Interact. . . Learn. . . . Maybe Free!

I've had an awesome week. I'm teaching a seminary class on youth culture. Seven awesome students who I trust are being challenged, stretched, and equipped for deeper youth ministry. I won't hesitate to say that I'm the real winner in this. The interaction has been phenomenal and I don't want it to end. I love stuff like this.

Over the years my love affair with intensive ministry learning has been fed with lots of opportunities to enter into interactive educational conversations as both a student and a teacher. One of those opportunities that I look forward to every year. . . . and it's coming soon (February 27 - March 2)! . . . . is the National Youth Ministry Conference. Organized by my good friend Doug Fields, Simply Youth Ministry, and Group, this annual gathering is one I believe in so much that CPYU is a ministry partner for the event. Less of a conference and more of a conversation, this weekend allows participants to enter into deep discussions with facilitators and ministry peers on the most important issues in youth ministry today. This year, I'll be leading one of several "Deeper Learning Tracks." Our group will spend 8 hours together exploring and discussing "Trends in Youth Culture You Need to Know." Attendees will also have ample time to plug in to some amazing general sessions, workshops, heart-to-heart seminars, and affinity groups. What makes this conference so special is that we'll all be rubbing elbows with each other for the duration. . . conversing, questioning, laughing, eating, worshipping, and learning in the context of deep give-and-take that none of us will want to see come to an end. It's been that way for me the last two years. I know it will be the same this year.

Are you interested in attending this year's National Youth Ministry Conference? Here's some great news! CPYU has partnered with NYMC to give away a free admission to this year's conference! For a chance to win, all you have to do is answer the following question, "Why do you want to come to NYMC?" Post your answer here on my blog and be sure to include some contact information so we can inform you if you've won. CPYU and the folks at NYMC will choose the winner! We'll be picking the winner on Friday, January 23. So be sure to submit your answer before then. Sorry, the free registration is not valid for those already registered for the conference.

I'd encourage you to check out the NYMC website. Spend some time looking around to get a sense of what's happening, how it all works, and the wide breadth of learning opportunities from which to choose. I hope to see you in Columbus! And don't forget to leave a post answering the question above for a chance to attend for free!