2012 Forums
One of the most dynamic elements to The Barnabas Connection are the forums. They are not seminars, they are not lectures - they are a chance for youth workers to come together and discuss a particular issue or topic relevant to student ministry. Each forum is led by a veteran youth worker who has a heart for the particular forum.Below are the forums for the The Barnabas Connection 2012 in Atlanta.
I will Survive: Women in Ministry working in the Boy’s Club. Led by Emily Craft, RUM - Atlanta, GA
Three years of college ministry and four years of youth ministry, Emily Craft often found herself in situations that sometimes felt like the Boy’s Club. Come and discuss topics of respect, humility, working closely with men that are often not your husband, feeling valued for your wisdom and not just your organizational skills, plus more. If you have specific topics that you would like raised please email Emily at ecraft@ruf.org.
Is Youth Ministry Biblical? Led by Derrick Harris, McLean PCA - McLean, VA
Sexual Integrity. Led by Mark Long, Oak Mountain PCA - Birmingham, AL
Just because we are in ministry doesn’t mean we do not have temptations. As a matter of fact we have more temptations because of the experiences we have with other broken people. Join Mark Long as he hopes that this forum will be an outlet where men of faith can talk openly about the sexual temptations in their lives and can be challenged from God’s Word and other men about how to battle these temptations. I hope you (Men) will join us in this battle.
Youth Ministry – Fun Times for the Long Haul. Led by Tom Luchenbill - Christ Community Church - Indianapolis, IA
We are called to Youth Ministry … for how long. 1 year? 3 years? Until a better opportunity comes along? OR, are we that unique breed that has Youth Ministry in our blood … we cannot imagine doing anything else. We get psyched when God uses us to impact teens for Jesus Christ; seeing them come to faith and seeing them grow in their faith. Join Tom as his experience with youth has extended over the past 35 years as a teacher, coach, youth volunteer, youth director and youth pastor. God has called him to an amazing journey. There has been times of great joy and times of great disappointment, but God is always faithful … growing and stretching me as I seek to serve him. This forum will be a discussion period seeking to answer the multi-faceted question, “What does it take to be in Youth Ministry for an extended period of time?” We’ll discuss: Four questions that inquiring minds want to know your answers to … What does commitment to YM look like … With whom do we need to have solid relationships with to remain in YM …
Perceptions in Youth Ministry. Led by Jeff Summers - Perimeter PCA - Atlanta, GA
How to influence and navigate the way your ministry is perceived by different constituencies in the church. Who are the power brokers and how do they perceive the ministry? Join Jeff as he will discuss the pathways of perception and influence that every youth worker should keep on his radar.
Balance: A Tight Rope to Walk. Led by Matt Luchenbill - Perimeter PCA - Atlanta, GA
Time is the one resource that each of us has the same amount of. We can't create it or eliminate it, no matter how hard we try. Come have a conversation with us about our successes and failures of how we have attempted to invest time in our marriage, kids, and a seemingly 24/7 job, while making slightly less than the average surgeon.
Discipleship: Leaving a Life Changing Legacy. Led by Kimberly Roddy - Westminster Reformed PCA - Suffolk, VA
Jesus’ first call to his disciples was, “Come, follow me.” Discipleship is a word we have all heard and used on many occasions. But, what does it really mean and more importantly what does it look like? Jesus invested in a small group of followers with intentionality and the world was forever changed. In this forum, we will discuss the elements of effective discipleship and the processes that produce a life-changing legacy.