Next weekend, we open up the doors of our church for a conference called The Nexus Project. Nexus is a conference for Middle and High School students, that is aimed at reaching students with the gospel and equipping them to live out God's mission. A few thoughts for my Student Pastor friends regarding conferences:
1. First off, if you are still interested in coming, we may be able to squeeze you in. If cost is an issue, let us know and we'll work with you. Shoot us an email.
2. I know there's a big push that is going away from Retreats/Conferences for students, and in many churches it's the right thing for them to do. I believe however, that God has strategically placed The Summit Church in RDU, and we'll do whatever we can to partner with local churches in reaching students for the gospel. Nexus exists not just as an in-house retreat, but also as a resource for churches.
3. Make it more of a conference than a Slumber Party: Ever been to a retreat with another church, and felt like you walked into their Student Ministry slumber party? Been there. Done that. It's awkward. We do everything we can from our scheduling of the conference to the bussing of students back and forth from a hotel, to make it feel like a conference.
4. Give them their money's worth: There's no question that some of these things can be expensive with bringing in good speakers, worship leaders and breakout session teachers. So...don't settle on "good." Give them something GREAT. Don't just bank on your t-shirt to be the selling point for next year.
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