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Everyone is an Influencer
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You never know at any given time who can influence who and in what way. Influence pierces every sphere in society from media to politics and business to entertainment. January 16 to 19 saw our pastoral team and staff embark on a family party to ‘Influencers 07’ in Adelaide. Influencers Conference is a Christian event held at Paradise Community Church, Adelaide. Senior Pastors Ashley and Jane Evans host the conference.
The world’s most influential speakers this year included Joyce Meyer, Sunday Adelaja, Ashley Evans, Jane Evans, Michael Rowan, Christine Caine, Matthew & Laurie Crouch, Johnny Rogers and Cameron Bennett.
The opening night was outstanding. Half an hour before kick-off, we scouted the auditorium for the best seats whilst Chris and Peggy Ong strolled towards the front. They were blessed with V.I.P tags. The opportunity to be up close and personal was more than just celebrity spotting. They were able to network with pastors and leaders from other major churches. The Influencers tech team gave a fabulous light show accompanied by satisfying thumps from the kick drums. The atmosphere was set with a great time of worship. It was the launch of the church’s latest album so they had a full band with a big choir.
Joyce Meyer spoke on the opening night. She started on a low as she was recovering from a cold. She did not let that stop her delivering God’s message. She summoned the energy to be tuned in with God. She spoke four messages in all, about four key things that had most influenced her. At the outset she declared, ‘Be Yourself’. She told how God taught her to be herself rather than a clone of another. She preached a similar theme at Hillsong but this was still a liberating message.
Another significant session that appealed to me was by Pastor Sunday Adelaja. In January Peggy Ong spoke on the local church and Mount Zion. Her message was an excerpt from Pastor Sunday’s message on ‘The Power of the Local Church’. His preaching was remarkable. He is both strategic and theological. He also enjoys a colourful reputation as an engaging eccentric. He spoke on Psalms 110:1-2, highlighting that Jesus is seated and the instrument of God’s dominion is the local church (Zion).
By drawing biblical parallels with the concept of Mount Zion, Pastor Sunday taught that the church is meant to be seen as the place where God lives. He pointed out from 1 Timothy 3:15 that the church is here to establish God’s truth in our society and nation. The church is God’s total answer for the world. We cannot and should not limit what God can do through the church. Instead of being silent and non-controversial, the church should be leading in every aspect of societal life.
I was so excited to attend Influencers conference, mainly for the good speakers and time with our pastoral team. In this conference God spoke to me and from it I was encouraged and empowered.
I made some really tough and important decisions in the weeks that followed and I know God was with me all the way.
I pray that this year will be an amazing year filled with faith and excitement! I encourage everyone to be influencers. Be conscious of the things that influence you, as it will determine your level of influence. Footnote: Not only did the Influencers Conference resource our leaders and staff with great preaching, challenge and inspiration, it facilitated great contacts with other churches, inspired Peggy’s preaching, and has given a resource for building up other leaders in the church. DVD’s from the Influencers Conference have been shown to various departments as they geared up for 2007.
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