TITLE: Empty, Yet Available (Main Session)
DESCRIPTION: Ed Newton’s message is a heartfelt call to weary ministry leaders to keep going in the power of the Holy Spirit. He begins by honoring his former youth pastor, David Flatt, thanking him for seeing potential in him as a teenager and reminding the audience that their investment in students matters more than they may realize. From there, Newton speaks candidly about his own battle with depression, anxiety, and despair in late 2023, sharing how God met him through counseling, recovery, and the support of his wife. He explains that much of his struggle was rooted in rejection and the pressure to prove himself, but he learned instead to live from God’s acceptance rather than for people’s approval. Preaching from 2 Kings 4, he uses the widow’s jar of oil to show that God often works through what seems small and insufficient. He urges leaders to see themselves as empty vessels that must be surrendered and filled by the Holy Spirit, rather than relying merely on strategy, systems, or performance. His central challenge is for believers to empty themselves of pride, discouragement, and distractions so the Spirit can flow freely through them. He closes with a strong invitation to renewal, repentance, and obedience, calling listeners to seek a fresh work of God in private prayer and public ministry.
LEADER: Ed Newton, Pastor, Community Bible Church, San Antonio, TX
This podcast brings you the very best of Conclave—breakout sessions, main-stage talks, and practical training content straight from our annual gathering in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Each year, youth pastors, ministry volunteers, and leaders from across Southern Baptist cooperating states gather for three powerful days of encouragement, equipping, and sharpening as we focus on reaching the next generation for Christ. Now, you don’t have to wait until the next event to benefit from that experience. Through this podcast, you’ll hear trusted voices from youth ministry sharing biblical insight, practical tools, and real-world encouragement to help you lead students, week in and week out. Whether you’re a seasoned youth pastor or a faithful volunteer, these episodes are designed to strengthen your leadership, renew your calling, and sharpen your ministry. Want to learn more about Conclave or join us in person? Visit ymconclave.org to find out more about the next gathering.
Thanks for listening—and welcome to the Conclave Youth Ministry Podcast.
You can find out more information about Conclave here:
https://ymconclave.org/What is Conclave Youth Ministry Podcast?
This podcast brings you the very best of Conclave—breakout sessions, main-stage talks, and practical training content straight from our annual gathering in Chattanooga, Tennessee.
Each year, youth pastors, ministry volunteers, and leaders from across Southern Baptist cooperating states gather for three powerful days of encouragement, equipping, and sharpening as we focus on reaching the next generation for Christ. Now, you don’t have to wait until the next event to benefit from that experience.
Through this podcast, you’ll hear trusted voices from youth ministry sharing biblical insight, practical tools, and real-world encouragement to help you lead students week in and week out. Whether you’re a seasoned youth pastor or a faithful volunteer, these episodes are designed to strengthen your leadership, renew your calling, and sharpen your ministry.
Want to learn more about Conclave or join us in person? Visit ymconclave.org to find out more about the next gathering.
Thanks for listening—and welcome to the Conclave Youth Ministry Podcast.