NEXT

There’s more on our Flickr page

Here’s a greeting from two of the Ninjas at Next. (Don’t worry, they’re friendly ninjas.)

Next Ninjas from Next Conference on Vimeo.

Expect more short video updates like this throughout the conference.

Well, you have got to be asking yourself, who exactly is this “Tim Sweetman” who has suddenly popped up on the NEXT blog?

You know, I don’t really know exactly how the guy with the funny/possibly awesome last name got here either, but nonetheless, I can’t tell you how excited I am to join you for the next couple of days. I’ve sometimes been called Agent Tim, but you can just call me Tim. I run a blog over here, and have been doing that for about 3 or 4 years. I’ve gotten some great opportunities, like starting an online magazine, meeting some really awesome people, and publishing some articles here and there. Currently I’ve been given the opportunity to contribute to the wonderful Boundless webzine.

I’m pretty new when it comes to the conference formerly known as New Attitude. Sure, I’ve listened to the previous sermons, read the Na blog, and heard stories from friends. But I’ve never been surrounded by my friends listening to men like D.A. Carson, C.J. Mahaney, and Josh Harris or had the joy of being in a small group at Next.

That’s all about to change.

My job during Next (as Ricky previously mentioned) will be to bring you sermon notes directly from the conference here to this blog. This hopefully will allow those who cannot attend to follow along and receive both encouragement from the messages and can feel in one way that they are actually there. We know it won’t be quite the same, but we’ll try to make it as useful and helpful for you as we possibly can. Also, it should be useful and helpful for those who attend Next and want to refresh their memories on what exactly D.A. Carson spoke about that morning while you’re sitting around talking with friends late into the night, sipping on coffee from Starbucks, or reading this blog a few weeks later.

Well, I can’t wait to meet you here at Next. Here we go!

Next kicks off in less that 36 hours from right now.

(If you’re coming to join us you’re probably not reading this, you’re probably trying to decide how many pairs of shoes you really need. I’ll answer that: two pairs.)

We can’t wait to spend four days spending time with Jesus. And even if you’re not here in Baltimore you can spend time with Jesus wherever you are.

Here’s where you can keep up with us during the conference:

_Blog (Message Summaries)// We’ll have notes from each session on our blog. (And thanks to Tim Sweetman for helping me blog this.)

_Message Downloads// The general and breakout session messages will be posted on our website in the Resources section not long after they’re preached each day.

_Twitter (Micro-updates)// If you want a complete play-by-play of the conference there two things you can do: 1) Follow our twitter where Jennifer Lightfoot will be posting updates throughout the conference. 2) Search for the #thisisnext tag and you’ll find updates from other Twitterers at the conference.

_Flickr (Photos)// We’ll update our Flickr page with conference photos every day.

_Vimeo (Short Videos)// During the conference we’ll do short interviews with a our trusty Flip video recorder. We’ll post the best on our blog but you can see them all on our Vimeo account.

ps. This year we realize many of our friends from previous years couldn’t be here during the conference because of the tough economy. And we know a bunch of pictures and words doesn’t compare to being there. But we hope it helps you feel like you’re with us just a little bit.

So here’s what you need to know about small groups at Next this year:

1) We are changing the name of the family group to “small group”. No real reason why…just easier to remember. (Yes, you can still call it a family group if you really want to.)

2) The goal for every community group is to have an environment where you can engage with the bible in the morning and discuss what God is doing in your heart through the conference with other people.

3) The devotionals will be focused on the same theme for the entire conference, the person and work of Jesus Christ. We will be reading and meditating every morning on who Christ is, and what he’s done. Consider reading some of these texts before you get to the conference:

_Colossians 1 - The supremacy of Christ
_Phil 2 - The humility of Christ
_Hebrews 9 - The sufficiency of Christ’s sacrifice

4) We’re hoping that Community Groups will give people an opportunity to get to know each other. So, this year we’re planning to form Community Groups based on geographical regions.

That’s it. Can’t wait to spend four days meeting Jesus alongside you all.

In the past we posted an interview with some of the pastors at Covenant Life on how not to waste the upcoming conference.

Since time is short we’ve condensed the material into a few bullet points. We hope they’re good food for thought as you pack your bags.

Before the Conference

• Identify Just One Area–Before you head off to the conference stop, and pray, and think. Identify just one area that you want to hear from God in. Begin praying consistently for God to work in that area. Come in faith expecting God will meet you.
• Ask, “How Can I Keep From Wasting This Conference?”–Consider how you can make the most of your conference for God’s glory. Would it be making it a point of growing in your friendship with one or two particular people from your church? Or maybe it would be making an effort to connect with your community group?

During the Conference

• Spend Time With God Outside of the Main Sessions–It can be easy to get busy so busy running from session to session and hanging out with friends 24/7 that you forget to spend time with the most important person at the conference: God. Take time away from the crowds to pray and meditate on God’s Word.
• Take Notes–Trust us, you won’t remember everything D.A. Carson says. Write it down. A week after the conference your memory will get fuzzy, your notes won’t.
• Keep Application Simple–David Powlison encourages people to take one bit of scripture and apply it to one bit of life. Put this into practice throughout the conference. Maybe aim at walking away with just one application point in each message. You’ll be tempted to want to apply everything in each session. We think that’s great, but we suggest you start small and go from there.

Arriving early at the conference or staying late? Want to see some of the local sights?

Luz, Jennifer, and I came up with a few interesting spots to visit in Baltimore and D.C.. Enjoy!

In Baltimore

Vaccaro’s – excellent gelato and pastries! There’s one in Little Italy (which is also a great place for some really good food & is only a short walk from the inner harbor) at 222 Albemarle St. And one at Harbor Place located in the Light Street Pavilion (I’ve never actually been to this one).
 
Hampden is apparently a really cool town. You’d have to take the light rail or a bus, but would probably be best if you had a car. It has a bunch of cute little shops, businesses, and restaurants.
 
Fells Point has a lot of coffee shops, boutiques and stuff. (Best to go in the daytime, the night life can get a little crazy.)
 
Baltimore Aquarium
 
MICA (Maryland Institute College of Art)
 
Lyric Opera House
 
Edgar Allen Poe’s House
                                   
Harborplace and the Gallery
 
Duck Tours!”
 
Eubie Blake National Jazz Institute and Cultural Center
 

In D.C.

 
The Spy Museum in DC is really fun! (Though it’s not free)
 
The Smithsonian (sorry that one may be a little obvious! But you do have 18 to choose from – the National Gallery of Art is my favorite!)

Tryst Coffee and The Diner, which is next to Tryst

Murky Coffee

The Georgetown Area–a great place to walk around
 
Mt. Vernon the historic home of George Washington (though this is actually 16 miles south of D.C.)

Getting stuck on the Beltway and missing your exit – always a highlight and should not be missed.

________________

And just in case you don’t trust us for recommendations…a great city guide is the Eat.Shop.Washington DC guide

Ok, so it’s pretty much here! The Next you have all been waiting for…is a seriously short four days away! In order to help us get ready, I’ve put together an extremely necessary ( though not nearly exhaustive) packing list:

_ Toothbrush and toothpaste (really, this is very important at a conference with other singles!)
_ Journal (do NOT forget this! You don’t want to be searching for a gum wrapper to write notes on because you forgot your journal.)
_ Clothes (hey, it’s usually a given but I have friends who have gone on trips where their clothes have been neatly packed up and the suitcase got left behind. It’s not a bad thing to check off the obvious…unless you’re looking for an excuse for a whole new wardrobe!)
_ Cell phone (to Twitter the conference and to text your friend how many extra shots of espresso you need in your Sbux drink)
_ Spending money (because the bookstore is always one of the bestest places EVER at a conference! No joke, y’all!)
_ Bible (no explanation needed.)

And, FYI, throughout the conference I will be Twittering the details of the various messages and events that take place. So tell everyone you’re leaving behind to follow along to find out what’s happening. And if YOU want to Twitter, use the #thisisnext tag. Oh, but a word to the wise: you might wanna skip the Twittering during the messages so you can get the most-est out of them. Then after, you can Twitter all the incredible quotes and application points to your heart’s content!

Finally, I asked my friend, Jessica Britt, for some reasons why she was looking forward to Next. She and I have both been to quite a few…so what’s kept her coming back? Read on…it makes me want to be there NOW.

Recently, a teenage girl in our church told me that when she saw the Next sticker she thought about me. Huh? Well, I’m somewhat of a Next fanatic. I have many legitimate reasons for being one, or so I tell myself (and all my friends that put up with my excitement). No conference can change a life, only God can. God has used New Attitude (oops, I mean Next) year after year to draw me closer to Him. I have met Him differently each year, but I’ve always walked away with a better knowledge and love for my Savior. I’ve also had the amazing privilege of attending every New Attitude/Next. Wow, God is so kind. I cannot believe this is the ten year anniversary. I am so grateful to Josh and his amazing team: ten years of faithful serving and care. I want to be like them when I grow up!
Next has provided me with many memories and opportunities to build biblical relationships. Whether is was getting a cup of coffee, praying for someone, walking around the Galt House at 2 am talking about God, laughing uncontrollably when we should be asleep, or asking hard questions - Next has been one of the many ways God has chosen to use friends in my life.
So, in four days I will board a bus at 5:30 am. We will drive over nine hours and arrive in Baltimore sometime that afternoon. I will check in to our hotel, register (receive some awesome packets and bracelets!!!), and then sit by the front doors for an hour (after all, you want a good seat). I will then worship my Savior in song, listen to a message about the Savior, sing some more, have biblical fellowship with ten people I may or may not know, and then grab a snack and stay up way too late. I’ll wake up and do the same thing on Sunday, Monday and Tuesday! Passionate worship. Incredible teaching. Building biblical friendships. Crazy memories. Lots of fun. I think those are legitimate reasons to be a Next fanatic! 

…we’ll see you in four!

Here’s another person coming from far away that we wanted you to meet, this time from across the pond*.

I talked to Owain Clark, from South Wales. Check it out.

__________________

Name?

Owain Clark

Where do you live?

In Merthyr Tydfil, South Wales

What are some of the challenges Christians in your city face?

Unemployment has been a problem for many years, even more so with the current economic situation. As a result drug use and drinking are high and it is difficult to speak into the situation and communicate the gospel to hard hearts.

How did you hear about Next? (or New Attitude)

I attend one of the three Sovereign Grace churches in the UK and found New Attitude through their links on websites about three years ago.

Have you been to Next before? What was your experience like?

This is my third consecutive visit to the conference. I didn’t really know anyone the first year and was nervous about coming. However the set up is such that you soon make new and lasting friends. The first year I had my room to myself but last year and this year its full!

What made you decide to come all the way out to Next this year?

I wasn’t planning to come this year, mainly due to the cost, but my parent’s generosity had made it possible.  It’s a great opportunity to refresh one’s soul with excellent ministry and fellowship with so many like minded people.

What are you most looking forward to this year at Next?

Obviously I’m looking forward to meeting up with friends that I’ve made in the past two years and to spend time with them before and after the conference. But I’m most looking forward to the worship and the word. It’s an amazing opportunity to be able to listen to great men like Don Carson, Josh and C.J., Kevin DeYoung and Sinclair Ferguson all focused on the person and work of Christ.  I’m also looking forward to the community groups and discussing and applying the messages.  I’m also looking forward to exploring Baltimore, good food, good company…......

*By “the pond” we mean “The Atlantic Ocean”

Here’s another person coming from pretty far away…and by “pretty far away” we mean “Australia.”

I talked to Summer Williams, who lives in Australia. Check out the interview.

_________

Name?

Summer Williams

Where do you live?

I live in Mansfield, a small southern suburb of Brisbane, on the east coast of Australia.

What are some of the challenges Christians in your city face?

Like most western countries we are heavily distracted by defining ourselves by what we own/have. There are so many functional saviours out there that people resort to, rather than turning to Jesus for delight and purpose. This is personally challenging to me.

My personal perspective from working in a womens health area is that we are plagued by problems related to the family unit breakdown, abortion, and sexual lifestyles that don’t honor God.

How did you hear about Next?

I have followed Sovereign Grace ministries interestedly for a few years. I first became interested in the “follow-on” of Joshua Harris’ zealous call-out to honour God with your whole life (not just your love life) in “I Kissed Dating Goodbye.” And with that came the ministry of C.J. Mahaney, Josh’s blog, Humble Orthodoxy, Covenant Life sermon downloads…see it snowballed from there!

Have you been to Next before?

I have never been before–but have followed the sermon series online and read how others were changed. (That was a great idea to have testimonies!)

What made you decide to come all the way out to Next this year?

It’s a God-coincidence! Partly I wanted to show a deliberate elevation of the priority of my Christian walk, seeing as I was all too quick to head off to work-related conference at the drop of a hat, which were also quite expensive. I wanted to show my deference to God speaking into my life, just as much as the professors and professionals did.

I also believe that the advertised video message of Next 2009 was very personal, and the timing precise. All I can say is it was no accident I was granted leave to attend by my workplace and that finances came through!

What are you most looking forward to this year at Next?

I am keen to stand shoulder to shoulder with like-minded believers and to sing my heart out, or silently mull over a teaching, and to be delighted by sitting under some Christian leaders who, through their example, I know God is using to profoundly affect our generation. I hope to meet kindred spirits that I can encourage (and vice versa) for many years to come.

Do you think it is selfish when you pray for yourself? It can be. But not when you ask God to speak to you, to work in your life, to change you, to make you more like him… when the focus is on his glory.

So how can you pray for yourself in relation to Next?

There is a vital connection between a person who prays and a person who hears God’s voice speaking to them through his Word. As we lift up our hearts to God in prayer, we put ourselves in a posture that makes us ready to hear and to respond to his truth.

Tim Kerr, the senior pastor of the Sovereign Grace church in Toronto – who leads the Next Intercessory Prayer Team – has observed over and over again that those who pray for their church Sunday gathering get most from the meeting they prayed for.

So pray for Next:
    - Thank God that you have the opportunity to attend Next
    - Ask him to equip the worship leaders and speakers
    - Thank God that his Word is Truth and that he stills speaks to us today
    - Ask him to help you be undistracted, attentive to his voice
    - Ask him to give you a heart that is receptive and responsive
    - Pray that with your friends you will have times of fruitful discussion on what you hear
    - Ask God that you will return home with a greater love for Jesus, a greater joy in your salvation, and a greater desire to glorify him as you live out your life at home, work/school, and church.

And if you are not able to attend Next, as well as praying for the conference, plan to download the free messages after the conference and, before listening to them, ask God to meet with you, to speak to you, to impact you.

If you are going to Next an email will very soon be winging its way through cyberspace on its way to you.

It will give you some things that will be good to know as you make your final plans for next weekend. Be sure to check your inbox later today.

This year we’re really excited to have several people coming from pretty far away to Next and we wanted you to meet some of them.

I talked to Carlos Fernandez Rocha, who lives in the Dominican Republic. Check out the interview.

_____________________________

Name?

Carlos Fernandez Rocha

Where do you live?

Santiago, Dominican Republic

What are some of the challenges Christians in your city face?

I think the biggest challenge is becoming to passive and comfortable with what I currently have; not looking to receive more and be more for Christ and his glory.

How did you hear about Next?

My pastor has been a big follower (fan, if you can say that) of Sovereign Grace Ministries and I also know a couple of people that attended New Attitude in Kentucky before and they told me it was a life changing experience!

Have you been to Next before? What was your experience like?

No, this will be my first time…Very exited about that.

What made you decide to come all the way out to Next this year?

To say the truth… it was the promo video you guys posted!!! I feel that it resonated with the way I was feeling, especially this phrase: “Too often Jesus fades into the background of our busy lives. But he hasn’t changed. And he invites us to meet him again.” When I read that, I say to my self… I have to go there!!!

What are you most looking forward to this year at Next?

I’m looking forward to be all of what God wants for me–and that is to give Him all Glory in everything I do.

Anything else you want to add?

I think your vision is incredible and I’ve been very blest by it. See you in a few days guys! :)

Thank you for praying for everyone who has been involved in the planning and preparation for Next. Please continue to pray for us, but how about now praying for all those attending.

Here are some ideas of how you can pray:
    * Protection from illness or accident that could prevent someone from being able to attend
    * Protection as everyone travels to Baltimore
    * Those coming on their own, that they link up and have fellowship with others (pray that God will use you in this way)
    * Those in your group – pray for them individually by name
    * That Jesus and what he has done may become more glorious in our eyes
    * Pray through Ephesians 1:16-18 for yourself, your friends, all those attending:
      I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers
          —give thanks for everyone attending, that in these hard economic times so many are able to attend, and that we have the opportunity to be able to care for one another and to intercede for one another
      That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you a spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him
          —that God will give us fresh understanding, insights and appreciation for Jesus, that will result in greater love for Jesus, worship of him, and obedience to him
      Having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you
          —that our hearts will be illuminated through the teaching of scripture and the assurance that our salvation and sanctification is secure, not because of anything we can do, but because of what Jesus has done
      What are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints
          —that we will be encouraged and full of the joy of our salvation, because of all we have received in Christ through his sacrifice on our behalf

    * And pray for those attending who do not know Jesus as their Lord and Savior, that the few days at Next will literally be a life-changing experience.

What are YOUR prayer requests as we approach the start of the conference? (17 days and counting!!) Still trying to come up with the bucks to make it to the conference? (Tip: search your car for loose change. You may not find enough for a flight but it might be enough to turn into a Starbucks treat the last morning of the conference.) Wondering if your boss will give you the time off? Hoping that friend you’ve been encouraging to attend will be able to? Whatever your prayer request is, feel free to leave a comment and we will begin praying!! We also have a team of individuals committed to praying for YOU leading up to, during and even after the conference!! Incredible, huh?

By the way, if you’re wondering how I’m doing on checking things off my task list …dismally. I think I’ve drunk quite a few 2-litres-worth of Diet Coke and the only water I’ve come near was at the beach last week. And I just can’t come up with a song about Next – it seems all the good ones have been written! ::sigh:: However, I AM off to listen to one of C.J. Mahaney’s messages from 2007: Discern Your Heart.