Jonathan Suber

Barnabas Blog #5

The purpose of the Barnabas Blog is two fold.It attempts to celebrate those in Christian ministry that are accomplishing things for the Kingdom that I can only stand from afar and admire. To cheer on those who may hear the noise of caution and critics more than those of us they are leading and challenging.
It is also an avenue I will attempt to introduce those that are younger than me who are emerging as amazing examples of humanity being confirmed in His image. There are so many gifted young world changers emerging who need a shoulder to stand on and an encouraging word in a hostile Babylonian styled society.

I met one of these young leaders several years ago and have watched her grow from a young girl with some of the cutest freckles and mischievous eyes ever, to an amazing young revolutionary. Mandi Briggs is one of the new breed! Totally sold out to the mission of Jesus Christ and his Church… She has been raised by amazing parents and been reared in ministry her entire life , yet the unique anointing that separates her assures me this is not a girl “Momma called” nor “Daddy sent”, but a sold out vessel of honor to be filled with Holy Anointing Oil.

I realize even in our modern world being a girl in ministry still has challenges from culture, religion and tradition. But I am so grateful there are young women like Mandi who are willing to reject the pressure to confirm to societal norms and march to the beat of the Galilean drummer!

Missions, media, worship… Ministry! These are her passions as she pursues excellence in each assisting her Mom and Dad as Sr Leaders of Riverpark Church in Shreveport,La. as Riverpark’s Intern Director.

You go girl, we’re rooting for ya!!!

The Barnabas Blog #4

A few weeks ago I travelled to Houston for a weekend with Church of Champions, one of my favorite church families.
I was reminded of the blog I’ve been working on and realized I had been in the company of 2 of the most gifted ministries I’ve ever been privileged to be around.
The first experience was with “the 429” in Houston sponsored by Grace Church led by the inimitable Jeremy Foster. I was completely blown away by the anointed worship, spirit of excellence and joy of The Lord upon so many young adults who worshipped till after 11pm on a Sat pm.
The 429 is an amazing example of the appetite of this generation for the Gospel of Jesus Christ preached and presented in their language and culture.
Jeremy preached an amazing word on prayer and the Holy Ghost “after-party” was intense and refreshing. Even for an old guy like me it was like a drink of water at the end of a long, hot day. I was patched for a fresh experience from The Lord and received it at The 429!
I have committed to pray for Jeremy and his beautiful family every day. They are an amazing example of strong, spiritual leaders founded strong in the Word and full of the Holy Ghost yet relevant and and attractional to the inquisitive seekers that are searching for a real expression of Christ an His Church.

Then on Sunday I was once again impacted by the leadership and ministry of my dear friend Dr. W.E. Hutchins. Wendell Hutchins is honestly one if the most intelligent men I have ever met and has such a passion for the renewal of the true New Testament Church.
The Church of Champions is a testimony to the intellectualism, pursuit of excellence and passion for people embodied by my friend. In only 20 years he and his amazing wife have built a true testimony of Gods Grace by assembling broken, hurting people who’s lives have been put together again by the Holy Spirit.

Two totally different ministry styles, 2 different generations and a completely different culture of praise and worship, yet the same heart for people and passion for the lost, broken and rejected to come to know Jesus.
I watched these two friends in each others environments and observed their celebration of each other while remaining true to their individual callings and mission fields.

I have taught for years that each leader needs 3 tier of friends; a Paul, a Barnabas and a Timothy. I have no desire to be anything other than a Barnabas but I believe that in Wendell and in Jeremy I have met modern day leaders who are changing their culture for the cause of Jesus Christ.

I celebrate their Giftings, Callings and Passion for the Kingdom.
I hope when I grow up that I can be more like them! Lol

Jonathan Suber: A New You?

The Barnabas Blog #4

A few weeks ago I traveled to Houston for a weekend with Church of Champions, one of my favorite church families. I was reminded of the blog I’ve been working on and realized I had been in the company of 2 of the most gifted ministries I’ve ever been privileged to be around. The first experience was with “the 429” in Houston sponsored by Grace Church led by the inimitable Jeremy Foster. I was completely blown away by the anointed worship, spirit of excellence and joy of The Lord upon so many young adults who worshipped till after 11pm on a Sat pm. The 429 is an amazing example of the appetite of this generation for the Gospel of Jesus Christ preached and presented in their language and culture. Jeremy preached an amazing word on prayer and the Holy Ghost “after-party” was intense and refreshing. Even for an old guy like me it was like a drink of water at the end of a long, hot day. I was patched for a fresh experience from The Lord and received it at The 429! I have committed to pray for Jeremy and his beautiful family every day. They are an amazing example of strong, spiritual leaders founded strong in the Word and full of the Holy Ghost yet relevant and and attractional to the inquisitive seekers that are searching for a real expression of Christ an His Church. Then on Sunday I was once again impacted by the leadership and ministry of my dear friend Dr. W.E. Hutchins. Wendell Hutchins is honestly one if the most intelligent men I have ever met and has such a passion for the renewal of the true New Testament Church. The Church of Champions is a testimony to the intellectualism, pursuit of excellence and passion for people embodied by my friend. In only 20 years he and his amazing wife have built a true testimony of Gods Grace by assembling broken, hurting people who’s lives have been put together again by the Holy Spirit. Two totally different ministry styles, 2 different generations and a completely different culture of praise and worship, yet the same heart for people and passion for the lost, broken and rejected to come to know Jesus. I watched these two friends in each others environments and observed their celebration of each other while remaining true to their individual callings and mission fields. I have taught for years that each leader needs 3 tier of friends; a Paul, a Barnabas and a Timothy. I have no desire to be anything other than a Barnabas but I believe that in Wendell and in Jeremy I have met modern day leaders who are changing their culture for the cause of Jesus Christ. I celebrate their Giftings, Callings and Passion for the Kingdom. I hope when I grow up that I can be more like them! Lol

The Barnabas Blog #3

Well here we go…
The last 2 entries have been about the concept of loving,supporting and being an unconditional encourager to those God has placed in my life. Today we actually start putting the idea into action…
6 years ago I moved into Austin,Tx. a weary road warrior with a family of 5 needing some help with travels, scheduling,product and ministry material marketing. The very same week, another young man moved to Austin and PromiseLand Church with a heart to study for ministry.
As I was unpacking books to go into my new office this young, skinny kid walks up and asked could he help. The moment I shook his hand I knew our lives were connected and that there was something very special about the guy! I immediately asked our pastor if this young man could be my ministry intern…one of the best investments of my life.
If you haven’t guessed by now, the guys name is Lyle B Phillips who is now the Sr Pastor of Iris Nashville and the founder and father of Mercy29 Ministries.
I can’t begin to tell you the laughter, tears and life we shared that 14 months. Lyle accompanied me to Ivory Coast , Uganda, The Philippines and many places in between with such a servants heart and desire for excellence.
I was with him when he saw his first creative miracle, cast out his first demon and preached his 1st sermon on foreign soil. Now, 6 years later, Lyle is involved in so many Missional ministries that its hard to keep up… Lol.
Raised and mentored by amazing ministry parents, Jeff and Melissa Phillips, as well as amazing grandparents, Lyle had a strong foundation of excellence, a Missional heart,an amazing work ethic and unconditional love. FYI, no one can detail an automobile like Lyle B.

Today, Lyle has developed partners and a ministry team that feeds, clothes, educates and loves over 1600 children in Africa and India with plans to expand anywhere there is injustice to children in the world. Although still single, Papa Lyle has children all over the world that he loves with the Father heart of God!
In covenant with the incomparable Heidi and Roland Baker and Iris Ministries, Lyle not only lives in Nashville and pastors Iris Nashville, but is continuing to travel across the globe preaching the gospel of the Kingdom and ministering to ” the least of these”.
On the main page of our website www.thesubers.tv you can watch the video of his project for Christmas, which is providing gifts to at least 1600 children who have never experienced a Christmas gift. This I just one of the projects that keeps him busy being a blessing to the nations.
So, today I celebrate the at I met Lyle, I rejoice in the man he has become and the way his family has become part of our family. His parents have become some of our closest friends, his brothers are some of the coolest guys I know.
I can’t wait to see what God is going to do next with this young Jesus follower. I’ll be the one on the front row, cheering him on!

The Barnabas Blog

Last week I blogged out of a desire to express my heart and may have found my calling…lol.

I sincerely desire to be an encourager and supporter of those with great gifting,talent and creative ability. It seems we are constantly bombarded by critics and assailed by the Nay-Sayers and we rarely hear what we are doing right in the world or if it even matters.  

As I had the Holiday week to think about what it would mean to be a ‘Barnabas” I’ve realized this concept has a two-fold potential. Barnabas was a companion on the journey of life with the amazingly gifted Apostle Paul and also the defender and friend of a younger generation. 

So…I’ve decided for this to become the actual title of a series of blog posts that will high-lite the lives and ministries of those who have blessed,challenged and encouraged me in every area of my life. It may be ministry one day and music or missions the next….however the spirit leads. lol

I’m real excited about introducing some amazing young men and women that you may not have heard of as of yet,but you certainly will soon….World Changers such as Lyle B Phillips,Brandon Fender,Chris Nelson,Jarod Baker,Shules Hersh,Landon Galloway,Karissa Baker, Barbie Hight, Mandie Briggs,Charlie Lujan and an entire host of other amazing young leaders that are already making an impact!

So come along for the journey…its gonna take a lifetime!

The Barnabus Blog

Welcome to what I hope becomes the first of many posts encouraging other fellow travelers along the road less traveled.
I decided a couple of years ago that although I may not have the giftings or callings of the Apostle Paul, no one can keep me from being a “Barnabus”.
Barnabus was the travel partner, mentor, friend and encourager to the Apostle Paul in the formative, early stages of his ministry. Barnabus is even called ” the son of consolation” in Scripture. Wow….to have heaven recognize you as an encourager isn’t a bad reputation to have.
As a matter of fact even when there was a separation between Paul and Barnabus, it was over him choosing relationship above peer pressure.

I have come to the realization that there will always be peers and those older than me that have giftings, talents and callings greater ( or different) than mine… There will also be those younger than me that have the potential to change the world through ministries that I can only dream of.
Therefore, I choose to encourage and support those God has placed in my life that are doing ministry and life in unique,creative ways. There are those younger than me that have unbelievable potential and giftings I can’t even fathom. There is a new generation of creative ministry and true New Testament Eklessia that will usher in the Kingdom Era. I want to know those guys…. Lol. I want to strategically position my life to mentor the next generation , love without motive, and encourage when all else fails!
So if you have great talent, gifting or dreams, don’t be surprised if I show up in your service, favorite your Tweet, comment on your Facebook, come to your concert, push your product on my blogs or website or reach out to you when you feel alone.
I’m not a stalker… But I will be an encourager! I will trust you when others don’t, I will stick with you when others leave and I will celebrate you before you have ” done anything”
worth celebrating!
So, welcome to the journey… Lets do this thang… Together!

Alex Suber: Jesus Culture new album