Youth America

A special interview with John Gray

A conversation with Rich Wilkerson Jr.

Some of the most pivotal moments I’ve had in ministry, where God has completely rocked my world and gave me new passion, new hunger, and new ideas, have been at a ministry or conference other than my own. I remember going to a worship event at a church in Dallas, TX several years ago. I went simply because I was hungry to worship and I wanted to glean from the team there. It was in a moment of worship there in Dallas that God spoke to me about writing songs. Someone from the team came and laid hands on me specifically for a gift of songwriting. I came back from that trip and wrote my first ever worship song, “Our Generation”. I believe God honored my willingness to step outside of my world and humble myself to sit under someone else. It was then that God rewarded my prayers of finding my calling. It is not by coincidence that I have heard so many stories of people discovering their purpose or having a life changing moment at a conference at someone else’s church. The new environment helps disregard a spirit of familiarity. It exposes you to the contagious passion of others. It is a physical sign you are hungry enough to hear from God that you will make a sacrifice of time and money.

I believe with all my heart that Youth America Leadership Conference will be this kind of moment for so many of you. God has arranged this experience for many youth pastors and leaders who are in need of a new season, new vision, new found purpose. Each of our guest speakers have incredible thriving ministries. They have so much for us to glean from. But even more than coming to hear guest speakers, come because you are hungry for a move of God in your life and in your ministry, and watch God prove His faithfulness. See you at Youth America Leadership Conference November 3-5, 2011.

Grant Pankratz