This is one of a series of posts about Together On A Mission – the newfrontiers conference
The sense of prophetic expectation and commission was heavy in the air throughout the worship time. One prophetic word which stood out spoke of how newfrontiers has been one of God’s best kept secrets! The word said we should expect others to suddenly want to know more about us. Perhaps this blog will have a small role to play in this. If you are intrigued about this family of churches on a mission about whom I’ve been blogging, go visit http://www.newfrontiers.xtn.org/ and find out more – perhaps even find a newfrontiers church near you to visit and discover more about us!
Terry’s last talk at conferences like this is always a vision-casting and faith-building commission, so I feel that you will be well-served by listening to the whole talk. I only plan to take short notes from the talk, to whet your appetite. Just before the sermon, there was a fantastic video clip which included a phrase which stands out from the week – “Let’s make Jesus famous.”
Before Terry shared, the total from last night’s offering was shared with the congregation. This was just a few thousand pounds short of one million pounds.
Nigel turned the tables on Terry and introduced the man who has been introducing all the other preachers as “the man who fathers this movement.” Then, as he stood up to preach, something happened which I don’t think we have ever done before – entirely unprompted by the platform party and despite hand signals from Terry to discourage us, the entire congregation rose to their feet, united as one, and gave Terry and the God he serves a fairly long standing ovation! Somehow it felt right and not at all man-glorifying. As Terry began to speak, the feelings of love and family that so mark this movement were clear.
Terry opened the Bible at Numbers 10. He explained that for a people like newfrontiers, with a great vision, it is not just a matter of a moment at a conference. Instead, the endurance of the leader – who often stands at the pressure point – is crucial. His talk was aimed at helping us to go “on and on” with God. He explained what a high point Numbers 10 was – including as it does the famous quote, “Come with us, and we will do you good.” At that point, the people of Israel had great confidence because GOD was with them. But then, he explained, he wanted instead to speak this morning on the next chapter, Numbers 11, and the complaints and pressure that all leaders face at times.
I found myself thinking as he masterfully read a significant portion of the chapter of what was said about Lloyd-Jones – that listening to him read the scripture was more informative than listening to most men preach. Certainly his pastoral heart and empathy with the passage were very clear, and he made it live.
As he began to preach, I stopped writing notes. I knew instantly that I should just listen. That is not to say that notes would not have been helpful, nor indeed that others were not furiously writing. I just wanted to let the full impact of this message shape me, rather than focusing on writing it down. I found this message to be quite simply the best message for leaders at any level in the church. I did not write notes because it was a sermon that demanded to be listened to with full attention.
I would urge EVERYONE with any current level of Christian leadership, or any future desire to serve God in this way, to make sure that you listen to this talk when it becomes available. It is quite simply the best ever message on leadership I have ever heard. Get the downloads for the conference and make SURE that you listen to this one. Perhaps like Piper at Together for the Gospel it might be wise not to listen to this one first. Terry Virgo is a father-figure to the whole global church and one of those men you need to get to know! If you have never heard him preach, start with this one, or whilst you are waiting for the downloads to be available (keep watching this blog!) try listening to him when he preached on Romans at the UCCF.
The conference has ended. Let the global reverberations begin!
Ad-Free & Subscriber Log-In