Ed Young, Jr.

Ed is a straightforward communicator who uniquely connects God's unchanging truth with a diverse culture through compelling and creative teaching methods. He is the founding and Senior Pastor of Fellowship Church. Ed is known for his candor when talking about leadership and the inner workings of a growing church, and he provides resources for church leaders through CreativePastors.com and the Creative Church Conferences (C3). He and his wife Lisa have been married for twenty-five years and have four children.

Session Title: The Elephant in The Room:
Synopsis: The thing that most leaders are afraid to talk about.

John Eldredge

John Eldredge is the founder and director of Ransomed Heart Ministries in Colorado Springs, Colorado, a fellowship devoted to helping people recover and live from their heart. John is the author of numerous books, including Eric, Waking the Dead, Wild at Heart, Desire, and coauthor of Captivating and The Sacred Romance. John lives in Colorado with his wife, Stasi, and their three sons, Samuel, Blaine, and Luke. He loves living in the Rocky Mountains so he can pursue his other passions, including fly-fishing, mountain climbing, and exploring the waters of the West in his canoe.

Session Title: Walking with God
Synopsis: How to develop a conversational intimacy with Jesus, and how learning to hear his voice changes everything else in your life.

Francis Chan

Francis is the pastor of Cornerstone Church in Simi Valley, where he has been serving for the past 13 years. He is also the Chancellor of Eternity Bible College and serves on the board of Children's Hunger Fund and World Impact. Francis spends much of his time speaking to high school and college students. His commitment is to teach directly from the words of Scripture. His passion is to see the next generation of American Christians display a much deeper love for Jesus. Francis is married to Lisa and they have three daughters and one son.

Monday Session Title: "Teaching that Draws Attention to God" (Luke 8:4-15)
Synopsis: In ministry we can teach in such a way that it cheapens God. For years, my begging may have given the impression that God was a beggar in heaven hoping that we would give Him just an ounce of attention. In studying Christ's method of teaching, we see that He calls for absolute commitment because He believes that He deserves it. The parable of the sower is the perfect example of this. We'll be talking about how to preach in such a way that God is portrayed as glorious and worth sacrificing our lives for.

Tuesday Session Title: "Inviting the Holy Spirit to Youth Events" (selected scriptures)
Synopsis: As a pastor with a pretty conservative theology, I often neglect the power of the Holy Spirit. God has been teaching me so much about His power and allowing me to see it first hand. In this session, we'll spend some time reminding ourselves that we need to put less pressure on ourselves and have greater expectations of the Holy Spirit. We need to take ourselves less seriously and take the Holy Spirit more seriously.

Chris Hill

This innovative, dynamic, dramatic, and profound communicator is being used by God to help to redefine the scope and influence of the post-modern pulpit. Over the past 3 years, over one million souls have been impacted by his unique message of Hope.

Session Title: The Making of a Leader
Synopsis: In bold, transparent, and dramatic fashion Chris Hill walks leaders through the 12 cities of David. Using this insightful and relevant life study as a backdrop, he chronicles the development of leaders from "kids" to "kings".

Dr. Jay Strack

Dr. Jay is the Founder and President of Student Leadership University, the premiere leadership training for students. Highly acclaimed as a dynamic speaker, he has spoken to an estimated 15 million people in his 35 years of ministry in thousands of churches, including over 10,000 high schools and hundreds of area-wide, inter-denominational, and inter-racial crusades. SLU has successfully merged the classroom with behind the scenes "edu-tainment" experiences around the world. Over 30,000 students have been trained in servant leadership based on the life and teachings of Jesus. Dr. Jay and his wife Diane currently live in Orlando, FL.

Session Title: Crystal Blue Persuasion
Synopsis: Earning the right to influence

David Ferguson

David Ferguson and his wife, Teresa, are directors of Intimate Life Ministries, serving thousands of churches and ministry leaders worldwide. David speaks extensively at seminars, conferences, and workshops throughout the United States, the Virgin Islands, England, Ireland and Eastern Europe. He has regularly appeared on the Intimate Life radio programs, as well as, on COPE television programs, the Coral Ridge Hour, Family Life Today and Parent Talk; which air throughout the United States. He lectures at colleges and seminaries in the United States and abroad.

Session Title: Relevance:
Synopsis: "To have significant, demonstrable impact on the issues at hand." There once was a day when the followers of Jesus had more impact than sports heroes, Hollywood celebrities or Washington's politicians ... that day is over. It's going to take an extreme ministry makeover in order to become a people of relevance again. Come explore and experience the foundations for restoring relevance to life and ministry. Find out how to change our world for Jesus Christ (Acts 17:6).

Jason Illian

In addition to speaking to youth for over 10 years, Jason is the Vice President of Content and Programming for GodTube.com. Jason is a sough-after speaker with a unique background in both leadership and Internet development. A former Rhodes Scholarship finalist, USA Today Academic All American, and captain of the TCU football team, Jason has appeared on ABC, The Tyra Banks Show, and numerous other television and radio shows. He has authored two books-Undressed: The Naked Truth about Love, Sex, and Dating and MySpace MyKids: A Parents Guide to Protecting Their Kids and Navigating MySpace.com. He is married to a woman way out of his league, Alisha, and recently had a new baby boy named Reign. He also ashamedly admits he has a metrosexual Maltese named Sumo.

Session Title: "Cyber-Thinking - When there is no box"
Synopsis: Things that make no sense can ultimately make the most sense. This is the modus operandi of Gen NXT, a.k.a, Generation Next. They are shape changers, career gypsies, and tradigital chameleons and they are always logged on. It's not enough to go after their attention anymore-we have to go after their hearts.

Merritt Johnston

Merritt is the co-founder and president of SAGE Ministries, a ministry dedicated to reaching, teaching, and training young women to impact their communities and the world with the love of Christ. In addition to her involvement with SAGE, Merritt has served on staff at several churches, including four years as the Director of Women's Ministries at Lake Pointe Church in Rockwall. She currently enjoys serving on staff with her husband, Jeremy, at Champion Fellowship in Brenham, TX.

Session Title: The Girls Ministry Instruction Manual
Synopsis: It doesn't take a genius to see that girls are facing more issues now than ever. But even the smartest among us can be easily stumped when we're given the task of tackling the ever-growing needs of today's teen girls. In a society where girls are struggling to find their identity, we have the opportunity to point them to the truth. So join us as we take an in-depth look at how to implement a girls' ministry within your church that reaches, teaches, and trains girls how to be godly examples in an ungodly world. And don't worry - no assembly is required.

Kevin White

Kevin White is the Director of 24-7 Ministries, the youth ministry of Awana. A former youth pastor, Kevin currently serves with his wife Robyn in as a college ministry leader and small group leader in their suburban Chicago church. They are expecting their first child in April.

Session Title: See Clearly...A Focused Approach to Youth Ministry:
Synopsis: Why do we make things so difficult, feel like we have to work so hard, and run in 100 different directions. What would it look like if we slowed down, adjusted our focus, realigned our ministry and ended up even more productive and successful in the long run? Let's "see clearly" how we can make that happen and discover greater fruit than ever in our ministries.

Alvin Reid

Alvin (born 1959) serves as Associate Dean for Proclamation Studies and Professor of Evangelism at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary in Wake Forest, North Carolina. He is also the founding Bailey Smith Chair of Evangelism, the first fully funded chair at the seminary. Alvin and his wife Michelle have two children: Joshua, a freshman at Southeastern College, and Hannah, a freshman in high school.

Session Title: Join the Movement!
Synopsis: Throughout history God has typically involved youth in great spiritual movements. From the First Great Awakening to the Jesus Movement, from Joseph and Joshua to Mary and Timothy, youth have played an overlooked role in the work of God. This session will explore how God has, is, and will use youth in His plan. Specific ways to challenge and involve youth in spiritual movements will be examined. Christianity is a movement to be advanced, not an institution to be maintained; join the movement!

Dr. Jimmy Scroggins

Dr. Jimmy Scroggins currently serves as Dean of Boyce College and teaching pastor at Highview Baptist Church in Louisville, Kentucky. His leadership is marked by a strong emphasis on training students, lay-people, and future pastors to do the work of ministry. He has a passion for seeing students involved in fulfilling the Great Commission. Dr. Scroggins and his wife, Kristin, have five sons, James, Daniel, Jeremiah, Isaac, and Stephen and two daughters, Anna Kate and Mary Claire.

Session Title: "The Secret World of Teenagers"
Synopsis: Even though we fill called to invest in students and do life with them, there is no way we can be with them every minute. Talk about what?s really going on when we?re not around and how we can trust them to face the challenges with grace and truth.

Mike Calhoun

Mike is a dynamic and articulate communicator, who is daily ministering to the needs of young people and adults all over the North America. Born and raised in Birmingham, Alabama, he was saved at the age of twelve and felt God's call to preach at age fourteen. He has preached ever since! Mike makes his home in Schroon Lake, New York, with his wife, Betsi, who has an ongoing ministry to ladies and teen girls.

Session Title: "Spiritual Integration" - Creating Biblical Life Patterns in Students
Synopsis: Numerous surveys today tell us that students are leaving the church and being captured by the culture. Our challenge is to help students craft a Christian worldview and give them a Biblical lens by which they can interpret the world's philosophies. In this session we will examine the missing link between principle and practice. Somewhere in the midst of the "I need to," "I should" and "I want to" of the spiritual life, there is a disconnect - one that begs our attention. By "Creating Biblical Life Patterns in Students", we also equip them to be "culture shapers".

Paul Turner

Paul is the National Student Ministry Leader for LifeWay Christian Resources in Nashville, TN, USA. LifeWay is the largest Christian publisher in the world. Paul has traveled throughout the USA leading conferences, teaching and preaching and has encouraged believers in Canada, Mexico,India, Jamaica, Egypt, Greece, Kenya, Uganda, and New Zealand.

Session Title: What Students Wish We Knew Students
Synopsis: Today are quick to accept and challenge anyone who does not seem to be accepting. Together we will explore ten things students wish we knew about them. And . . . we will explore ways to not only understand but minister to students in a way that helps them become more like Christ.

Brent Crowe

Brent Crowe is a thought-provoking visionary and speaker who has a passion to present the life changing message of the gospel. An emerging spiritual and cultural leader, Brent uses humor and real life situations to relate to people at the heart of their struggles. The roles of husband, father, minister, evangelist, writer and leader have allowed Brent to influence people from all walks of life throughout his ten years in ministry.

Jeff Lovingood

With twenty-five years of experience in student ministry, Jeff Lovingood offers in-depth perspective on student ministry strategy, evangelism, and growth. He has a tremendous passion for sharing Jesus with others, excitement for the Word of God, and love for students. He currently serves as the student pastor at Long Hollow Baptist Church in Hendersonville, TN.

Session Title: Five Great Principles I Have Learned After Twenty-Five Years in Youth Ministry:
Synopsis: Over the past twenty-five years, these five principles have allowed me to have both personal and professional victory. It is a process that will guide you through ministry from a total youth ministry perspective to individual events and programs.

Sam S. Rainer

Sam S. Rainer serves the local church as a senior pastor, writer, and researcher. Sam is president and CEO of Rainer Research, a research firm dedicated to providing answers for better church health. He writes a regular column and blog for Outreach Magazine. His first book, Essential Church? (co-authored with his father), will be published in Fall 2008.

Session Title: Essential Church
Synopsis: A common theme emerged in our research on those who leave the church: those who left the church did not view it as essential in their lives. And those who stayed felt like the church was essential to their daily lives.

"Essential Church" reveals why dropouts view the church as non-essential and how the church can become essential in their community.

Thom Rainer

Thom S. Rainer is the president and CEO of LifeWay Christian Resources,the largest Christian resource company in the world. He is the author orco-author of 17 books, including Essential Church, Raising Dad, and Simple Church.

Session Title: Essential Church
Synopsis: A common theme emerged in our research on those who leave the church: those who left the church did not view it as essential in their lives. And those who stayed felt like the church was essential to their daily lives.

"Essential Church" reveals why dropouts view the church as non-essential and how the church can become essential in their community.

Brad Bright

Brad serves as the president and CEO of Bright Media Foundation, an affiliate of Campus Crusade for Christ. However, his primary focus is in his role as the director of DISCOVER GOD, a strategy to help transform America by changing Americas view of God. He currently resides in Orlando, Florida, with his wife, Kathy, and their two children, Keller and Noël.

Session Title: God is the Issue
Synopsis: Bill Bright said "We can trace all our human problems to our view of God." If this is true then the one battle we must win in the culture, especially with young people, is over how we view God. It is a simple matter of CAUSE and EFFECT. To ignore this one foundational issue is to concede the entire battle.

Remedy Drive

Its not for nothing that the four Zach brothers, better known as Remedy Drive, have been playing 200 shows for each of the past several years. The Nebraska based piano-driven rockers known for their Euro-rock twist and immaculate vocal harmonies have been a favorite with west coast and midwest audiences for their energetic live shows and their innate abilities to connect with the crowd.

6 Days From Sunday

six days from Sunday wants to be real with you. This rock band (aka 6dfs) out of Gainesville, FL has bonded with fans around the nation with fresh music and an honest message. It's a message about everyday life following Jesus and both the struggles and sweet joy that come with it.

Jerusha Clark

Jerusha Clark has co-authored four books with her husband, Jeramy, three of which deal with the ever-important topic of opposite-sex relationships. Jerusha published her first solo work with NavPress, Every Though Captive: Battling the Toxic Beliefs that Separate Us from the Life We Crave, in 2006 and released Inside a Cutter's Mind: Understanding and Helping those Who Self-Injure in 2007. In Spring, 2008, Jerusha will bring us The Life You Crave: The Promise of Discernment. With Jeramy, a pastor at Emmanuel Faith Community Church, Jerusha thoroughly loves raising Jocelyn and Jasmine, their adorable daughters. Jerusha's ministry passion is to help women more fully glorify and enjoy their God.

Session Title: Inside a Cutter's Mind
Synopsis: Experts estimate that millions of people engage in some form of self-injury, a shocking physical expression of emotional and spiritual pain. Because "cutting" is so misunderstood, some people believe it's just a bid for attention or an adolescent phase. Drawing from a rich blend of research and interviews, best-selling author Jerusha Clark, with Dr. Earl Henslin, explores this complex problem that has no easy solution. With an empathetic heart and a compassionate voice, she brings light to a dark condition and delivers hope to victims and their loved ones.

David Wraight

David Wraight and his wife, Jenny, entered ministry in their early twenties. They first served in an Aboriginal community in Western Australia, caring for neglected and abused Aboriginal children. Following their time in Western Australia, they returned to Melbourne, where David served as a pastor and youth counselor at a local church. While there, he developed an extensive youth ministry that included an innovative youth accommodation (housing) and counseling program. In 1990, David joined Youth for Christ, initially serving as Executive Director of YFC Melbourne, and then as National Director of YFC Australia. He was appointed and served as the YFC Asia Pacific Area Director for

Session Title: The Next Wave
Synopsis: When young people are given the freedom to lead, amazing things happen. Next Wave is their story. And yours. As you read, prepare to be encouraged by the incredible potential of the "next wave" of teens and young adults who follow Jesus. Prepare to believe in them, love them, and support them as their personal faith grows roots-and as they share God's message with their world.

Shaun Blakeney

Shaun Blakeney is the student ministries pastor at Christ Fellowship in Palm Beach Gardens, FL. He has been in youth ministry since 1992 and along with his ministry at Christ Fellowship keeps busy by speaking to thousands of young adults each year at conferences, seminars and festivals. He is the author of Energy Zappers, Dealing with Those Who Drain You Dry. He and his wife Teresa have two children, Austin and Alyssa.

Session Title: Staying Excited in Ministry, Even When You Feel Alone Session
Synopsis: This seminar will highlight specific ways to maintain your zeal and excitement for youth ministry when your round table brainstorm sessions involve five people‹or just you and a cup of coffee. A veteran of small ministry settings, Shaun Blakeney brings empathetic practicality to this breakout designed to encourage, uplift, and equip you to make a difference in any ministry setting.