The Simple Pastor
By Phil Whittall, church planter, blogger & book reviewer
RT @lukedvd: Hope his resignation from the England manager job will allow @JoelVirgo to focus on his church duties #nomorehairdye 17 hrs ago
It was no surprise to read something like this in the Guardian online (I share many of the Guardian’s views on the environment, economics, development, politics but definitely not faith). While this idea is probably in the realms of fantasy, it doesn’t hurt us to know what our opponents would like to do given the chance. In this case severely restrict, control and ban Christian youth festivals like Newday after all,
“A scrutiny of the youth evangelism strategies of one of the UK’s largest faith groups, evangelical Christians, should give liberals serious cause for concern.”
Among the ridiculous things we teach young people apparently, are that God will judge people for sinful thoughts, that witchcraft is bad and that God heals people. Ridiculous.
The author’s solution to such nonsense?
“I believe a public commission should be established that issues non-legally binding guidelines on the forms of doctrines that it is desirable that children are taught. The preaching of hellfire or of divine faith healings to children could form part of such guidelines. Non-compliers could be “named and shamed” by such a commission.”
Well aside from the fact that no government is going to want to appoint a doctrinal commission to rehash the Christian faith it is interesting that secularists do want to control, prescribe and mandate what is or is not acceptable to believe and apparently in a modern democracy – and it seems God as judge and healer is no longer acceptable.
This is not going to happen any time soon but like I said, nice to know their plans in advance.
*Update* Nicholas Ferguson from Catford adds his review of Newday and Adrian Warnock has his daughters report on her first time there. CCK have an interview with Mike Pilavachi.
*Update 23.08.09* Matt Hosiers posts a video from the young people of Gateway at Newday
Here’s another video for you:
The weather has been great but now everyone is tired. It’s time to go home. But God has been good and for some of our young people it has indeed been a new day.
The highlight of the day was the evening meeting – hundreds healed, hundreds giving their life to Jesus and hundreds more recommitting themselves to His lead. Three of our young people responded in some way to the Gospel and one that God had healed her back.
Please pray that this would be the start of something lasting and transforming in their lives and not simply a summer festival high. More details to follow (if I remember).
6.15am: I’m not supposed to wake up for another 45 minutes but I am so I get a warm shower for the first time since Saturday morning
7.00am: Time for a snooze
8.15am: Head into the centre of Norwich for an hour long feature on BBC Radio Norfolk (starts about 2hr 41 min in)
10am: Think it went quite well. Then get a tour around the impressive facilities of Kings Church
11am: Back on site but then spend 2 hours with SNYA
1pm: Boss some kids around and have lunch
2pm: Head off to the office for some work on press releases
5pm: Back to campsite for food and boss some teenagers around
6.40pm: Head to big top – 29th Chapter and Simon Brading led worship, Mike Pilavachi taught on the Holy Spirit and speaking in tongues. Tore the place apart and hundreds responded. Very funny, wise and focused on Jesus.
9.30pm: Back to campsite for some burgers and a chat with a friend before some much needed sleep.
You might have noticed that detail is getting less as the week goes on. That’s not a surprise.
7am: A sleep in today. Amen, hallelujah.
Hmm…can’t really remember the timings of things but the rest of my morning involves working on getting some media things sorted out as Chloe Smith MP was planning on visiting the projects, reading the Bible and other important things (probably).
2pm: I find myself in a tug-of-war competition. I’m in the surprising position of anchor man. we make it to the final but lose 4-2
3pm: I get fat after a massive plate of bangers & mash covered in baked beans
4pm: A couple of hours work on photos and searching for coverage
7pm: Head down to the big tent, can’t find my group. It’s Matt Redman leading worship and Mike Pilavachi speaking
7.45pm: One of our young people leaves feeling sick. Not too surprising as he’s eaten nothing and just drunk coke for the last three days. He’ll learn.
8pm: Pilavachi is on form. Great stuff and despite a massive amount of silly cheering at almost everything, the Holy Spirit begins to move and although some it looks weird, a young girl from church experiences the presence of God.
9-10.30pm: For the price of a deluxe milkshake I have an amazing talk with said young lady who goes to bed considering living her life for Jesus.
11pm: I’m too knackered to go back to deal with the press stuff as I’m back on Radio Norfolk tomorrow
5am: Wake up as I hear people pass the tent on their way for a shower. Oh good grief.
6.20am: My alarm goes off.
7.00am: I meet a tall leggy blond who drives me into the centre of Norwich in a small two seater sports car. I pinch myself. I’m not dreaming.
7.30am: Reality kicks in as we get to our destination, BBC Radio Norfolk where I’m interviewed about Newday (its about 1hr 46 minutes in on iPlayer – available for another week)
8.30am: back on site and have a meeting about any upcoming media issues
9.30am: finalise another press release and head back to camp
10.15am: miss the morning meeting and go for an unsatisfying run around the site. Might try and run off site next time
11.15am: catch up on some reading in the Word and the weather is good.
12pm: turns out our group on outreach at a Funday today so sort some of them out
4pm: back to camp after a few hours in the company of a couple of 8 year olds, while their mum went on outreach. Great fun. Think I may have sunburn on the back of my neck.
5.30pm: Have an argument/lively discussion with some teenage girls about eating
6.30pm: Off to meet a reporter/producer from BBC Radio Norfolk who’s come to record some atmosphere!
7pm: Great worship led by Simon Brading and some chap from the US.
8pm: Doze off during Stef’s preach. Sorry Stef. Wake up, feel better and listen to the response as hundreds of young people deal with forgiving others.
9pm: Pray with a young man. Son of a professional whose family has continually upgraded their lifestyle and downgraded the quality of their family relationships. This son is a wreck and his father doesn’t have a clue. I see God move and healing begins.
9.30pm: Help 3 young girls who have gone from best friends to worst enemies to best friends not go back to worst enemies.
10pm: Write a blog post, check emails, text my wife who has already gone to bed which seems like a smart idea.
The first meeting was tonight and the noise everyone made at the start was phenomenal. Simon Brading kicked off with worship and Stef Liston preached his heart on forgiveness. Tomorrow night he’s onto forgiving others. Stef doesn’t really do funny, he doesn’t really do clever, he doesn’t really do subtle. He just gives it to you straight with all the passion he can muster and that’s fine by me.
Here’s my day so far:
6am: wake up
6.45am: arrive at school and meet others while waiting for coach
7.15am: call coach company to find out where they are
7.50am: coach arrives
8.15am: pick up some guys from Telford
8.45am: pick up some more guys from Rugeley
11.45am: have a McDonalds at Cambridge Services
2.15pm: arrive at Norfolk Showground
3.30pm: finish setting up tents
3.35pm: find out where the media team are based, check in as a server and stuff
5pm: sort out the food marquee/gazebo
5.50pm: eat some pasta
6.40pm: finally get into the bigtop
7pm: worship Jesus
10pm: write a blog post, and a press release
Bed? Who knows when….
Then on two nights, Joel Virgo made some interesting comments. On one night he specifically addressed the issue of men and women (listen to it here), and he also made some excellent comments from the last night saying how much our churches need and want strong women (not yet available – I’ll update or repost when available).
Do check out the Complegatarian blog, which is worth a look (HT: Dave W)
For an example of joyless living when a gracious green God is replaced by green laws, read this
It’s always good to take young people to massive gatherings of other Christian young people, it gives confidence and encouragement and reminds them, they are not alone. It’s also a great opportunity for them to deal with issues in their lives and open themselves to God’s leading and guidance, be excited about mission and be stirred to give their lives for His glory.
They witnessed the healing power of God as people, for me the standout was the lady who did the signing for the deaf, testified how she had been wearing hearing aids for 8 years and was healed that night. They saw 300 young people make first time commitment and jumped with joy when they heard the news. The roar was even louder when the offering was announced. For 6000 teenagers to give £111,000 was staggering. It’s so exciting to see young people be motivated by the purposes of God enough to give generously.
I’m already looking forward to next year!
Their faith gave me renewed faith that God will provide for all our needs.
I believe Jesus when he said 'life does not consist in the abundance of our possessions'. I believe he offers something better. This blog is mostly about that search.
I'm also a husband, a father, church planter, keen runner, reader, and motorcyclist. These and a few other things make guest appearances from time to time.
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