{"id":262117,"date":"2023-12-18T12:00:00","date_gmt":"2023-12-18T19:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.navigators.org\/?p=262117"},"modified":"2025-01-28T14:10:00","modified_gmt":"2025-01-28T21:10:00","slug":"a-weekend-of-inspiration-at-the-2023-national-staff-gathering","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.navigators.org\/blog\/a-weekend-of-inspiration-at-the-2023-national-staff-gathering\/","title":{"rendered":"A Weekend of Inspiration at the 2023 National Staff Gathering"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Imagine this \u2014&nbsp;you\u2019re in a large room filled with people. A speaker asks everyone to pull out their phones to find a photo of someone they\u2019ve discipled or are discipling. You look around and every person in the room is holding up their devices, pictures of those they\u2019ve led to Christ showcased on their screens.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The glow of thousands of faces lights up the room, a powerful testament to the spread of the gospel from generation to generation.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-1 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-medium\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"180\" data-id=\"262115\" src=\"https:\/\/www.navigators.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/12.19.23-Article-003-300x180.jpg\" alt=\"Many Navigators staff hold up their phones, showing people who they have discipled in the past.\" class=\"wp-image-262115\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.navigators.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/12.19.23-Article-003-300x180.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.navigators.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/12.19.23-Article-003-1024x614.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.navigators.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/12.19.23-Article-003-768x461.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.navigators.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/12.19.23-Article-003.jpg 1500w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-medium\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"180\" data-id=\"262110\" src=\"https:\/\/www.navigators.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/12.19.23-Article-005-300x180.jpg\" alt=\"A team leads worship on stage at The Navigators National Staff Gathering.\" class=\"wp-image-262110\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.navigators.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/12.19.23-Article-005-300x180.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.navigators.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/12.19.23-Article-005-1024x614.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.navigators.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/12.19.23-Article-005-768x461.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.navigators.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/12.19.23-Article-005.jpg 1500w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-medium\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"180\" data-id=\"262114\" src=\"https:\/\/www.navigators.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/12.19.23-Article-002-300x180.jpg\" alt=\"Two women embrace each other and smile at the camera.\" class=\"wp-image-262114\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.navigators.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/12.19.23-Article-002-300x180.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.navigators.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/12.19.23-Article-002-1024x614.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.navigators.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/12.19.23-Article-002-768x461.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.navigators.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/12.19.23-Article-002.jpg 1500w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-medium\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"180\" data-id=\"262116\" src=\"https:\/\/www.navigators.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/12.19.23-Article-004-300x180.jpg\" alt=\"Navigators staff sit around a table at the National Staff Gathering.\" class=\"wp-image-262116\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.navigators.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/12.19.23-Article-004-300x180.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.navigators.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/12.19.23-Article-004-1024x614.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.navigators.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/12.19.23-Article-004-768x461.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.navigators.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/12.19.23-Article-004.jpg 1500w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-medium\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"180\" data-id=\"262113\" src=\"https:\/\/www.navigators.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/12.19.23-Article-001-300x180.jpg\" alt=\"A group of men sit together at The Navigators National Staff Gathering.\" class=\"wp-image-262113\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.navigators.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/12.19.23-Article-001-300x180.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.navigators.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/12.19.23-Article-001-1024x614.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.navigators.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/12.19.23-Article-001-768x461.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.navigators.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/12.19.23-Article-001.jpg 1500w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>This was one of the many special moments from The Navigators 2023 National Staff Gathering.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Last month, over 1,300 Navigator staff came together in Irving, Texas. The theme of the weekend was <em>Heartbeat: A Vital Movement of the Gospel<\/em>, focusing on <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bible.com\/bible\/59\/2TI.2.1-2\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">2 Timothy 2:1-2<\/a>: \u201cBe strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others\u201d (NIV).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The gathering held five plenary sessions, which were designed to inspire, uplift, and challenge staff attendees to continue the work to which they\u2019ve been called. Staff heard insights on the Lord\u2019s vision for grace, necessary aspects of prayer, and how He works through each and every one of us to reach the nations and spread His mission.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Staff members also enjoyed times of fun and laughter, along with encouraging ministry stories from new and old friends, breakouts to equip and multiply disciplemakers, precious times of prayer and worship, and motivational messages from fellow Navigators and international leaders.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For many, the National Staff Gathering was a reminder of why they became Navigators \u2014 to be a part of a vital movement of the gospel by connecting, resourcing, and developing everyday disciplemakers.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Though this conference looked back over the past four years since our last National Staff Gathering, we also took time to look forward to the work that is ahead of us as a ministry. You can partner with us as we continue this work for years to come!&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Pray that the Lord works through The Navigators to reach the unreached and create new disciplemakers. Come alongside us to spread the gospel and disciple those in your circles, from family members to coworkers to neighbors and beyond.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Whether you serve on staff or through your everyday life, we are excited to see how the Lord moves through this next season of ministry!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cYou are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.\u201d <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bible.com\/bible\/59\/MAT.5.14-16\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Matthew 5:14-16<\/a> (NIV).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-discipleship-tip\">Discipleship Tip:&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Pull out your phone and find a photo of someone you\u2019re discipling or have discipled. Pray for that person and reach out to offer them encouragement.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group ticss-63dda377 has-cool-gray-background-color has-background\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\" id=\"h-3-ways-to-help-someone-grow-spiritually\"><strong><strong>3 Ways To Help Someone Grow Spiritually<\/strong><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-left\">Would you like to invite someone to follow Jesus with you, but aren\u2019t quite sure where to begin? Depending on where they are on their faith journey, here are three ways you can encourage someone in their faith. Click the link below to download your copy of \u201c3 Ways To Help Someone Grow Spiritually\u201d resource and be encouraged and equipped to take your next step as a disciplemaker.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:100%\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons alignwide is-horizontal is-content-justification-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-buttons-is-layout-499968f5 wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-white-color has-orange-background-color has-text-color has-background wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.navigators.org\/resource\/3-ways-to-help-someone-grow-spiritually\/?sf_ac=w07\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">DOWNLOAD NOW<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Last month, Navigator staff came together in Texas for the National Staff Gathering where they enjoyed times of laughter, along with encouraging ministry stories, worship, and more.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":262112,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_helpful_pro_status":0,"_relevanssi_hide_post":"","_relevanssi_hide_content":"","_relevanssi_pin_for_all":"","_relevanssi_pin_keywords":"","_relevanssi_unpin_keywords":"","_relevanssi_related_keywords":"","_relevanssi_related_include_ids":"","_relevanssi_related_exclude_ids":"","_relevanssi_related_no_append":"","_relevanssi_related_not_related":"","_relevanssi_related_posts":"","_relevanssi_noindex_reason":"","inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[6337],"tags":[1483],"mission":[71,70,69,13002,13003,68,150,10349,59,57,66,1060,65,1061,56,13004,62,61,13005,63,67,64,58,72],"topic":[44],"class_list":["post-262117","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-ministry-impact-stories","tag-disciple","mission-eagle-lake-camps","mission-glen-eyrie","mission-navigators-20s","mission-navigators-african-american-network","mission-navigators-asian-american-network","mission-navigators-church-ministries","mission-navigators-collegiate","mission-navigators-disciplemakers-for-life","mission-navigators-discipling-for-development","mission-navigators-edge-corps","mission-navigators-encore","mission-navigators-first-responder","mission-navigators-i-58","mission-navigators-iedge","mission-navigators-international-student-ministry","mission-navigators-lavida-network","mission-navigators-military","mission-navigators-nations-within","mission-navigators-native-nations-network","mission-navigators-neighbors","mission-navigators-via-affirmativa","mission-navigators-workplace","mission-navigators-world-missions","mission-navpress","topic-discipleship"],"featured_image_src":"https:\/\/www.navigators.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/12.19.23-Resource-Web.jpg","author_info":{"display_name":"The Navigators","author_link":"https:\/\/www.navigators.org\/staff\/thenavigators\/"},"acf":[],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.navigators.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/262117","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.navigators.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.navigators.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.navigators.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.navigators.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=262117"}],"version-history":[{"count":8,"href":"https:\/\/www.navigators.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/262117\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":265636,"href":"https:\/\/www.navigators.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/262117\/revisions\/265636"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.navigators.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/262112"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.navigators.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=262117"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.navigators.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=262117"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.navigators.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=262117"},{"taxonomy":"mission","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.navigators.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/mission?post=262117"},{"taxonomy":"topic","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.navigators.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/topic?post=262117"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}