Two Sunday’s ago I had the privilege to preach at Newspring Church. From the moment I got the invite I was completely humbled and honored that they would ask me to preach. Newspring is a part of a handful of churches that has helped to shape me as a leader and Lifepoint as a church.
My journey with Newspring began four years ago. I’ll never forget coming across PerryNoble.com and being blown away by what I read. I kept thinking to myself, “can he really say that?” I found the Perry was saying what everybody else was thinking but afraid to say. Needless to say, a curiosity was birthed inside of me to learn more about Newspring Church.
Within a few months my executive pastor and I managed to line up a lunch meeting with Perry in Anderson. I’ll never forget what he said to me when I asked him about his boldness on stage. He said, “the moment you begin to censor your words because of your critics you are done!” That day I felt as if I was given permission to be ME…to say what God had put on my heart and to say it in a way that I WOULD SAY IT!
Fast forward through many trips to Anderson, multiple unleash conferences, and a pastors coaching network and somehow a friendship began between Newspring and Lifepoint. There is NO Way I could adequately thank Karla, Jason, Joel, Lee, Ken, Brad, Shane, Lindsay, Margie, Coleen, and the rest of the crew for what they have meant to me and my team! You guys are amazing and I am honored to serve alongside such incredible servants!
My experience preaching the Word of God at Newspring was an honoring one. The nerves were definitely flowing! I didn’t sleep much on Saturday night. But the God who is rich in mercy stepped in and gave me everything I needed. Throughout the course of the day I preached to over 9,000 people and saw 74 make decisions to begin a relationship with Jesus! Here’s a few random thoughts on my time at Newspring:
- The Newspring Team is over the Top. I have to say thanks to Ben Coleman for filming a video on Saturday to send back to my Lifepoint crew.
- I couldn’t tell if my insides were rumbling from nerves or if it was just the bass rocking my world.
- I was excited about preaching on such a big stage until they told me that I couldn’t walk off the mat. (apparently, walking off the mat=walking out of the camera which appears that I got raptured for all the campus’ watching via video)
- Yes, Perry made fun of me.
- Yes, he poked fun at my last name.
- Yes, my last name means cabbage.
- As it turns out, Pete Wilson and I are in a running for the best looking pastors in america award. I think you can vote for me on facebook.
- You can tell that the Newspring team are really great friends.
- The 6 o’clock service definitely lived up to the hype.
- I was honored that my staff drove down after our 11am service to support me at the 6pm service.
- I had lots of friends praying for me and I REALLY appreciated it!
- I ate more food in two days than I have in the last two weeks!
- Hanger Steak and Peanut Butter Pie from Sullivans…HELLO!!!!!!
Thank you Newspring for setting an example for churches to follow. Thank you Perry for being an authentic leader who pushes me to be a better pastor!
Thank you for an experience that I will never forget!
You can watch the message here.
That’s awesome, I remember when 74 students on a Sunday night was a big WIN, and a few years down the road your speaking to 9,000 and 74 ppl have a home in heaven. Cool too see what God does when you step out in faith.
Thanks Lee! Those were some incredible days. Who knew what God had brewing.
I feel the same way about Newspring! I stumbled on their site on accident a few years back and was beyond blown away. I remember watching your sermon.. You didn’t seem nervous at all! I actually used some of your main points in a sermon I preached. You are an incredible communicator! We are lucky to have churches like Newspring that encourage and light our path! Life point church is going to do greater things in the next year! Get ready! God bless your ministry and may it reach many!!!!!