VOUS Church

Rich Wilkerson Jr. — Bricklayers- The Opposition of a Vision

Working toward a goal only to get halfway is a symptom of distraction by resistance. We can start off excited but the minute we face criticism we pull away from our calling. 

Pastor Rich Wilkerson Jr. shares the message “The Opposition of a Vision,” from the “Bricklayers” collection. In it, he motivates us to remain committed to God’s vision placed on our hearts.

Progress is understanding a failed plan does not equate to a failed vision. There are opportunities to pray first, and if need be, pivot our way through the trial so the dream can be realized.

As we step out in faith, giving praise the whole way through, we can be confident that the same God who has supported us in the past will certainly do so again.

Rich Wilkerson Jr. & Judah Smith — VOUS Conference 2019: Communicating for Change

Register now for #VOUSConf 2020 here:
http://vousconference.com

What makes a great communicator? Most can agree that the greatest communicators can simplify complexity, captivate an audience, and make a short moment memorable.

During the “Communicating for a Change” breakout session at VOUS Conference 2019, Pastor Rich Wilkerson Jr. interviews Judah Smith to deepen understandings on effective communication in our modern day.

Describing his sermon writing process, Judah Smith makes it clear that everyone is individual and not all processes will look the same. He shares communication methods, how to employ them, and how to effectively get a point across.

While different processes exist, every communicator needs to understand their unique communication style, who their audience is and how the two combine in creating a relatable, understandable, memorable, and life-changing message.

Rich Wilkerson Jr. — Bricklayers: Collaboration Creates Multiplication

Every great human accomplishment through history required a multitude of people to execute. Think of everyone involved in the first Moon landing, creating the Internet, or building the Great Wall of China. One goal, multiple people.

Deeper into the "Bricklayers" collection of talks, Pastor Rich Wilkerson Jr. shares how we can achieve greatness in "Collaboration Creates Multiplication."

Reflecting on Nehemiah’s story, we see he was able to accomplish the impossible, rebuilding a wall around Jerusalem in just 52 days. But he was not alone. Through a partnership with God, the feat was made possible by Nehemiah’s clear vision and collaboration with those around him.

Collaboration is exactly what God had in mind when he created us. Gaining perspective that two are better than one, will help us realize we can do more together than we ever could alone.

Rich Wilkerson Jr, Carl Lentz, Judah Smith, Chad Veach & Mike Todd — Life Lessons (Part Two)

Register now for #VOUSConf 2020 here:
http://vousconference.com

What do you get when you have pastors Rich Wilkerson Jr., Judah Smith, Mike Todd, Carl Lentz, and Chad Veach on stage together? Major drumming skills, impromptu worship, nonstop laughs, and a very honest conversation about leading at home, church, and on the road.

Register now for #VOUSConf 2020 here:
http://vousconference.com

During Session 6 of VOUS Conference 2019, these pastors opened up about important topics that affect them not only as pastors and leaders but as husbands and fathers too.

In sharing on putting family first, not seeking validation from others, and overcoming the lack of motivation to preach, these men of faith pull back the curtain on the human realities they face and the pressures that come along with their titles.

Rich Wilkerson Jr. — Bricklayers- Waiting is Working

It can be easy to have vision for our lives, but difficult to wait for it to come to pass. To many of us, a season of waiting seems more like a burden instead of a time of growth.

Continuing in the collection of talks “Bricklayers,” Pastor Rich Wilkerson Jr. teaches us that there’s purpose in the process in a message called “Waiting is Working.”

In studying the book of Nehemiah, he proves to be a great example of what it looks like to be active during the wait. Establishing a plan to rebuild the city of Judah, Nehemiah demonstrated patience and used his time to pray to God.

We must first take time to hear from God, for at the right moment he will bring the vision to pass. Taking immediate action can lead to the birth of a premature vision, causing us to lose faith.

Being patient requires work from us. Trusting in God’s timing and praying for an opportunity and favor from him allows our sight to be in line with his and our strength to be renewed. Through it all we can remain confident that while we wait, he is working on our behalf.

VOUS Staff — VOUS CONFERENCE 2019: Don't Practice On People

At VOUS Church, people are our heart. It is our prime purpose to bring people who are far from God, close to him. To do so, we need a high level of preparation that will enable us to create a distraction-free and fun experience for all who walk through our doors.

Zeroing in on what it takes to shape a Sunday service, VOUS Staff Chris Lopez, Samuel Gualtieri, and Pilar Irarrazabal share "Don't Practice On People" in their VOUS Conference 2019 breakout session.

To get ready for Sunday, deliverables need to start rolling in from Monday. And while room for flexibility is important, a well thought out service plan is the main priority. Ideas can flourish through the contribution of gifted and dedicated servant leaders. Plus, helpful technologies can keep communication flowing so there's less guesswork leading up services.

To see growth and development in the areas of creative, production, and operations it will take a lot of strategic behind-the-scenes work. But as we do our part to work out the kinks, God will take care of the rest and produce an outstanding outcome on Sunday.

Earl McClellan — Bricklayers: Blessed With the Burden to Build

The work of building God’s kingdom is a work of bringing the broken home. It is seeking those who are lost, so they can proudly say they are found.

Pastor Earl McClellan shares the story of Nehemiah in the talk, ”Bricklayers: Blessed With the Burden to Build.” Through Nehemiah’s example, we can see how we are to play a part of God’s great construction project and build his Church.

God is looking for people who will work for his kingdom wholeheartedly. There will be distractions that get in the way and try to get us off the project. But as bricklayers we can stand firm knowing God will maximize all of our efforts.

Restless: A Guided Prayer Journey — Rich Wilkerson Jr.

Are you tired? Feeling Restless?
Take a few moments to stop and pause as Pastor Rich Wilkerson Jr. leads you through a guided prayer journey.

For more Restless resources check out: https://www.vouschurch.com/restless

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Featured Songs:

“Bigger Than I Thought”
WRITTEN BY SEAN CURRAN, NATALIE SIMS & ALLEN SWOOPE
© 2019 Worship Together Music / sixsteps Songs / Sounds Of Jericho (Admin. at CapitolCMGPublishing.com) / Lead And Yellow Publishing (BMI) (admin. by Round Hill Music) / This Is Swoope’s (ASCAP)

“Awake My Soul”
Words and Music by Brooke Ligertwood
© 2019 Hillsong Music Publishing Australia CCLI: 7134998

Rich Wilkerson Jr. — Team Leaders Meeting: 4 Realms Of Influence

No one has done a better job of leadership than Jesus. And it is upon every follower of Jesus to do their best to lead as he did. To be effective, knowing the contexts in which we're called to make an imprint is critical.

In this foundational talk on leadership, Pastor Rich Wilkerson Jr. shows VOUS Team Leaders how to recognize and operate in the "Four Realms of Influence."

Jesus didn’t waste a moment, he made an impact on lives wherever he went. The same must be true for us. We can be of influence whether we're hanging out in the city, crowd, church, or with our core group of friends. Each realm takes a unique strategy and intentionality on our part to manage the spiritual and practical needs within.

Every leader's goal should be to move people from their outer to their inner sphere of influence. Because at every stage more miracles happen. Leadership, when properly stewarded, will take people to a place they never intended but when they arrive, they're thankful.

VOUS Staff — Restless: Practice What You Preach

More than any other generation, information is at our fingertips. While living in the Information Age makes it a challenge, turning rest into a discipline is not out of reach.

Concluding the “Restless” collection of talks, Manouchka Charles, Luke Barry, and Adrian Molina give us pointers on building restful habits in “Practice What You Preach.”

Typically, we know what brings us peace but feelings often get in the way. But we can fend off their fickle effects if practical steps are applied. By paying particular attention to our schedule, environment, checklists, and work we actively choose rest. Add in Jesus' example of reading, resting, and retreating, a spiritual system we should run on repeat, and we'll truly enjoy God's rest.

Ultimately, we must believe Jesus will continue showing us how to live rested. But we must also be willing students of the Master. Let us practice what we have come to know about rest, trusting that God will take care of the rest.