Great Plains Youth & Family Ministry Conference

April 4-6, 2008 – Tulsa, Oklahoma

Sponsored by the Rocky Mountain, Texas, & Heartland Churches

See www.greaterstlchurch.org/298407.ihtml

You are invited to attend the first ever Youth & Family Ministry Conference sponsored by the Rocky Mountain, Texas, and Heartland Churches. The conference will be held in Tulsa and specifically at the Tulsa International Church of Christ building.

Why is this conference important for me?

In recent times youth ministries and families have suffered under the intense pressure brought upon them by a culture becoming more and more hostile to the Christian faith and lifestyle. There is also a phenomenon of

isolation and abandonment felt by today’s youth from the adult culture. Yet currently there is a movement to strike back at Satan’s attempt to destroy the lives of today’s youth and their families. In many churches, the concept of the youth ministry partnering with parents and families to strengthen this new generation is growing. Developing Youth and Family Ministries has been proven effective at developing faith and conviction in our youth. When youth ministry leaders, church leaders, and parents join forces and lock arms together for the sake of the teens, victory can be attained. But this coordination does not come by accident, nor is it always easy. All parties must come together in unity to study, pray, communicate, learn, support, generate ideas on the topics of parenting teens, growing youth ministries, converting teens to Christ, mentoring, leadership development, and preparing teens for college and adulthood.

Who is invited to this conference?

You are invited to attend if you are in any one (or more) of these groups: Youth Ministry Leader, Youth Ministry Worker, Parent, Mentor, Church Leader, Elder, Deacon serving the Youth Ministry, or you are considering serving in any capacity in the youth ministry. We have designed the schedule for plenty of fellowship and conversation to allow for an exchange of ideas, asking questions, seeking help, or offering encouragement. We will have a fully stocked book table on topics relating to parenting, marriage, youth issues, and youth ministry. If you are a parent of teens, it is our prayer that you will especially join us for this conference as you are on the front lines of the battle for this generation.

What is the Schedule?

•Friday Evening, April 4 – Session for Youth Ministers

•Saturday, April 5 – General Conference – 9AM to 4:30PM

•9:00 AM – Reception, Continental Breakfast

•9:30 AM – “The Emotionally Healthy Youth Ministry” – Maurice Hooks

•11:00 AM – Breakout Sessions

•Elders Forum on Parenting Teens – Suggested Audience: Parents, Elders; Presenters: Bill & Sally Hooper, Charlie & Kathy Sawyer and Others.

•Reaching Teens – Suggested Audience: Youth Ministry Workers and Volunteers; Presenters: Jason Lugo

•Leading Your Youth Ministry While Not in the Fulltime Ministry – Suggested Audience: Leaders of youth ministries who have fulltime secular jobs; Presenter: John Galanksi

•12:00 PM – Lunch/Fellowship Break

•2:00 PM – Panel Discussion – Youth and Family Ministry Forum – Presenters: Various People

•3:30 PM – Closing Session – “The Big Picture” – Presenter: Matt Brown

•4:30 PM – Conference Concludes

•Sunday, April 6 – Worship Service with the Tulsa Church – 10:00 AM – Message: Wade Cook

What is the cost? $15 per person or $25 per married couple.

How do I register?

Registration is online and is being handled by the Greater St. Louis Church.

Registration will be accepted at the door, but we urge attendees to register early so we may best prepare for everyone coming and order food and refreshments.

Register at www.greaterstlchurch.org and click the “events” tab, select “Youth & Family Conference”

What about lodging in Tulsa?

Check the Greater St. Louis Church or Tulsa Church web sites (www.tulsaicoc.com) for a list of recommended hotels near the Tulsa Church Building.

What is the address to the Tulsa Church so I know where I am going?

5880 S. 129 East Ave., Tulsa, OK 74134

Who can I contact for further information or questions?

Rocky Mountain Churches, Wade Cook (wade_cook@comcast.net, 303-

918-9209)

Texas Churches, Jason Lugo ( This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it , 817-846-2426);

Heartland Churches, Dan Rice ( This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it , 314-753-4260);

Tulsa, Maurice Hooks ( This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it , 918-809-6075)