New Attitude = Next = Life Changing
When we were asked to submit a testimony about our experience attending New Attitude, we jumped at the opportunity. As the conference transitions this year — a new name and an exciting focus on transferring the gospel to the next generation — we want to point all of you to an event that has had a big impact on us, as well as those of you who have been blessed by the work of the Rebelution.
Next is being held in Baltimore, Maryland, on Memorial Day weekend — May 23-26. The topic is the person and work of Jesus Christ. The speaker lineup includes Joshua Harris, D.A. Carson, Kevin DeYoung, C.J. Mahaney, and Sinclair Ferguson (!!!).
But without further ado, here is our New Attitude/Next story:
Growing up, going to New Attitude was always the highlight of the year. Not because it was our big brother’s conference, but because of the worship, teaching, and discussion that took place. The sessions by men like CJ Mahaney, Al Mohler, Mark Dever, and John Piper were the catalysts for major steps of growth in our walk with God.
In 2004, Dr. Mohler delivered a message on the modern crisis of young people delaying adulthood—particularly in the area of marriage. His challenge to embrace responsibility resonated with us. It served as the seed for an idea that grew and matured over the next two years — the Myth of Adolescence, and a challenge for young adults to rebel against the low expectations and “do hard things” for the glory of God.
In 2004, that idea became a ten-minute speech for competition in the NCFCA, placing first in the nation. In 2005, that speech became the first series on our new blog, The Rebelution. In 2007, that series turned into the opening session of our first conference tour. In 2008, that session developed into one of the first chapters in our book, Do Hard Things.
Can a conference change the whole course of your life? For us, the answer is yes.
February 16th, 2009 at 6:11 pm
Sinclair Furguson is an awesome person - not to mention he’s got a really cool accent. I have been to his church in Columbia SC a couple of times and he is a really good speaker. Now let me just say that Baltimore Maryland is a little far from MO, but I wish I was going.
February 16th, 2009 at 6:36 pm
Cool I will have to check this out!!
February 16th, 2009 at 7:52 pm
I really hope I can make it this year! It’s such a blessing to be able to go to “Next”!!!
-Justin
February 16th, 2009 at 7:55 pm
What an amazing testimony. Thank you for sharing. I’ve been on a testimony kick over at my blog, so this is quite timely to read here. I’m always encouraged when I hear examples of how Christ has worked in the lives of others.
I didn’t attend that conference, but I have experienced similar events that have influenced my life. I second your conclusion: a conference can change your life.
Blessings in Christ,
Marshall Jones Jr.
February 16th, 2009 at 8:23 pm
Very interesting…
I will check it out.
Thanks!
Josiah
February 16th, 2009 at 8:31 pm
Lord willing, I will be able to go next year. I am super excited! Thank you for sharing your story!
February 16th, 2009 at 8:47 pm
I would have to agree with Marshall and you guys. A conference can change someones life. Thank you for sharing that. I would love to go to NEXT but I don’t believe I could make it. If I get the summer job I’m praying for at the Winshapes Camps here in Atlanta Ga I will be in training during that week. I hope it goes well. I one day look forward to going to one.
In Christ
Jordan Whitmire
February 16th, 2009 at 9:22 pm
Hey fellas,
I’ve just recently discovered your site and movement and, Lord willing, I’ll be making my way to Baltimore for this conference. This is killer; keep doing what you’re doing. I’m 25, and this movement is striking a cord within my heart. Let’s see what he Lord does with it.
Until,
~ B.
February 17th, 2009 at 12:11 am
Thanks for the update and details on the conference guys! I love reading D.A. Carson’s stuff. He’s such an amazing intellect and teacher, especially his writing discussing the Emerging Church movement. I’d love to go see these teachers speak, but perhaps next year. Keep it up!
February 17th, 2009 at 7:06 am
It looks like an amazing conference! Hopefully, I might be able to make it next year.
February 17th, 2009 at 9:14 am
I would have to agree with you guys, God can use anything to change a life.
For me it was your book, which I received for Christmas, I will never be the same again.
I thank God for both of you and keep your ministry in my prayers.
Keep up the good work!
God Bless!
February 17th, 2009 at 10:44 am
interesting. I will have to check this out.
BTW I just want to say thankyou for your blog it is really so encouraging to be regularly reminded that we should rise above the average expectations that people put on teens, and young adults, and reach towards the calling of God on our lives.
Thankyou!
February 17th, 2009 at 10:51 am
As always, I really wish it was feasible for me to attend. But I live so far away. Honestly, Idaho can seem like the end of the world sometimes =) Plus in May……we are in the process of State adoption, so maybe something will be happening then.
Oh well. I hope many young people go and lives are changed for the glory of God
February 17th, 2009 at 2:16 pm
Funny, my church just made the announcement about Next on Sunday…
I definetly agree with Jordan Whitmire and Tabitha: a conference can change your life! I’m not old enough to go this year, but maybe next year!
I have fond memories of Celebration confernces that my family and I attended before they were stopped for a time. God literally changed my understanding of Him during those. He went from being “there” to “HERE WITH ME!” Hope that those who do go to Next will have a wondeful time.
February 18th, 2009 at 10:59 am
The conference looks fantastic. Too bad I’m not old enough to go yet. I hope the conference will still be around in 2011.
Thanks for posting your testimony:)
-Leandrie.
Oh, and for those attending, have fun and travel safely!
February 18th, 2009 at 1:19 pm
Funny, I had just gotten home from a fundraiser that the singles in our church are using to raise money to attend Next, when I read this. Sadly, I won’t be able to go, but will definitely some day!
February 19th, 2009 at 4:36 pm
so, i am reading yall’s book. it’s really good. i am not done with it but so far it has been really encouraging. i really ave been focusing on doing hard things. the other day i cought my self.. i was in language arts and we are doing this writing. we had to have three topics to write about, i had my three. then, the next day we had to pick one of those three topics. i chose one and my teacher was like i think you should do this one. and i was like, “but the one i chose will be way easier.” and then i was like oh gosh. neveermind hah i will do the other one. that is just the beginning. i will be doing way more hard things in the future. but anyways thanks a lot. (:
February 19th, 2009 at 4:36 pm
so, i am reading yall’s book. it’s really good. i am not done with it but so far it has been really encouraging. i really ave been focusing on doing hard things. the other day i cought my self.. i was in language arts and we are doing this writing. we had to have three topics to write about, i had my three. then, the next day we had to pick one of those three topics. i chose one and my teacher was like i think you should do this one. and i was like, “but the one i chose will be way easier.” and then i was like oh gosh. neveermind hah i will do the other one. that is just the beginning. i will be doing way more hard things in the future. but anyways thanks a lot. (:
March 16th, 2009 at 5:56 pm
I am so excited to go! My parents registered me as a birthday present! Hope many rebelutionaries go!!!
April 1st, 2009 at 5:36 pm
I’m reading your book right now and I have to say, it’s really cool. Thank you so much for writing it! It is so encouraging. Do you have any other books or are you planning on writing any others? It would be awesome.
January 8th, 2012 at 12:40 pm
Hey just wanted to give you a quick heads up. The words in your content seem to be running off the screen in Chrome. I’m not sure if this is a formatting issue or something to do with web browser compatibility but I figured I’d post to let you know. The design and style look great though! Hope you get the issue fixed soon. Kudos