conversations from the couch

Tim and I are out in sunny Orange County for a few days connecting with the Simply Youth Ministry folks, and finalizing the conference programming details. Went to church at Saddleback yesterday–got to hear Doug’s sermon WITH special guest Tim Timmons, our NYMC worship leader. (he was visiting Saddleback from Mariner’s yesterday) This made getting to CA from CO on a 6 am flight worth the lost sleep.

So I’m trying to work from the SYM offices today, but the lighting in their building totally sucks. I can’t even get my solar calculator to work, and this is supposed to be the sunshine state (or maybe that’s Florida).  I should go out to Starbucks and sit outside, but then I’d miss the conversations. I think I’ll go buy some lamps.

Tim Timmons is our conference worship leader, and he’ll be opening each evening general session, as well as the closing general session on Monday. He also leads worship at Mariner’s Church , and is another one of Doug’s youth group legacies. Tim’s so talented, and has one of the most authentic, humble spirits. It’s so cool to see all of these guys grown up and passionately leading different ministries because they were so impacted by their youth ministry experience as students. We’re excited that Tim’s bringing his whole band this year.

Chris Tafalia (Taffy) is also part of our conference worship team. He’s the student ministries worship pastor at Saddleback, is absolutely hilarious, and has an incredible heart for leading students in worship. He’s bringing his student worship band to NYMC–a bunch of 15-18 year old kids that share this passion. They’ll be leading worship in the morning general sessions. Taffy is also doing a workshop on Leading Students in Worship at the National Youth Ministry Conference.

We had another meeting today about some more worship ideas, including a “worship unplugged” feature each day where we’d have some stuff going on outside of the general sessions. (late-night, etc.) We’re also talking about adding an affinity group for youth workers who are also involved in student worship. More on all of that soon…