box big enough for God. And in Him there is no box big enough for me.” I love it. Just live. Abundantly.
jane muir
March 15th, 2007 at 7:28 pm
Hey to the NS crew… as one of the volunteers today I am SOOOO proud to be under the leadership at NS! The focus is so refreshing! The world is screaming more this, more that, more stuff… and NS is so focused on Jesus that it is refreshing to our family!
Tell me what really matters? those that are going to hell because of the passive! Hell is not where I want anyone to be, and I will shout that from the roof tops! If that offends you, than check your heart regarding how you see other people, rather than just focusing on yourself!
Jesus rocks my world and I am sooo glad that I am a member of NS and was able to serve others today!
jane muir
March 15th, 2007 at 7:35 pm
Tony, don’t you DARE go back to Indiana… we will steal you back from them… cause ya know, we do steal people here at NS! LOL!
Brad Cooper
March 15th, 2007 at 7:48 pm
-WOW… it’s so easy to sit back and be a CRITIC and yell from your rear… it’s altogether different to “Get Up” … and go CREATE an environment of evangelism for seekers and DISCIPLESHIP FOR BELIEVERS…
mark o wilson
March 15th, 2007 at 7:48 pm
Tony,
Really enjoyed the conference, and appreciated your break-out session on blogging! Great stuff. Thanks to you, Perry, and the entire staff for a wonderful and inspiring day.
Deanna
March 15th, 2007 at 8:39 pm
As a volunteer, I was so blessed to be a part of what went on at NewSpring today - just as I am to be a part of what goes on EVERY Sunday. This was such an awesome experience, and I am forever marked by what I saw, heard, experienced, and took part in.
It is my prayer that the folks that attended can take back their experiences from today and find ways to stretch their members, volunteers and staff to allow His church and His kingdom to grow beyond anything we can imagine. God bless each and every one of you.
Acts 1:8 =)
Michael B
March 15th, 2007 at 9:23 pm
I think this is kind of funny:
People that have attended NewSpring and/or Unleash = Love what God is doing, love Perry, love NewSpring.
People that have never experienced NewSpring = ignorant statements
Sydney O
March 15th, 2007 at 9:41 pm
To all the non-attenders: thank you for your opinion. I mean it.
Now, put your money where your mouth is and honestly come see for yourself. You might be surprised…or get more ammo.
9:15, 11:15, 4:15, 6:00 :-)
Sydney O
March 15th, 2007 at 9:51 pm
…non-attending critics that is…
Josh B
March 15th, 2007 at 10:30 pm
Unbelievable conference today. We drove up from GA and it was well worth it. By the time the second main session was over, I was ready to quit my job and let God do the rest.
It was also amazing to see 350-400 NewSpringers volunteering for a weekday conference. Everyone was so willing to serve. The atmosphere was incredible.
Nay-sayers… Perry will be the first one to tell you it’s not about him. Every sermon today revolved around one main point. It’s not about us. It’s not about money. It’s not about facilities. It’s about God and him sending his Son, our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, and what God wants his people to do here on Earth.
Thanks, NewSpring. Job well done.
Josh - Ridge Stone Church, Canton, GA
Chris Surratt
March 15th, 2007 at 11:04 pm
Really enjoyed your session today Tony, and it was great to meet you in person. Hugs?
Pudge
March 15th, 2007 at 11:24 pm
Ha, Ha, Ha!
Sometimes you can’t do anything but sit back and laugh at people!
To the critics:
Don’t attack a man of God (especially when you don’t know him)…it’s just not wise (read Proverbs). Also, look up the word hypocrite…don’t get offended when you notice your picture there. No one put it there, your CHARACTER did!
To the UNLEASH attendees:
Thank you so much for coming to hang out with us today! If we can ever be of any assistance to any of you we are only a phone call or an email away!
To the NEWSPRING volunteers:
You are priceless! NewSpring would not be what it is today with out you! The kingdom is greater because of you!
pudge
Bryan McKnight
March 15th, 2007 at 11:27 pm
Tony,
It was great getting to meet you on Wednesday night. I am so glad some of the staff from UpRising Church in Nashville got to come her with our senior pastor, Joe Case, and see what God is doing at New Spring. I love Perry’s freshness and auhenticity he has brought to the body of Christ.
I look forward to all of you coming to Nashville, after UpRising has turned it upside-down, and learning what God did through us. The impossible is worh “getting-up” and “not being afraid”.
Thanks.
Billy Broach
March 15th, 2007 at 11:49 pm
WOW.. I wish I could have been there. Please tell us that there is going to be some PODCAST MP3 available….
flaviu
March 16th, 2007 at 9:07 am
Tony-
you are in the middle of a movement, no doubt. dude, it was awesome to meet you in person. thanks for the pic too, i’ll post it later. here are some notes i typed up first thing this morning. http://flaviu.wordpress.com/2007/03/16/unleash-update/
pray for me, bro. it was quiet driving back to GA. thanks bro for everything!!!
mike p
March 16th, 2007 at 11:29 am
Sorry for “calling you out”, dude. UNLEASH was great - you have an unbelievable volunteer team to work with at NewSpring, Tony! I pray that all of you posting will be challenged beyond belief to do HUGE things to increase JESUS fame in your respective regions! wholeheartedlife.typepad.com
May this weekend be hot!
dave anderson
March 16th, 2007 at 11:55 am
To the critics. Man up and take your complaint to Perry and his staff on face to face. All of you are freakin cowards! If thats too far to drive and you live closer to Alabama - drive over and see me and I will personally take the hit for Perry and the staff.
To the Staff - Especially Perry’s man Jake - you rock!
To the volunteers. I told every volunteer I had the opportunity to speak with that Perry is OK - but its you that makes NewSpring! Dont forget that.
To everyone: Jesus is the King of the Universe. Go out and do something great for Him - whatever that looks like in your context and stop complaining about what Perry Noble does:
Mark 9:38-39: “Teacher,” said John, “we saw a man driving out demons in your name and we told him to stop, because he was not one of us.” “Do not stop him,” Jesus said. “No one who does a miracle in my name can in the next moment say anything bad about me, 40for whoever is not against us is for us.
tony morgan
March 16th, 2007 at 12:01 pm
For all of you that were at Unleash yesterday, thanks for the great feedback. Fun day.
Mike J., first of all, you may want to ask yourself what God may be trying to say to you. Perry’s comments obviously struck a chord with you. I’d press into that a little bit if I were you.
Secondly, when someone is confident, passionate, raw and speaks out of experience and knowledge, there’s a chance that may come across as “cocky and arrogant,” especially if you’re not present to catch the quotes in context. Honestly, though, I’d much rather follow that leadership than someone who lacks confidence, doesn’t have a vision, and fails to move the ball down the field.
For that reason and many others, I kind of like it that Perry is a little cocky, and I’m glad to call South Carolina home. Life would be boring without a little controversy.
tony
Tony McCollum
March 16th, 2007 at 12:57 pm
As I posted on my blog, I thought Unleash was a great conference! I wish it had been longer. I enjoyed your breakout session, Tony, and Perry’s main session was also a huge home run.
BTW, the pricing was great too. I was able to bring a big group from our church (not as big as the Elevation Church folks) and it was so good for my folks to CATCH the vision of what God can do.
My only suggestion for next time would be more breakout sessions for each of the ministries.
Thank you, New Spring, for doing everything to make this conference happen!
Jim Hooper
March 16th, 2007 at 1:02 pm
Had the pleasure of attending “Unleashed” and must say I found the gathering to be OUTSTANDING! Perry and those serving at Newspring have a passion for Jesus! I love it when the Holy Spirit steps on my toes, that proves He is not through molding me into the likeness of Christ. For those who see passion as arrogance, I think you need to check with Webster. Arrogant people are self promoting, Perry and those serving within the body at Newspring are clearly promoting Jesus. In our politically correct world we are more worried about offending people than offending Jesus.
Thank you Perry, Tony, Joe, Shane, Lee, Joel, and others I did not have the privilege to meet for serving our Lord. And a big thanks to the volunteers, you had the angels standing up and rejoicing!
Zeke
mike p
March 16th, 2007 at 1:32 pm
Here’s a question: Has anyone ever had a greater “conference lunch” than we had yesterday? And served so well in such a short period of time? Once again, HUGE shout out to the volunteers!!!!!
Michelle
March 16th, 2007 at 1:44 pm
Thanks to NS for a great day yesterday! Our church is in the middle of “renovating” as we’re calling it. We’re finally breaking free to more of a staff led model and following the vision of our Sr. Pastor, not the elders or those with the seniority. How refreshing! We were challenged with the words Perry spoke and charged up ready to change our church from a “country club” to a place who really cares about lost people. Of course, Satan has already been hard trying to attack since last night. Must mean we’re doing the right thing!
Only suggestion for the conference - is more info. in the breakouts and then Q & A. Other than that — awesome conference and you have an incredible team of volunteers too!
anne jackson
March 16th, 2007 at 1:45 pm
i am not there…enjoying [most] of these thoughts…(not the [most] of the comments though…gee!)
since i have no context to write this from, except the context here on this blog, i will simply state the things that have been brought to my heart by reading this…meaning the comments, mainly. when i refer to something that is biblically founded instead of my opinion, i’ll note that, to avoid any confusion.
–some have said perry seems cocky. and honestly, by reading his stuff sometimes i get that vibe. BUT. (And a big “potonkatonk” BUT) I don’t know him, I’ve never met him, and I’ve never stepped foot in South Carolina. SO…I will assume what is best (*biblical) and trust that he is a man of God as he says, which would only lead me to believe that he is indeed humble, which is totally a (*biblical) characteristic for a man and leader of God. So regardless of what I may *ass*u*me (emphasis intentionally applied)…I will bet that Perry is not cocky and that somehow his confidence in God’s work (*biblical) can be misconstrued by our fallen nature.
–As far as the “Perry sucks” and the “Those who say Perry sucks” (paraphrased) little arguement here. I shall leave thee with a simple question. You may be defending your leader to the nay-sayers, or voicing your opinion to the faithful Perry-lovers…either way, I dare any of you to say whatever it is you are saying is building up the kingdom and presenting unity in the body. I say this in a spirit of love (I thought I’d note that since black and white virtual letters fail to communicate intent for the most part).
I guarantee you there are a BUNCH of people who read this blog just to see how twisted and messed up Christians are…and we give them all the proof they need.
UNITY is the SINGLE MOST EFFECTIVE FORM OF EVANGELISM…so, really. If you’re going to argue back and forth about something as silly as whether or not Perry is a man of God or not…go write it in your journal, take it up with God, but for the love of all that is Holy (seriously)…the Bible gives us clear commands that we aren’t supposed to tear down other believers…lovingly rebuke privately, yes. Flame on a blog, no. I have been JUST as guilty of doing this (on this blog) in the past and have been extremely convicted of building unity in the Kingdom ever since. So really - take it somewhere else…you are only doing more harm than good.
(Sorry Tony…at least this time my rant wasn’t like the last one I had to ask you to take down, right?) :)
mike p
March 16th, 2007 at 2:18 pm
Great word, anne. What people perceive as “cocky” can be 2 things: Confidence in Jesus - GOOD; Confidence in me - destructive. Perry is confident in Jesus which makes me want to read him (personally I like confident people when their confidence is in Christ). If I thought that Perry wasn’t straight up as a man who loves JESUS and wants to be used to do great things I would never have taken a group to Unleash yesterday. We need more confident men and women of God who aren’t afraid to attempt to do HUGE things for Jesus. As Perry said yesterday, “it insults God when we think too small”
mike p
March 16th, 2007 at 2:18 pm
Great word, anne. What people perceive as “cocky” can be 2 things: Confidence in Jesus - GOOD; Confidence in me - destructive. Perry is confident in Jesus which makes me want to read him (personally I like confident people when their confidence is in Christ). If I thought that Perry wasn’t straight up as a man who loves JESUS and wants to be used to do great things I would never have taken a group to Unleash yesterday. We need more confident men and women of God who aren’t afraid to attempt to do HUGE things for Jesus. As Perry said yesterday, “it insults God when we think too small”
Carlos Whittaker
March 16th, 2007 at 2:30 pm
I must agree with Anne. I have failed miserably on this issue in the past. On my blog and others. It only leaves wounds that I am SURE Perry would not want opened.
Los
Ernie Stevenson
March 16th, 2007 at 2:31 pm
Great experience! I really appreciated the time to actually listen to a couple of messages and praise my Lord like I have not had a chance to do in a long time. THANKS!
If anyone cares to see another perspective on the conference the rest of my comments are at http://mediaministry.blogspot.com/2007/03/unleash-conference.html
Also, much thanks to Sydney O for the conversation and the short cut!
Brad Martin
March 16th, 2007 at 3:14 pm
Tony,
First off, totally DIG your blog. It’s one of my favorites. Second, I wish I was there, thanks for the notes. I posted them on my blog for all to see. I got to hear Perry at the ChurchPlanters.com conference in Atlanta a few weeks ago. I thank God for Perry and his love for God, His calling from God, and His freakin’ honesty. Dang, it’s about time. I mean I’ve heard a ton of great Pastors, and their all the same. But Perry is Perry. It’s refreshing. Keep It Up! No matter what we say, NS under the leadership of Perry is reaching and winning the LOST for Christ!
dan ohlerking
March 16th, 2007 at 3:41 pm
man, it sure would have been cool to hear this stuff first-hand and in person, but i really appreciate you posting the quick-list here.
so much of it is exactly what we do here at healing place church - the hiring almost entirely people from within our own farm system; focus on pleasing God, not the people; committees ARE satan, and one of my personal favorites… people will leave - it’s okay.
and when it all boils down what is left is the question brad just answered - are people being brought to Jesus? i totally believe that doing church the way Perry has described in your notes here is crucial to making it possible for a church to do all it can to give people a chance to encounter Jesus.
can’t wait to visit a service myself - see ya in may.
Daryl Strickland
March 16th, 2007 at 4:59 pm
I wrote in my notes at the end of the first session - “I want to feel like I feel right now forever”. I can’t really put it into words other than to say that Perry totally (for me) captured the heart of God. That it is all about passionately loving God and passionately pursuing those who don’t know him.
As far as being cocky. I have to think that Jonathan was pretty cocky as he climbed the side of a hill and defeated an acres worth of guys with just his sword and his body guard. Or maybe Paul was a little cocky walking back into a town where the people had just beaten him and left him for dead and he said, I didn’t get to finish what I was saying. Or maybe David could have been construed as a little cocky when he stood in front of a giant with a handful of stones.
All these people were cocky because their mission was backed by God. If your leader is not a little cocky then maybe he is relying on himself.
Lastly, the two things that will probably stay with me forever is:
1. when Perry had all the Senior Pastors stand up and had everyone pray for those leaders, his staff came from all over the place to pray for him (it was like some kind of special ops deal. Was really moving).
2. We were standing in the parking lot getting ready to leave (we were one of the last ones to leave) and one of the volunteers came out with a note pad in hand and ask us if there was anything she could do to make our trip home better (what a trip). And she did. She told us how to get to our favorite restaurant, a shortcut home and what was next was as good as Perry’s session. I ask her what her role was on the weekend and she told me that she was a front side greeter at all four services because she smokes what New Spring is selling (she said this with heart). She then told us of her involvement for many years at other churches and how when her teenagers quit going to church she was crushed. Her teens then started coming to New Spring and so her and her husband decided to check it out. The first Sunday her and her husband wept like babies and are hooked on New Spring and what God is doing. I had tears in my eyes as this volunteer told us with passion why she does what she does. I was so tempted to kidnap this lady!
Our team is pumped, we will do everything we can to bring all of our volunteers next time.
mike p
March 16th, 2007 at 6:04 pm
Bravo, Daryl! I agree about the cockiness! Do you think the other guys rolled their eyes when Peter stuck one of his feet out of their “safe” boat and for a moment stood upon the water? Do you think that they said, “man, that Peter, he’s so arrogant and cocky? He’ll do anything to be with Jesus!” I hope my people can say the same of me.
Bill
March 16th, 2007 at 7:43 pm
What an awesome conference yesterday. Here are a couple of takeaways and things that I liked best from Unleash
Vision, Vision, Vision!!! Now I should already know this, but as Andy Stanley says, Vision leaks. And so I needed a refreshed infusion of the importance of Vision. But it wasn’t just some talking head telling me that I need to be compelled with Vision, Perry Noble was a living demonstration of that. He said if you can sleep, than you don’t have a vision. Vision keeps their church focused. They make choices and say Yes or No to many good things, based on a commitment to vision. God speaks to the leader with Vision, not committees. A leader must listen and hear from God. And when he does, he should be driven by that Vision.
Heart for the lost. I love Perry’s singular heart for the lost. It reminds me of what attracted me to be with Campus Crusade for 17 years, Dr. Bill Bright had a singular passion for Christ and for people to come to know Him. Perry’s passion fires me up.
Heart for pastors. Perry loves pastors. And I know this not because he said it and prayed for them. But just look at the heart of this conference, resourcing and building up churches and their leaders. Perry is not territorial, keeping everything to himself. He wants to give himself away. Perry has a great Kingdom mindset and heart. My lead pastor came because of my prompting. I had heard Perry and was familiar with him, my lead pastor, Jon, wasn’t. But at the end of the conference, Jon said that I could sign him up next year in a heart beat. What particularly endeared Jon to Perry was Perry’s heart for the senior pastor. Being prayed over at the end of the conference was something, Jon said, he rarely has seen in the heart of another pastor.
So I guess that means, Lord willing, we will be back next year.
Way to go and be used by God, New Spring Church, Perry and Tony.
flaviu
March 16th, 2007 at 9:53 pm
Tony & Newspring-
i am sure all these critics just remind you what a great work you guys do for God. critics will always be there, criticizing - all they can do. you guys keep up the amazing work GOD is doing through you. i dont know why, but when Perry was talking about the back door of the church, and the kind of people that usually go out through it, critics came #1st thing to mind:)
michael
March 17th, 2007 at 7:12 am
We brought 11 volunteers with the prayer that God would use the day to increase their vision for what God can do in Cartersville. Mission accomplished! We ate dinner together after the conference and everybody there had an idea relating to their area and a bigger picture for what God can do. What God can do in Anderson, he can do all over the place!
In the way of evaluation, the conference was great. My suggestions would be to have the breakouts be 50% organized content - 50% questions. Or possibly get the questions in advance so it could be a little more focused. It would also be helful to have handouts with specific information rather than the staff having to say “e-mail me and I’ll send…”
Finally, I would love to attend a breakout on building and facility and the thoughts that went into specific building decisions.
It was a great conference. The price and format allowed me to bring some volunteers, and we’ll definitely attend next year with even more people, should you do it again.
paul peterson
March 17th, 2007 at 2:49 pm
Tony, and New Spring team,
Thanks for hosting such a HIGH-IMPACT conference!
My team and I came from New York (a 13 hour drive) and you can bet that we’ll be back next year!
Keep up the great work!
Karen Newton
March 18th, 2007 at 12:01 pm
I’m a volunteer at Newspring and I love it!! I met many people coming for the conference. They had this surprised look on their face as they were greeted by our Greeting team. The looks on some of their faces was priceless. I work on the info team and loved being able to give more info to the visitors as needed. I want others who have posted here to know that not only myself….but many other volunteers took time off from their regular jobs to volunteer for this Unleashed conference. We did it because we beleive in what God has in store for NS, the visiting churches, members, non churched people who read this, and we have a passion to serve where God wants us to be when needed. We LOVE GOD! We give our time for Him. Giving our time was/is very rewarding and fun too. I’m glad to have taken the day off to serve others. The volunteers have a passion to serve and it shows. This wasn’t just a one day thing. We do this every Sunday and give ourselves freely for God. I feel sure those who attended the conference left blessed. I know I did and I wasn’t in any of the meetings. :)
I can’t wait til the next conference. Sign me up!!!!!!
Billy Broach
April 1st, 2007 at 3:31 pm
Any update on Conference Downloads etc.. Podcast etc.