The Association of Related Churches recently held their conference in Birmingham, Alabama. Here are some powerful quotes from their gathering:

When we forget about people who are hurting, we reject Jesus. -Rick Bezet

Don’t allow your work, even your work for the the church, to come between you and your relationship with Christ. Keep the Lord first. -Rick Bezet

Your only job is to help your players play better. -Tony Dungy

Don’t look at your circumstances. Look at what God is trying to do through your circumstances. -Tony Dungy

We have to get the message of the Gospel out using whatever platform we have. -Tony Dungy

God is attracted to honesty in us, not perfection. -Chris Hodges

Respond well to correction. Own it, move on. Leaders make adjustments, not excuses. -Chris Hodges

Give people Jesus, not gimmicks. -Chris Hodges

You cannot maintain momentum without pastoring and developing people, and that can’t be done from the stage. -Chris Hodges

Someone else’s eternity hangs in the balance of your obedience. -Dave Sumrall

There is usually a grain of truth to every criticism. As a leader we must listen. -Shawn Lovejoy

The difference between where you are and where God wants you to be is the pain you’re unwilling to embrace. -Dr. Brian Carroll

The man who is to big to do little things is to little to do big things. -Jentezen Franklin

28 seasons are mentioned in Ecclesiastes, but not one of them is the season to quit! -Jentezen Franklin

Two four letter words that will bring success in ministry: work and stay. -Jentezen Franklin

A prostitute and a virgin were equally comfortable in the presence of Jesus. Neither one felt judged. -Jentezen Franklin

Don’t minimize where God has you. Make it great. -Jentezen Franklin

Why can’t the Body of Christ unite? You never hear of 50 demons breaking off & starting their own hell! It takes more prayer to unite the church than it does to bring the dead to life. -Jentezen Franklin

The biggest problem in a marriage problem is a lack of honor. Honor is the language of heaven. -Phillip Wagner

It is not dishonor to disagree. It’s how we disagree that honors. -Daniel Floyd

Stay close to Jesus and today’s tragedies will become tomorrow’s triumphs. You can’t see what He sees. -Carolyn Haas

What we think is vision is actually a fantasy if we don’t have steps to make that come to pass. -Stephen Chandler

Be secure so you don’t have to hold to positions. Then you’re free to be moved where you’re needed. -Layne Schranz