by Sandra Doran, Ed.D.

In a bold, first-ever move, the newly-organized Florida Conference Integrated Youth Ministries pulled off a convention that drew in educators, children’s ministries leaders, Pathfinder and Adventurer directors, Sabbath School teachers, youth leaders, and others interested in positively impacting the life of a child for Christ. During the high-energy gathering at Camp Kulaqua in High Springs, October 22-24, 2010, more than 600 people gathered to sing, pray, clasp hands, and discover how to work together to “raise up an army of youth.”

A dynamic musical team led by Pastor Jerry Wasmer of Daytona Beach Church, set the positive, upbeat tone that permeated the entire weekend. The convention was kicked off on Friday evening by Richard Neil, from Loma Linda University, who combined the science of the adolescent brain with an urgent appeal for understanding, compassion, and wisdom in guiding teenagers along the path to Christian adulthood. On Sabbath morning, Mark Finley, evangelist and advisor to General Conference President Ted Wilson, presented a rousing message, imploring listeners to connect with young people, stating, “It’s easier to enforce a rule than change a heart.” That evening, James Black, North American Division Youth and Young Adult Ministries Director, once again hammered the point home: Every child needs to have someone who believes in them.

“The general sessions were totally amazing,” said one participant, Janet Braga. The speakers had us laughing, crying, and more determined than ever to win the hearts of the children entrusted to us.

During the general sessions, interaction between different ministries put the Integrated Youth Ministries mission statement into action with group leaders announcing new configurations and assignments such as, “find four people from different ministries who you don’t know, and talk about what you are doing for kids.”

In addition to the highly motivating general speakers, the convention featured more than 50 break-out sessions with a wide range of choices. Participants attended meetings ranging from puppetry to the adolescent brain. Early each morning, Pastor Joseph Kidder, Professor from the Andrews University Theological Seminary in Berrien Springs, Michigan, led a prayer walk where ministry leaders poured out their hearts in adoration, praise, and worship to God.

Camp Kulaqua made a fitting venue for the hundreds of people assembled together, with well-organized staffing, housing, meals, and activities. Saturday evening interactive games and a moon-lit hayride added to the spirit of camaraderie.

“The biggest question I am getting is ‘When are we going to do this again?’” says Jim Epperson, Vice President for Integrated Youth Ministries. “The quality of the programs, level of enthusiasm, and overall weekend was more outstanding than we could have ever imagined. I want to thank all of the ministry leaders that worked so hard to make this a reality.” Epperson is already laying the groundwork for the next Integrated Youth Ministries Convention.

Read more about Integrated Youth Ministries in the Autumn 2010 issue of Florida Focus (PDF link).