speaking

And Out of Season

21 Feb ’12 By Christopher Hopper 14 Comments

Sunday morning I did a very bad thing.

It was the final keynote address to the teens gathered at the Watson conference and I introduced Pastor Joseph Gilchrist as the speaker.

Why is that so bad?

Because he found out he was speaking as I introduced him.

While Joseph is a dear friend and brother in the Lord, he’s also someone I mentor. And as such putting him in safe but precarious situations is part of my job.

There is no teacher like experience.

We can prepare, practice, and plan all we want, but we as humans learn things faster and more deeply in moments of real-world, first-time pressure than we do in any classroom.

God understands this too. That’s why we normally don’t get a heads up when testing comes. It simply arrives. And how we respond under pressure is who we really are. (Thanks to Joseph’s dad, Pastor Kirk Gilchrist, for burning that one into my head).

God is after our authentic response and our genuine growth. He’s not into the superficial, the temporary, or the transient. He wants long-term development enough that he’s willing to risk short-term setbacks.

So how did Joseph handle it? After a minute of humorous shock – which he played very well – and a brief moment of strategizing, he pulled it off in style and shared a powerful message on one of his trademark themes “Going Public” for Jesus. Everyone was inspired and challenged to resist the fleshly urge to remain selfish with the Gospel.

I’m very proud of him and believe he’ll make a better Youth Pastor than I ever was.

Be on your guard, you’re probably “out of season” (2 Timothy 4:2) in some area that’s about to get called on. ch:

Filed Under: leadership, speaking Tagged With: evangelism, going public, Joseph Gilchrist, preparedness, seasons, spontaneous, tests, Watson Homestead

Expanding Our Dialog

17 Feb ’12 By Christopher Hopper 2 Comments

Last night was more than just a good opportunity to serve a wonderful youth ministry in a sister city; I love me some BCY in Syracuse.

It was a great opportunity to keep the ball rolling.

I see bold youth ministries across the country stepping up to the plate of addressing the topics of sex, homo-and-trans-sexuality, and marriage, like never before.

If your ministry isn’t, it must.

The conversation has already started. If you’re not talking to a teen about these subjects, you can guarantee someone else is.

And if anyone should, shouldn’t it be Christians who are directly connected to the Inventor of sex and marriage in the first place?

I love just how much God has to say about the subject, and I’ve made my notes available as a free PDF download in yesterday’s post. Communicating truth that’s utterly, painstakingly drenched in a long-term demonstration of love is essential toward rescuing broken, disenfranchised teens and restoring their identity.

I also have some guest bloggers coming up that I believe will be incredibly poignant.

When we do things God’s way, we always get the best results.

Keep talking; keep learning. ch:

Filed Under: culture, leadership, speaking Tagged With: BCY, homosexuality, marriage, notes, PDF, sex, syracuse, transsexual

Sex

16 Feb ’12 By Christopher Hopper 7 Comments

As per my promise to the students of Believer Chapel Youth (BCY), I’ve made my notes on tonight’s message on “Sex: What They Don’t Tell You” available as a free PDF. My prayer is the information within strengthen’s your resolve to honor and guard God’s desires for your body, and fuels your passion to live as an example for a generation that needs rescuing. ch:

Download Free PDF: “Sex”

Filed Under: leadership, speaking Tagged With: BCY, believer's chapel, integrity, messages, purity, sermons, sex, teaching

Strength is Often a Who

10 Feb ’12 By Christopher Hopper 14 Comments

Jennifer and I had our final night of ministry here in Switzerland last night. I walked into it knowing my body was failing, and I’d have no voice by the end, so I asked Jenny to be prepared.

The band played amazingly well, and this was the most I’ve seen the Swiss dance yet! But sure enough, my fever, cough, and soar throat took their toll, so by the time I finished our 1.5-hour set, I could barely speak. I managed to squeak out a few lines for the expected message, and then passed the mic to Jennifer.

What followed was about 20-minutes of profound encouragement on the pursuit of intimacy with God and being more concerned with his heart than the condition of our own. You had to be dead not to be moved.

Like Paul, I’m slowly learning:

That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong. [2 Cor. 12:10]

Sometimes the strength we’re looking for is the gift found in other people afforded only when we step aside.

Continued prayers are greatly appreciated as we fly for Madrid, Spain this morning. This is the first trip in years that Jennifer is at 100%, and Levi is rocking Europe like a champ. I, however, am far from being on top of my game.

Thanks for all your encouragement and prayer. You are the best readers ever. ch:

Filed Under: leadership, speaking, video Tagged With: band, corinthians, Jennifer, preaching, strength, switzerland, sylvain freymond, teaching, weakness, yverdon

Local Schools and CiCi’s Pizza Play Host to National Authors

30 Nov ’11 By Christopher Hopper 6 Comments

Local Schools and CiCi’s Pizza Play Host to National Authors

By Kristen Japowicz – Wednesday, November 30, 2011

WATERTOWN, NY – Young Adult Fiction authors Christopher & Allan Miller, as well as local author and entrepreneur Christopher Hopper, will be dining with fans of their nationally published book series for two nights at CiCi’s Pizza in the Stateway Plaza, Thursday December 8th and Friday December 9th from 6pm to close.

The evenings are a part of their publisher’s “Discover the Adventure of Reading and Writing Tour,” which includes appearances at local Jefferson County schools, including Indian River, Wiley, and South Jeff, as well as some live radio interviews.

“Visiting schools and meeting students who have read our books is one of the hidden treasures of being a writer,” says Spearhead Book’s co-founder Christopher Miller. “When you see the light go on in the student’s imagination, that’s the best feeling of all.”

“We wanted to take this experience beyond the class room, too,” says Hopper, speaking of the evening activities at his restaurant on Arsenal Street. “Hosting these nights at CiCi’s is a great way to connect with families and have fun.”

More than just pizza will be for sale at CiCi’s, too; the author’s books, including The Miller Brothers’ new Mech Mice series, Code Bearers series, and Hopper’s newly published trilogy, The White Lion Chronicles, will be available for purchase.

“I’m really stoked about this,” says CiCi’s General Manager Shane Marolf. “I think it’s going to leave a very positive impact with a lot of families.”

For more information on the tour itinerary visit www.christopherhopper.com/date or log on to www.spearheadbooks.com for more details.

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Purchase Christopher’s new trilogy here!

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ITINERARY:

December 8th

Spearhead Books’ Discover the Adventure of Reading and Writing Tour

-8:15am-8:30am on-air with Johnny Spezzano The Border

-9:00am-11:00am Wiley Middle School Workshops

-12:20pm-2:00pm Indian River Middle School Workshop

-5:00pm-6:00pm on-air with Glenn Curry AM 1240

-6:00pm-11:00pm CiCi’s Pizza “Dinner With The Authors”

December 9th

Spearhead Books’ Discover the Adventure of Reading and Writing Tour

-9:00am-12:00pm South Jefferson School Workshops

-6:00pm-11:00pm CiCi’s Pizza “Dinner With The Authors”

Filed Under: books, news, reading, speaking, travel Tagged With: Allan Miller, Christopher Miller, spearhead books, touring

Cornerstone Church

13 Nov ’11 By Christopher Hopper 4 Comments

Just a simple, loving, and very grateful shout-out to our new family at Cornerstone Church in East Longmeadow, MA. Dr. Tim and Debbie Moore, and all their amazing staff, went above and beyond the definition of hospitable.

Saturday evening’s service with Youth Impact was as powerful as it was memorable: who will ever forget Dillon plowing me over for his tissue box? Contend for you faith!

And this morning both jennifer and I felt overwhelmed by the congregation’s love and appreciation for our ministry in music and the teaching of the Word.

We look forward to a return visit. Much love and appreciation to you all. ch:

Filed Under: #heavenmeetsearth, live, music, news, speaking, worship Tagged With: cornerstone church, Dr. Tim Moore, east longmeadow MA, on tour, teaching, worship

Clearly Clarens

28 Oct ’11 By Christopher Hopper 6 Comments

After a short drive around Lake Geneva to the mountain-ensconced, lake adorned village Villeneuve, Joseph and I were treated to a long-overdue kebab. Following a walk along the lake, we headed back to our host home where a nap ensued (Joseph’s longer than mine as he didn’t sleep on the plane).

We traveled through Montreux – host of one of the world’s premier jazz festivals – who’s Palace Hotel is pictured above, and loaded in to La Chapelle de Clarens. To my wonderful surprise, the venue had arranged for Rolf Schnieder and Stephane Unger to be part of my backup band, both of whom were instrumental in the recording of our album into French (and are fine musicians and dear friends). Special thanks to Yves and Stephan for adding their considerable talents to the music of the evening.

After a 2-hour practice, Swiss pizza for dinner, and a time of prayer with the pastoral team, it was time to worship.

The church was packed out as people journeyed up to an hour away, which is long for the Swiss, almost halfway across their country. By the third song, we moved all the chairs out, and the dancing began. Granted, I sweat through every shirt I ever wear on stage, but you know things are hopping when it’s drenched by the end of the fourth song.

When we were all exhausted, I shared a 20-minute message of encouragement on the affects of reaching just one person, as Jesus demonstrated in Mark 5. While we long for thousands in our regions to know Christ, it’s often our responsibility with effecting one life that opens perpetual doors for others to walk through.

Upon arriving back at our host home, in typical Swiss fashion, the real eating and drinking began. Julien – a 13 year old chef extraordinaire – presented us with not one but two plates of sushi, and the father of the home, Fredo, brought out a 1988 Pinot Noir from their region in our honor.

We got to bed somewhere after 1am.

Today Joseph and I are heading to Geneva to meet up with the team we’ll be ministering with through the weekend’s youth conference. ch:

Filed Under: #heavenmeetsearth, culture, music, pictures, speaking, travel, worship Tagged With: clarens, Le Chapelle de Clarens, Montreux, sushi, Velleneuve

It’s About the People

13 Oct ’11 By Christopher Hopper 4 Comments

People last forever.

Their eternal value, and location, were and still are of upmost importance to Jesus. Thus His irrefutable actions to ensure their redemption, if they so desire it.

With each passing year, this emphasis on the pricelessly incomparable worth of people promotes itself in my understanding.

It’s never about the places we travel, but the people we travel to.

It’s never about the weather we’re in, but the people in the weather.

Nor is it about the economies, languages, styles, or foods. While all noteworthy in their own way, such novelties are mere shadows of the more important form.

People.

The weight and sadness I feel of saying goodbye to people I’ve known less then 72 hours is, at times, overwhelming. And beautiful. I understand more of Jesus’ groaning, Paul’s longing, and John’s heartache.

As I snapped this picture of Alexis, one of my exuberant little YWAM students, sending a letter on to Jenny via my backpack, I was reminded again of the reason I left my family for a few days this week.

Where Alexis spends eternity matters, as do those she’s being equipped to serve with the rest if her life.

Because people are the only thing you can bring with you.

Thank you YWAM Charlotte. I love you all. ch:

Filed Under: #heavenmeetsearth, culture, speaking, travel Tagged With: alexis, Family, Jenny, letters, love, memories, people, travel

Releasing the Lion

12 Oct ’11 By Christopher Hopper 2 Comments

A Post from YWAM Charlotte DTS

Unplanned, uncoordinated times of prolonged worship are like un-caging a lion: you’re not sure if it’s going to run free, or if it’s going to eat you alive.

Which is why we do our best as leaders to plan.

And that’s not a bad thing. We prepare because people are fickle, emotions are lethal, and often times those that think they are sensitive to the Holy Spirit aren’t. The last thing we want to do is abuse anyone’s time, including God’s with us.

But the risk can be worth it.

When a soaking session is done right, well, you never forget it. Because you get transformed.

Last night, it was clear from the beginning we were in for something awesome. The host church ended up double booking our first room. So we moved.

Ten minutes in to our second location, we were informed it was also double booked. So we moved again.

But it was a great object lesson on Watchman Nee’s predication that Christians are not changed by their environments; Christians change their environments. (Latent Power of the Soul).

From hymns to spiritual songs to lead prayer to words of knowledge, it was a remarkably rich time in the presence of our Father.

Toward the end I felt lead to sing Song of Songs 2:10-14 over the students, as it’s evident the Lord has been wooing them nearer and nearer. As soon as I was done, the Holy Spirit gave me a very simple song for them:

Take me away
Take me away
Take me away
I want to be where you are

I will go anywhere you ask me
I will go anywhere you ask me
I will go anywhere you ask me
If you’re by my side

Teary eyed and full, we emerged from the old choir room they stuck us in, knowing we had been with God. ch:

Filed Under: #heavenmeetsearth, culture, leadership, music, speaking, travel, worship Tagged With: A Post from YWAM Charlotte DTS, Charlotte, NC, prophetic, songs, Watchman Née, worship, YWAM

The Father’s Love

11 Oct ’11 By Christopher Hopper 6 Comments

A Post from YWAM Charlotte DTS

For anyone in the Christian communication world, if you ever get asked to present to the Discipleship Training School at the YWAM Base in Charlotte, NC, then you’ve arrived. Their hospitality is over the top, their staff is some of the best trained anywhere in the world, and their vision – social justice with an emphasis on orphans and the fallout of sex trafficking - is awe-inspiring.

Which means the brand of person they attract is equally impressionable.

I’m truly honored to have a voice among them, and I hope my words serve their futures in God effectively.

While most of what I shared today centered around my life’s story, as well as that of my wife’s, contained within it was the theme of divine love, namely, that of our Father.

As I was meditating on the Word last night, I made the following notes in my journal:

“The greatest source of comfort in this life comes from the sound and accepted determination and resolution that God the Father is always good, only good, and knows nothing else but good. While such a position may not appear to answer the impetuses of world happenings – whether of natural disaster or human depravity – it does rectify what God’s motives are not.

“If He and His goodness are the standard, then everything else must fall in line with His unshifting value, not challenge it. God is not the unknown integer being forced to equal a logical sum, held hostage by the unmoving assertions of human opinion; rather, He is the immovable power who makes all other questions subject to the gravity of his unbending goodness.

“If He alone is the embodiment of goodness, the working of evil is not, nor ever could be, His own, but is the fruit of human choice, allowed because He refused to control and manipulate the decisions and consequences of one person simply to protect the welfare of another.”

Tonight I will play over them (hopefully with a big piano) for a few hours in a “soaking” session the staff have scheduled, and look forward to seeing God add to what He started this morning. ch:

Filed Under: culture, leadership, speaking, travel Tagged With: A Post from YWAM Charlotte DTS, Charlotte, DTS, ministry, Monroe, NC, schools, the Father's heart, theology, training, YWAM

Reflection – Understanding Godly Love

6 Oct ’11 By Christopher Hopper 11 Comments

Here are my notes from last night’s message on week 1 of our Translucent Series at 33 Live:

DOWNLOAD PDF: Reflection – Understanding Godly Love

I’ve gotten quite a number of responses about the message – from young and old alike – on the idea of God not manipulating or controlling the choices and outcomes of a person’s decisions as real love. Heavy stuff, but needed in an age where we acuse God of that which He’s innocent of, and withhold credit for that which He’s due. ch:

Filed Under: culture, heavenmeetsearth, leadership, news, speaking Tagged With: 33 live, crisis, Godly love, messages, notes, reflection, sermons, sin, the fall of man, Translucent Series, why do bad things happen to good people

Sunday Recap in Manchester

1 Aug ’11 By Christopher Hopper 6 Comments

Not unlike being at either New Life or The Father’s House – CHB’s home churches – we had a 6am wake-up call and a 7am sound check at Church of the Living God. My voice definitely didn’t work right for the 8am version of “Rain Down” in D, but we managed. Our set for all 3 services included “Nothing Is Impossible,” “You Alone,” Nate Cronk’s “Jesus You Are,” “Revelation Song,” and a 2001 resurrection of “I Believe” which we’ve added back into our rotation.

As a group, CHB has never sounded so good. I continue to be so proud of my team, their hearts for Jesus and others, their dedication to the craft of fine music-making, and their hunger to affect society through committing their lives to service within the Kingdom. I count serving with them among my life’s greatest privileges.

One of the weekend’s fun surprises was finding out Pastor Josh Finley from Elim Gospel Church in Lima, NY was the guest speaker. It was a NY invasion of Connecticut! He brought a powerful message on the significance of the individual within the Kingdom. I was really blessed, and took notes all 3 times I heard it.

We headed to Ted’s Montana Grill for a post-church lunch of bison burgers, then said our goodbyes as the band headed back to NY. Because our individual ministry lives are so busy, our music trips are often the only times we get to see some of our very best friends; hard goodbyes are the marks of those who live life selflessly.

[Michelle "Merch Queen" Cronk and Jenny pose for a picture].

[Becca and Jenny part ways].

Jenny and I grabbed a nap, then I worked on my notes for Merge Ahead – CLG’s amazing youth ministry service every Sunday night. My message “Living as Lions” was drawn from Paul’s conversation with the church leaders of Ephesus in Acts 20:17-28 in which he charges them to walk in wisdom, generosity, and boldness. “We are lions!” #ROAR

[Photo by: Randall Martins | @randymartins]

[Bottom photo by: Randall Martins | @randymartins]

Pastor Eric Peoples and his wife Melissa took us out for dinner at a great Mexican place, and then we crashed back at Mike & Iris Kim’s house (where Jenny and Iris did some sort of facial mask that made them look like the girls friends of Jigsaw and Hannibal Lechter. Pretty weird).

Today we drive home to tribe (and relieve the babysitters).

Thanks to all those who came out on Friday and Sunday to worship with us; you made it one of our most memorable weekends ever. ch:

Filed Under: live, music, pictures, speaking, travel, worship Tagged With: CHB, CLG, connecticut, Manchester