I have begun to get messages from people saying, "See you at the Summit." or "Looking forward to the Summit." This is the once every three years gathering of most everybody who functions in the Baptist college ministry world and a bunch of folks who do college ministry in other worlds. It is in Nashville, May 2-4.
It has always featured some "big names" in terms of authors, speakers, preachers, etc. And I look forward to their speaking into our lives. But, I guess if I am totally honest, besides the hallway conversations and hugs, my favorite thing is the Idea Labs and Mega Seminars done by the "Every day practitioners"....those who live and function in our world. They usually are not famous (although some should be), but they do it well and they get it.
We call our breakouts "Idea Labs" because we want them to be super practical and people leave with at least 2 or 3 ideas they can try on their own campus or church. One has been recently added due to lots of requests is "Girls and Porn" led by Sarah Farley (LSU/BCM) and Beth Masters (NOLA Seminary/Mississippi College). There is much discussion these days of campus church plants vs traditional campus ministries. Keith Weiser and Allen Tate are doing a session called, "Ten Things We Can Learn from Each Other". Paul and David Worcester in California have popularized the concept of "Gospel Conversations" and David is leading a session about it.
Finances have always been an issue, but is increasingly so and Ben Maddox at Tennessee Tech is leading a session around a concept of using a banquet to involve churches, alumni and parents in giving to a college ministry. Clayton Bullion Tarleton BSM in Texas will be sharing some of what they do in reaching Freshmen..."Grade 13". Linda Halfacre Weir is doing one called "Making College Ministry Fun (Again!)....and she knows fun!
Being an old guy in college ministry, I always think we got wisdom to share and I am looking forward to "The Veterans Panel" mega seminar with Darrell Cook at Virginia Tech, Mark Whitt at Middle Tennessee, Theresa Royall of Georgia, Beth Masters (NOLA) and some more talking about trends, etc. Scott Belmore in Alaska is talking about raising personal financial support. Blake Ligon at Central Baptist in Jonesboro, Arkansas has had a great response in reaching Greeks and will talk about it.
From the very beginning some years ago, we said we wanted the Summit to be "Spouse Friendly" and that's why spouses come for a reduced price. So, we have some sessions on marriage led by Dr. Jeff Nave (NOLA Seminary) and Shannon Inman, a college ministry spouse, is leading an Affinity Group for spouses.
An all time favorite of we college ministry folks is Dr. Bob Stewart (NOLA Seminary) who will be doing some of his great Apologetics sessions.
I am espeically excited about Erica Reitz from Penn State being with us. You know Erica from her fairly new book, "After College: Navigating Transitions, Relationships and Faith. Erica has become widely known for her ministry called, "Senior Exit".
Ok...I got carried away and I still have not mentioned a bunch. I know lots of you wanted to know more and then maybe some of you are still trying to decide if you can be there. If you need details, go to lifeway.com/events.
PS: I am looking forward to seeing lots of you in the hall....and hugging lots of you!
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