Session 2 of the 2008 Unleash Conference was probably one of the best messages I have ever heard from Perry. Last years closing session was close, but I think this one topped it. I didn’t take too many notes, as I was fully engaged in what he was saying, plus Shane and Hank and I were all agreeing every time Perry said something. I did find out however, that Perry used to come to Augusta a lot to meet his now wife for dinner on the weekends when she was studying at the MCG hospital. I knew Perry didn’t get all of his anointing from Anderson, SC, but God used my hometown of Augusta, GA to help!

Session 2:
Perry used an example of Moses from Exodus 4:1-7

•  Main Thought: Encouragement to Senior Pastors with a challenge to their staff

5 Things Senior Pastors MUST Do:

1. Deal with your pride & insecurities – (This is good for any pastor) (Vs. 1) One of the most dangerous things for a pastor can be success, many people let a little bit of success make them prideful. – YET, God accomplished a lot through a Donkey, we should not forget this!
In verse 1 Moses dealt with his insecurities (“What If”) – Pastor are you a Prophet of God or a Prostitute of your church? If God puts something on your heart to say, then say it…don’t say what you feel will be acceptable to the congregation!
(1 Corinthians 1:26-31) To help overcome insecurities we must go back to where God called us. God doesn’t change his mind. – Pastors did not sign up or volunteer for this, God called them.

2. Use Your Staff – (Vs. 2) (Perry used the illustration of Moses literal staff to paint a picture of a church staff – Brilliant!) God gave Moses his staff so he could lean on it, he did not give the staff Moses, so the staff could lean on him. Staff should stand with their pastor, get his back. Pastors should take care of their staff, their personal needs, financial needs (Pay your staff what it would cost to replace them, not the bargain you think you got them at), and make sure they don’t allow the ministry to come before their homes! (I wish I would have had that kind of pastor when I was full time – oh well)  (Hebrews 13:17)

3.  Take God Directed Risks (Vs. 3) Many pastors run from God directed risks versus embracing them.
(Vs. 4) God wanted Moses to take a risk, one where if God did not intervene, he would get bit (He told Moses to pick the snake up by the tail) – God wants pastors to take         risks where if God does not come through it will be a total failure.

4. Understand at times its going to hurt (Vs. 6) – Criticism, Dealing with People’s hurts and Problems, Pressure, Stress, Worry, People taking advantage of you, etc.

5. Follow God’s Leadership (Vs. 7)

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