1:48:58
NYC26 | Session 3
Nazarene Youth Conference
Overview
This video from NYC 2026 features a session focused on God's transformative power and purpose for individuals. It includes a district superintendent discussing local church ministries and an offering for the host district, a pastor's role in weaving together conference sessions, and a powerful testimony from Kelvin Crosby, a deaf-blind individual who shares his journey of overcoming adversity through faith. The session emphasizes that God sees and has a plan for everyone, regardless of their struggles, and encourages viewers to embrace their value and purpose in Christ. It concludes with a call to action for global missions and personal transformation.
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Chapters
- The NYC 2026 event is hosted in Salt Lake City, Utah, and relies on dedicated lay people to make it happen.
- Pastor Brent, District Superintendent of the Inter Mountain District, shares insights into the district's geographical scope and the Church of the Nazarene's presence in Salt Lake City.
- The Church of the Nazarene in Salt Lake City has a long history, dating back to 1903, and currently operates four diverse churches serving various communities, including Hispanic, African, and Samoan populations.
- These churches actively engage in outreach, such as food banks and drives, reflecting a commitment to meeting physical needs within the community.
Understanding the local context and the active ministries of the church demonstrates how faith translates into tangible community support and integration of diverse populations.
The Salt Lake Central church, a bivocational Hispanic church, serves over 100 languages in its area and operates food banks and drives.
- An offering is being taken to support the Salt Lake City district, with a goal of raising over $50,000.
- Donations can be made through a QR code linking to a platform like 'Give Butter' (supporting Venmo, PayPal, Google Pay, etc.) or directly via the Inner Mountain District website.
- The offering aims to support church planting, outreach, and potentially future building facilities.
- Giving is presented as a way for viewers to participate in God's work, echoing the faithfulness of others.
This segment highlights the practical application of faith through financial support, demonstrating how collective generosity fuels ministry and expansion.
The goal is to raise over $50,000, exceeding the traditional $35,000, with funds supporting church planting and outreach in the Salt Lake area.
- Kelvin Crosby, who is deaf-blind, shares his journey of faith and resilience, emphasizing that God sees and has a plan for everyone.
- He uses the metaphor of a potter and clay to illustrate how God shapes individuals, even through difficult circumstances, pain, and mistakes.
- Kelvin recounts his personal struggles, including multiple suicide attempts and addiction, and how surrendering to God transformed his life.
- He encourages listeners to trust God as the 'good potter,' to stay centered in His hands, and to embrace their God-given purpose.
- Key practices for spiritual growth include worship, reading the Bible, and prayer, which Kelvin credits for his ability to overcome challenges and share his story.
Kelvin's story powerfully illustrates that perceived limitations do not define one's potential and that God can use even the most challenging circumstances for His glory and for the transformation of others.
Kelvin describes how, after losing his central vision, he learned to worship, read his Bible, and pray, which led him to share his story on TikTok and impact thousands of lives.
- Pastor Jim Richie, who leads Global Missions, highlights the extensive global reach of the Church of the Nazarene, operating in 165 nations and worshipping in 192 languages.
- The church's mission is to help people find Jesus, discover their calling, and thrive in that calling.
- Opportunities for involvement include mission trips and supporting initiatives like 'The Cause,' a movement to mobilize people for global missions.
- The core message is that God loves everyone, and the church is called to go wherever God calls them, to the 'ends of the earth.'
- Individuals are encouraged to give their whole lives to Jesus and take risks in mission, as this leads to a life of purpose and impact.
This section broadens the perspective to the global impact of the church, emphasizing that every believer has a role to play in God's mission worldwide.
The Church of the Nazarene worships in 192 languages every Sunday morning, demonstrating its truly global nature.
- The session concludes by affirming that everyone matters to God, regardless of their struggles, shame, or past mistakes.
- A call is made for individuals who feel they don't matter to connect with leaders and express their disbelief, allowing for personal affirmation.
- The message of being 'good and loved' by God is central, encouraging listeners to believe in their value and God's presence.
- A benediction is offered, sending attendees out with a reminder of God's love, presence, and a call to serve and love Him.
This final segment provides crucial emotional and spiritual support, directly addressing feelings of worthlessness and reinforcing the message of divine love and acceptance.
Leaders are encouraged to hold individuals who feel they don't matter and tell them, 'You matter. You matter to me and you matter to God.'
Key takeaways
- God actively sees and engages with individuals, even amidst their deepest struggles and perceived imperfections.
- Faith is demonstrated through active participation, including generosity and service, which fuels God's work.
- Personal transformation is possible through surrendering to God's shaping power, embracing His purpose for your life.
- The Church of the Nazarene is a global community dedicated to spreading the message of Jesus and equipping believers for mission.
- Every individual has inherent value and purpose, and God's love is a constant source of hope and strength.
- Overcoming challenges, whether personal struggles or global needs, is achieved by staying connected to God and His plan.
- The act of giving, whether time, talent, or treasure, is a vital expression of faith and participation in God's kingdom.
Key terms
District SuperintendentChurch PlantingOutreachDeaf-BlindPotter and Clay MetaphorWorship, Read Bible, PrayGlobal MissionsThe Cause (Missions Movement)BenedictionTransformation
Test your understanding
- How does the 'potter and clay' metaphor illustrate God's work in an individual's life, according to Kelvin Crosby?
- What are the practical ways the Church of the Nazarene in Salt Lake City is serving its community?
- What is the significance of the offering taken during this session, and how can viewers participate?
- How does Pastor Jim Richie describe the global scope and mission of the Church of the Nazarene?
- What is the core message of affirmation provided at the end of the session, and how can it be practically applied?