While leading out in a national teen prayer and ministry conference, I learned an important lesson from an ultra-conservative. As was typical with each of these national conferences, our turnout had nearly doubled the registration. During the process of making adjustments for the hundreds of unexpected teens, a decision was made by the hosts to present one of their campus musical groups at the beginning of the Friday night program.

The group's performance was very professional. The response of the teens, however, was in marked contrast to the response of their adult sponsors. Several of the leaders huddled to figure out what to do next. Sharp criticisms were rampant. Most were concerned about the flow of the program and maintaining control. Others were fearful of a possible backlash from sponsors.

In a calming and humble voice, the one who represented the far right of our team offered a surprising perspective. Could it be that we might actually find ourselves opposing God? When David disrobed and danced before the Lord, Michal's response was similar to ours. When the Pharisees objected to the children's impromptu praise service in the temple, Jesus was quick to defend them.

We were silent in personal reflection. Like the Pharisees who dropped their stones, we each dispersed. The conference continued according to plan. More than 800 teens came back Sabbath afternoon from their experiences in personal ministry overflowing with praise and telling stories of great and amazing things God did.

Many more conferences followed and the team continued to provide what we believed to be our best, but an important lesson was learned along the way. All through Scripture, God showed up in ways and means that were unexpected. Jesus was opposed by opinion, culture and tradition at every step. How sad it would be to be found opposing God, while defending our personal comfort.

Gary Burns is the communication director of the Lake Union Conference.