jordan muck

We just returned home from the Student Celebration Conference in Pigeon Forge Tennessee a few days ago.  After having the time to sit back and reflect on the speakers, I thought I would post my notes.

Session One: Darren Whitehead – Darren Whitehead is the Director of Next Gen Ministries at Willow Creek Community Church in South Barrington, IL. Darren oversees “Student Impact” the High School ministry as well as “Axis” the college and 20 something community. Willow Creek’s innovative ministries have made it one of the most attended churches in North America.

Topic: Prayer for a life changing moment – 2 Chronicals 34:2

• “No matter what home you come from, God can use you.”
• “If your Mom and Dad are failing you spiritually, then you need to look for a spiritual Mother and Father.” (Disipleship?)
• “What will your legacy be when you leave high school”
• “God wants to use you in a historic way.”
• “You will not be remembered by how you began, but by how you finished.”
• “Spiritual change takes work.”

Session 2: Wade Morris – Wade is from Birmingham, Alabama and a graduate from Samford University where he received his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. He also received his Master of Divinity Degree from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas.

Topic: James 1:18-27

• “Christianity is not what you do, it’s who you are.”
• “You have to know the Word.”
• “”Out of your mouth the heart speaks.”
• “If the Bibles says do it, do it.  If the bible says don’t do it, don’t do it.”

Session 3: David Nasser – As one of the nation’s forefront speakers and visionaries, God has blessed David with the talent to reach the high tech, attention-lacking culture of Generation Next. Involved in revivals, citywide rallies, camps, and school assemblies, David speaks to over 700,000 people each year. The heart’s cry of D. Nasser Outreach is to effectively present the same relevant message, the Gospel of Christ, using fresh, innovative methods and resources. Alongside his own full time ministry, DNO is also growing rapidly as a mentoring and consulting ministry. DNO has worked extensively with ministries such as BGA, Youth Specialties, Student Life, Acquire the Fire, and many others. David, his wife Jennifer and their children live in Alabama.

Topic: Isaiah 41:9 – Encouragement and Hope for a Generation

• “God gives you value and hope.”
• “Never forget the Gospel.”

Session Three: Bo Boshers – Bo Boshers is the motivating and visionary Executive Director of Student Ministries in the Willow Creek Association. For almost a decade, Bo was the Director of Student Impact where he led an outreach of over 1,000 students at the high school ministry of Willow Creek Community Church.

Topic: Psalm 28 – “You’re Messed Up”

• “It’s not easy being a Christ follower, but it’s not that complicated.”
• “We have turned Christianity into a religion.”
• “You’re Messed Up.”

It was a great youth conference filled with energy and excitement that our students latched onto.  If you get a chance you should check out Connect.  It’s a good low key conference that doesn’t cost an arm and a leg to attend.

-jordan