NEXT

I checked my Next 2010 countdown today. I can’t believe it. There are only 136 days before the conference begins.  And there are only 123 days left to register. That’s right, registration closes on May 16th. If you can afford to register now, I’d encourage you to do so. It only takes a couple of minutes and your space is reserved. No more worries, no more calendar reminders, no more friends reminding you to register! You can just sit back, follow the blog, and spend the next 19 weeks anticipating (and praying for) the conference!

For those of you who are saving your pennies, never fear. Registration will not increase until April 1st. If you’re looking for creative ways to raise money, check back often. Our creative, ninja-esque bloggers will be posting ways to save and raise money for Next.  Here is our Next saving tip of the day:

Cut out one Starbucks drink a week. In 19 weeks you’ll save around $75!

136 days
3272 hours
196358 minutes
...until Next 2010!!!

We love it when folks come up with Next ideas. We recently discovered someone has designed Next wallpaper for the iPhone. Great idea, Josh. Thanks for promoting Next!!!

Want the wallpaper? Click HERE.

...to get the word out? We want to know what you are doing to tell your world about Next 2010!

Are you stumped? Are you looking for ideas? Stay tuned. Over the next month our team of bloggers will be giving you their tips, ideas, and suggestions. Check back often, we’ll be posting a lot.

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Here are a couple of ideas that my church does every year:





Set-up a promo booth for the month of January. We’ve asked one person or several of the singles and young marrieds who have attended Next to “man” the booth and get people excited about the conference.


Involve the entire church. We hand out Pray for Next!!! cards. As our church family comes in, we hand one card to each family. We ask our church to put the card on their fridge as a reminder to pray for the conference and those attending.


Have a Next Sunday. We take one Sunday in the month of January and designate it as our Next Sunday. We ask all of the singles and young marrieds (who have attended previous conferences) to wear their Next/Na t-shirts. During announcements one of our pastors will remind the congregation of the conference, give details, talk about our promo booth, ask everyone to pray, and then he will have everyone who has attended the conference stand up. It is a great way to encourage the entire church to pray.


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Please comment and let us know how you are promoting Next!

141 days…

We’re only 142 days out from NEXT so it’s time to make some noise!  I’m sure more ideas for buzz-creation will be rolling out from the blog in coming weeks.  For now, here are some orthodox, and a few not-so-orthodox, ways to stir things up.

The Church Promo Booth
A staple in Paul Medler’s Promo 101 course, the Church Promo Booth is where everything must start.  It can be quite effective in getting the word out and creating buzz.  Basic needs:  2 or 3 people who would be able to pass out information, answer questions, and be excited about Next.  A table.  Next promo packs.  Tape.  Some kind of backing board with Next stuff on it.  Sign up list.  A pen.  Permission from your pastor.

From there, create an email distribution list, a facebook group, and send out regular updates of who’s signed up so far, inform them of deadlines, flight costs, link the latest webzine articles/blogs, link some previous conference sermons or videos from corporate worship at Next, etc.  Make it fun.

Get Your T-Shirts!
T-shirts are always a great way to get the word out about the conference, especially if you do some giveaways.  Give them away at the end of singles or college ministry meetings.  Keep it in front of people so they don’t forget and lose interest.

Connect With Other Local Churches
Contact other churches and see if they’re interested in going, passing along the word, or joining your group to attend Next.

Make A Music Video
Create some theme related to your church’s trek to Baltimore.  Choreograph a line dance?  (Be careful not to hurt yourself.)  Make a music video.  Actually, a few years back we did this.  We made a theme, t-shirts (“follow Brad”), rewrote the words to Stayin’ Alive, overdubbed vocals, invited the church to a local park, and made a music video.  The hardest part was getting everyone to walk, in tempo, to the song.

Cardboard Standee
Make a “let’s go meet Paul Medler” lifesize cardboard standee with Paul’s picture.  Super-impose a backpack on him.  Staple thumbnail pics of everybody who registers to Paul’s backpack.

Leverage the Power-Suffix: “-O-Rama”
Like it’s predecessor “vaganza”, this suffix repays huge dividends in promotions.  If you don’t know how to create a cool name for some promotions-idea just add “orama” and change the font.  This alone will likely double your church attendance.

Admittedly the ideas began to spiral downward there at the end.  Hopefully more and better ones will be forthcoming.  Go make that Booth-o-rama!

What goes into planning a conference?  Probably a lot more than you would think. It’s not rocket science, but it involves a lot of different elements.

At the moment we are working on:

• promotion to people outside of Sovereign Grace

• blog

• promo video

• volunteers (ushers, ninjas, bookstore, intercessory prayer team, etc.)

• affinity groups

• worship

• community groups

• sound, lighting, video

• a host of logistical details

• (And we’re also negotiating contracts for Next 2011 and 2012.)

The Apostle Paul said, “I worked harder than any of them, though it was not I, but the grace of God that is with me” (1 Corinthians 15:10). In no way am I comparing any of us to the Apostle Paul!  But if he was aware of the working—of the need—of God’s grace, how much more do we need it?!

As you think of it, please pray for the Next team as we are, on a daily basis, working on the conference. We’ll do our part, but we are dependent on God and his grace.

First off, let me get the readers/fellow bloggers to weigh in on a substantive debate that has been going on down here in New Orleans for a couple of years now.

Remember the Joshua Harris/Eric Simmons dance off?  Who won?  I would wager that for many veteran Nexters this would have to be included in the ultimate “Nextattitude” highlight reel (preferably with some slow mo effects).  I’d like to see an up close replay because it looked like both Josh and Eric might have snuck a bottom-lip-bite somewhere in there, which would be a two point deduct.  Anyway, for my part, Josh’s spin move was unexpected and his footwork was good.  Eric was more agile than I would’ve imagined.  I kept waiting for him to pull out the old MC Hammer “typewriter”.  Had he done that he might have sealed a win in my book.

Mere opinions, these.

On this point, however, I’m think I’m on firmer ground.  This conference would not be the same without Joshua Harris.  There has never been a time he has spoken where I haven’t come away grateful to God for the discernment He gives to Josh in planning and leading this conference.  Clearly the conference themes weren’t all pre-set 10 years ago.  Josh seems to approach Next with a Bible in one hand and a newspaper in the other.  He characteristically brings God’s Word to where people are.  Biblically rigorous and culturally attuned, Josh helps people put handles on truth and I think he does this with unsurpassed effectiveness.

I’m thinking of epic conference messages like “Holiness is a Harvest” and “Blind Bartimaeus (... and the Savior Who Stops For One)” - messages that help us see God’s glory and the relevance of biblical truth for our everyday lives.

This could be a very long post, so I’ll just say one more thing.  One of the things I would miss the most were Josh to duck out of Next (say, to become a professional dancer ... or maybe not), would be the way he closes each meeting - identifying one or two points from the message and helping us think towards application.  Even if Josh never spoke for a main session - which is unthinkable - his pastoral sensitivity and the way he reminds us of grace and helps us to take new steps toward growth has had a transforming effect on my life and many others.  The conference doesn’t feel like a series of sermons, albeit biblical and stirring ones.  Josh does a wonderful job of balancing the celebration and gladness and laughter that are part of the Christian experience along with reminding us that these are not just “meetings”.  They are holy moments in which God through His Word addresses us, reminds us of His promises in the gospel, and equips us for a life of worship and mission.

We have been busy updating our Facebook page, posting on the blog and giving you all the 2010 conference information. And while all of this was happening, our Twitter page was feeling lonely and forgotten. We have been getting requests from loyal followers, “Please update the thisisnext page.” So for all you Twitter Followers, Next is back on Twitter! Check us out: http://twitter.com/thisisnext.

We read thousands of words each day. If you’re reading this chances are you’ve already read a few blogs, a news article, and a Facebook news feed today. So why take time to read more words on the webzine? Because they’re not words about sports or politics or new tech; they’re words about God’s Words.

This month we’re featuring articles and excerpts about the Doctrine of Scripture (basically, “what the Bible says on the topic of the Bible”). They’re meant to give you a renewed understanding of how valuable God’s Words are–how much God’s Words stand out in a sea of twitter feeds and storefront displays.  They’re by men like R.C. Sproul, John Piper, and David Powlison.

And good news: each article is around 500 words (or less). That’s less than half a page. You can read that.

This is going to be the format for each month leading up to the conference this year. Each month we’ll take one of the upcoming message topics and pull together the best stuff we can find on the subject. Then we’ll try to find 500 words from each of those resources (definitely not an easy job). Life is busy and time is limited, but we hope that if you spend a few minutes reading through these short excerpts you’ll come away loving Jesus and your Bible better. Our hope is that these articles won’t just be head knowledge, but will help us use Scripture to shape our lives to honor Christ. I love the way Josh says it in his new book: “Theology matters because if we get it wrong then our whole life will be wrong.” These short webzines are just one way to try to get theology right.

Read the introduction to this month’s webzine or jump straight into the articles.

 

I can’t pass up sharing a story from “Nextattitude” a few years ago.  We were pulling up to the Galt House hotel in Louisville.  I’m standing in the front of the bus next to the driver.  As we rolled to a stop, a lady looked at me as though she knew me.  As the door opened she stepped onto the first step of the bus, and started to say hi, only to lower her eyebrows and say, “Oh, I’m sorry.  In this light, I thought you were Jeff Purswell.”  She quickly, but cordially, came up with a parting sentence and was off into the night. 

So, we both have beards, are about the same height and frame, and wear similar looking glasses.  Once you get past those, the disparities begin.  I am balding, whereas all of Jeff Purswell’s follicles seem to be hard at work.  He is also a scholar, an author, the Dean of the Pastors College, and other things which I most definitely am not.

The first message I heard from Purswell was The God We Worship.  It was given at WorshipGOD 2000, and it began what has now been almost ten years of regularly interacting with and being helped by Jeff’s writing and sermons.

Jeff’s sermon, A People of God’s Presence (a biblical theology of God’s promised presence with His people from Genesis to Revelation, given at WorshipGOD 06) is without question one of the most clarifying and penetrating messages I have ever heard.  In passage after passage, along with his outstanding ability to illustrate truth, the promise of God to have a people and dwell with them gained steam, such that at the close of the message, all Jeff had to do was read Revelation 21:1-5.  As he read that text I felt like the whole group sat in stunned silence.  Truly a holy moment.  I’m still affected as I recall it even now.

Jeff Purswell is a man who labors and delights to know God in His Word.  I have no doubt that come May 2010, Jeff is gonna bring it, and our hearts will be affected by the truths of Scripture.

If you’re the lady who came into our bus that humbling night – no hard feelings.  We’re ok.

It’s that time of year again…New Year’s Resolutions. It amazes me how many different kinds of resolutions there are. For those of you that are resolving to plan better and earlier, I have a very important piece of data for you. Next 2010 will not be held on a Saturday – Tuesday. Really? Is it possible to have Next on any other schedule? Yes, don’t panic, it really is possible. Back before the new name and cool logo, there was New Attitude.  And back in the early days of New Attitude we held the conference from Friday – Monday.

This year Next will be held Friday, May 28th – Monday, May 31st.

So, begin planning now. Reserve your hotel room. Buy that plane ticket. Oh, and don’t forget to ask off from work!

Next 2010, 151 days!

NEXT (a.k.a. NEXTittude)

I’m gonna say up front, its pretty hard to narrow down into a few paragraphs the blessing, fun, encouragement and joy this conference is! Pretty much (to coin a phase) its like trying to drink from a fire hydrant. Its a time of concentrated grace; a time where so many things people have been investing in your life come to fruition through being drenched by the Word in wonderful times of worship and glorious communicators preaching THE TRUTH.

Times of fellowship and fun in-between the sessions with your friends and thousands of Christians from all over the world is a priceless experience. For me the times spent with new acquaintances at this conference and hearing what God is doing in their lives and communities is just a much an encouragement as the sessions ( Disclaimer: I am not advocating skipping any sessions, just staying up all hours of the night worshiping God in fellowship).

The small groups are such a great addition! Being forced outside your comfort zone, engaging in deep and meaningful conversation about our lives and the conference allows the seeds planted during the conference to take immediate root.

In short: this conference is a such a means of Grace and so excellently run and designed to serve those who attend in every fashion from pricing and purpose to structure. The returns are beyond what you can possibly hope for and may never fully see this side of glory!

Good morning!

I hope you all are ready for Christmas! Leave a comment and tell us the following 3 things...
Where are you from? Where will you be for Christmas? and Which one of the following categories do you fit in, if any?
[I am all done with my Christmas shopping!] [I have only have 1 or 2 gifts left to buy.] [I would say about half my Christmas shopping is done.] [I haven't done the majority of my shopping.] [I will be running around on Christmas Eve trying to finish my Christmas shopping.] or [I am relying on UPS to get it here on time.]

I don't know how many of you have seen "A Charlie Brown Christmas" but after living in the US for 8 years, my best guess is that it's a pretty popular American show. I saw it for the first time this weekend and was struck by one of the last scenes from the movie.

Charlie: I guess you were right, Linus. I shouldn't have picked this little tree. Everything I do turns into a disaster. I guess I really don't know what Christmas is all about.
[shouting in desperation]
Charlie: Isn't there anyone who knows what Christmas is all about?
Linus: Sure, Charlie Brown, I can tell you what Christmas is all about.
[moves toward the center of the stage]
Linus: "And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, 'Fear not: for behold, I bring unto you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the City of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.' And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God, and saying, 'Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.'" [Luke 2:8-14]

So to use a cliche', let's not forget what Christmas is all about. We, as Christians, have a real reason to celebrate! May God use this Christmas time to refresh you, whether you're spending time away with family, working on Christmas day, or just staying home this year; may He meet you wherever you are.

--From the NEXT blogging team to you, Merry Christmas! We'll be back after Christmas.

And ps- I have to say that we're making progress on getting Richmond to be a famous city! This weekend we had over a foot of snow, which for Richmond, VA is quite legendary! It was a wonderful way to get into the Christmas feel! My weekend consisted of vast amounts of hot chocolate, staying in my PJs all Saturday, and occasionally sticking my head out the door just to make sure the snow is still there!

Next 2010, 159 days.

This past Monday, my church received a package. It was quickly passed on to me and needless to say,  I was excited!

The Next brochures and stickers have been shipped! My brain is already spinning, I can’t wait to plan our church’s promo booth. In the next couple of months our amazing team of bloggers will be giving you ideas about how you can creatively promote Next (and what to do with all of those stickers). 

If you have requested promo materials, but haven’t received them, don’t worry. They’re coming…we promise! If you would like to promote Next at your church, on your campus, in your apartment complex, at your office, or on your favorite street corner; don’t delay! Request your promo package today.

Request a Promo Package

Thank you for telling your friends about Next 2010!

Last week I told you about a video on our website.  In this video Josh Harris gives some updates on what we’ll be doing at the conference. You can watch the video on Vimeo and YouTube.

In the video Josh mentions that we’ll have affinity groups at Next 2010. On Sunday afternoon, you can join with others in the fields of arts, music, photography, medicine, law, education, etc. to get to know others who share your interests, to discuss how you are using your skills and gifts, and to encourage one another. We are just beginning to think through what groups we’ll have—and you can help by suggesting groups or subgroups. Send your ideas to us.

Next 2010, 164 days.

Friday, May 28th will find me sitting in a room with thousands of Christians, proclaiming the glories of my Savior. This conference is by far the highlight of my year. “Nextattitude” has been one of the means that God has used to strengthen my walk with Him. I get excited about Next because of the countless stories I’ve heard. I have watched God do radical things in my friends lives (and my own). I’ve watched people meet our Savior for the first time. I’ve watched my friends weep as they were convicted of sin. I’ve seen firsthand, as God has used the conference to refresh and encourage weary saints. Besides my local church (which is the best church on the planet!) & my Savior, nothing excites me more than Next!

If you happened across my blog you would see pictures, banners, and everything else imaginable. I have a countdown on my FaceBook page. I’m a fan (and have invited everyone I can think of) of Next 2010. Why? Because I want everyone to know about Next! Any and every opportunity I have, I invite people to come.

Maybe you’re like me. You are grateful for the work God does in and through this conference. You want to tell others, but you don’t know how. If that is your dilemma, then let me point you to page on our website. It has banners, wallpaper, and an IMAP. There are many different pictures and banners that you can post on your blog, website, or as your Twitter/FaceBook picture. Will you help us spread the word? Would you consider putting a banner and link on your blog?

Next 2010, 167 days. Spread the word!

You can find all the banners, images, and wallpaper HERE.