The Conference High = When Students and Leaders, go to a conference just to be refueled for the year/season with no true intentions of living Godly or when the amazing work that God did in one’s life during the Conference wears off soon afterwards because they didn’t nurture the life change.

This mentality or state of being is so dangerous as it leaves you wounded, frail and numb. If we are honest with ourselves we would realized that at one point or another we too have had the “conference high.” Anytime there is a Godly life change, whether at a regular church service, conference/camp, or on the metro bus… we must nurture and steward the change. This does not mean we are in control of the Holy Spirit and how He moves, but it does allows us to take responsibility for how we will respond to the life change. Often times, youth pastors are unaware of how to help students nurture this amazing life change. So when the student gets back into the reality of life, with friends they hung with before they are tempted to go back to the old way of living and for most, this temptation becomes the very thing they fall for. Here are some simple steps to not be wounded by the “Conference High”, these steps are so easy that the Youth Pastor can simply apply them in their leadership/volunteer training. Ready, Set, Go:

1. Recognize the moment – Understand what just took place in your life… Salvation, Baptism of Holy Spirit, Water Baptism, etc… If we can’t recognize and understand what just happen, then how are we expected to nurture this moment. It’s okay to not fully understand everything, but you should have the basics of what just happen. Recognize the moment, then seize that same moment.

2. Find Refuge – Get with an accountability partner who is either a leader or a honest friend (older, same-sex) who was there at the camp. It is vital that this person was there at the conference or who is a trusted leader. This will save you a lot of headaches, as you are dealing with someone who understand the life & heart change that is taken place in your life. Submit to this accountable partner and let your heart “bleed” about all that God has done, is doing and will do. Be sure to allow time for prayer and praise. Meet regularly. Begin to distant yourself from that old living (friends, hangout spots, activities, etc.)

3. Surrender the the Leadership of the Holy Spirit – Simple enough but often a critical step we miss. He, the Holy Spirit is the one who has begun the work and change in your life… So it will be wise to allow him the freedom to move in your life. He knows exactly what you need and when you need it. This life- change is a process that will not end until Jesus’ return. Philippians 1:6 states, “And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.” Surrendering is a sign of devotion and love. He is there to Comfort you, Counsel you, and to Convict you.

4. Run Tell That – Run tell all that just happen to you… John 4 gives us a perfect picture of how Jesus justifies and gives heart change to a women at the well and the very next thing she did was to run and tell everyone who would listen. The Bible even records that she left the very thing she was at the well for… Water! More times than not, we forget this important step, but it’s a crucial step of faith to actually “Go and Tell it on the Mountain.” Your testimony is so needed. A good friend of mine, Pastor Jordan Sharrett recently said “Our greatest regrets in life will be the moments we didn’t share the Gospel, that changed us!” What’s your story of change and who can benefit from your story of change?

Corey Gibson is a lover of Jesus, a youth&young adults speaker, leader of leaders, dreamer, creative guy and friend. He also is devoted to sparking an awakening & revival in this generation. He has a passion to see young people (20somethings and teenagers) completely ravished by Jesus Christ. You can find him writing for his blog iAMtransparent.tv or socializing on twitter – @meCoreyG