Church of God student pastors and youth leaders gathered in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee for the annual National Youth Leader’s Conference. Many years ago the Church of God National Youth Leaders Association was founded to accomplish the following purposes:
• To provide a forum for youth leaders to exchange ideas and to promote cohesive working relationships on the local, district, state and national levels.
• To provide resources for youth leaders to find personal growth around common needs and concerns.
• To give members the opportunity to share their expertise with one another.
• To enhance the image and status of youth ministry and youth leaders.
The three-day session began last Thursday and continued through Saturday. Keynote speakers included Kurt Johnson, who currently serves as the junior high pastor at Saddleback Church in Southern California, and Kevin Moore, who served more than 20 years in the trenches of student ministry. These veteran student pastors are great communicators who delivered a treasure of truth and experience to the attendees. Youth leaders could choose from a great menu of practical and motivational breakout sessions. The Lee University Chapel Band provided incredible worship and music that enriched the weekend.
What are Student Pastors and Youth Leaders saying about the NYLA Conference?
There are few places a youth pastor and his/her team can go to be fed spiritually, mentally, and relax physically; but the NYLA conference excels in all aspects. I feel as though I’m stealing something as the conference closes because the price is so affordable! If you haven’t already, take advantage of this conference the next chance you get!
– Chris Weeks, Student Pastor, Real Life Church, Macon GA
There is nothing like men and women of God with a common calling coming together for fellowship. Each year the NYLA conference provides such an opportunity. With quality guest speakers and prayerfully thought out breakouts, this year was unbelievable. If you have never attended, you owe it to yourself, your youth and your youth leaders to get to the NYLA Conference next year.
– Josh Martin, Student Pastor, Gulf Coast Church, Largo FL
The 2014 NYLA Conference was absolutely amazing! The general sessions were powerful; filled with awesome insight from veteran youth workers. The workshops and breakouts were equally impressive, with thought provoking sessions led by Church of God student pastors and leaders.
– Rob Bailey, State Youth Director of South Carolina
Seven months ago, I made a significant transition in my ministry and have been going non-stop since then. NYLA allowed me to stop and be refreshed. It is a very intimate setting where it’s easy to engage with other youth leaders without feeling like just a number.
– Trey Powell, Student Pastor, South Metro Ministries, Sharpsburg GA
This year, the NYLA Conference was an incredible mix of information and inspiration. It was a hub for restoration, renewal and revival. One of the greatest things that NYLA has to offer is the power of relationship. When you leave the NYLA Conference, you know that you are not alone. You have a tribe of like-minded ministers that are accessible to you when you need encouragement, fresh resources and ideas, need prayer or have questions… that is absolutely priceless in the life of today’s student pastor!
– Jared Waldrop, Student Pastor, Westmore Church of God, Cleveland TN
Make the NYLA Conference a part of your church’s plan to enhance and enrich your youth ministry team. Also, for more great resources visit http://www.nylanetwork.com and www.cogyouth.org .
B. Randall Parris serves as the Leadership Development Coordinator of the International Department of Youth and Discipleship.