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 2010 in Atlanta.

Worship in Student Ministry

Led by Derrick Harris, Director of Student Ministry at McLean PCA and Patrick Bush, Youth Director at Oak Mountain PCA

This will be an open time of discussion about the blessings, struggles, and questions that arise when working alongside students in Worship Ministry (Music and Prayer). We will also be sharing resources that have been helpful to us and others. This will not be a "how to seminar" but a "Lord help us" discussion, meaning, we hope to focus the discussion on the ways in which the Lord has and continues to bless youth ministries in the challenging area of worship ministry.

Covenantal Student Ministry

Led by Mark Long, Pastor of Student Ministries at Oak Mountain PCA

Covenantal Model of Youth Ministry. This forum will hopefully generate some great discussion, debate and insight on developing, planning and promotion of a Covenantal Model of Youth Ministry. Many of you are investigating if not already implementing this model in your ministries. So join us for this forum and share with us what God is doing in your ministry.

A Discipleship Plan For Your Student Ministry

Led by Wilson Shirley, Director of Student Ministries at Highlands PCA

During this time we will look at what it takes to have a successful plan of discipleship in a student ministry. How do we go about making a plan? What are the elements that we must include in a plan? How do we bring parents into the plan? What are some good resources, etc...

Perceptions in Student Ministry

Led by Jeff Summers, Director of Student Ministries at Perimeter PCA

In youth ministry we have more constituents than any other ministry. What makes one group happy, can actually cause mistrust with the other group. Every youth director needs to be aware of how they are perceived by the students, parents, elders and other church staff members if they are going to maximize their effectiveness. In this forum, we will explore the complexities of these relationships and how to manage perceptions effectively.

Junior High Student Ministry

Led by Chris Burns, Junior High Youth Director at Perimeter PCA

What does effective ministry to Middle School students look like? Is Junior High ministry the minor leagues of youth ministry, just prep for the real work done in Senior High? What is the strategic significance of Junior High ministry in a healthy church? Join us as we discuss the delights and difficulties of reaching 11-14 year olds in our communities.

Women in Student Ministry

Led by Christine Dow Rubino, Female Alumni Coordinator at Covenant Theological Seminary

Women—do you struggle in ministry? Do you struggle with boundaries, maintaining relationships outside of the ministry, suffering well and wrestling with your own self-care? If you do, this seminar is for you. We’ll be going over some wonderful material that will help continue all of these discussions after you’re done with this phenomenal retreat. We’ll be looking to our Savior in the Scriptures about what He says about your heart and how He cares for you. Basically, if you’re like me, come struggle with me and let’s learn together!

The Barnabas Connection