THE NINES - A great event. A great idea.

I am involved in something now that I think is incredible. Actually it's a one-day Internet event called THE NINES. Today is 09.09.09. The event begin at 9:09am this morning and features a different speaker every 9 minutes. I love the concept. Most of the speakers are leaders in Christianity and are involved in building God's kingdom through churches and ministries. It will continue throughout the day and on into the evening. Of course, if you're like me, you can't sit and watch every single speaker (I would if I could) but at several points during the day I logged on and have been encouraged (and instructed) by the speakers and their different subjects.

One thing I've noticed that is very interesting to me. That is most of the speakers are on the younger end of the age scale! This says a couple of things to me (one who is somewhere in the middle of the age scale): First, on a positive note, the overwhelming number of younger folks means a promising future for the church. It means breaking out of the box of traditional ministry that has become so ineffective over the last couple of decades (or so). Younger leaders in the body of Christ make up a leadership corp that is pliable, flexible, and open to new, innovative and more effective methods of building God's kingdom. But second, on a little more negative note, where are the older leaders? I have seen some on The Nines and I am grateful but not too many. Age in itself does not mean one is too old to change and implement new and better methods. We'd better change, or go ahead and step down and pass the baton to the next generation of leaders. The old and outdated methods and procedures of ministry clung to by some of the "more seasoned" folks are missing an entire generation (or two) of world changers. And let me note: the world is changed by world changers.

I have been serving Jesus for a few years now. I have seen things that used to work, but clearly do not work anymore. And if we'd all face the truth - they haven't worked for a very, very long time. I have been involved in methods that once produced noticeable results but don't any more. Our culture has changed because people have changed. Since I began in the ministry a few years back a whole new generation of adults have come on the scene. Four of those are my children some of who now have their own children (a third generation now on the way in since I began this journey). With each generation stuff changes. We must change not only to be effective, but simply to obey Him. He knows best. And the truth is obedience to Him is the key to any successful ministry method. Events like THE NINES, presented by the Leadership Network and Catalyst are changing our nation because they are changing our leaders. My hat is off to the Leadership Network, Catalyst, and all of today's speakers for being so innovative and creative with the technology available today. My hat is also off to those men and women who are tuned in today, because not only do they want to obey God's call on their lives, but they want to do it in the most effective ways.

I love what Brian Houston always says at the end of the Hillsong broadcast. "Your best days are still ahead!" I'm excited!