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Students Attend NYLA Conference

Events, News

By Eliza Souers

Sixteen Christian ministry students from Lee University’s Department of Christian Ministries recently travelled to the National Youth Leaders Association (NYLA) Conference in Sharpsburg, Georgia, held at GO Church of God. The trip was led by Dr. Lorinda Roberts, an assistant professor of youth and family ministry at Lee.

“This year’s conference did an excellent job of coupling the spiritual with the practical,” said Roberts. “My students walked away encouraged, motivated to continue learning about youth ministry, and excited to collaborate on new ways to reach Generation Z.”

The NYLA Conference is a one-day conference for all youth pastors, youth leaders, and youth ministry students. It is an opportunity for participants to have meaningful interactions, make new ministry connections, and meet new people.

“The conference was so eye opening,” said Valerie Fuqua, a junior youth ministry major. “As a student preparing for ministry, it was refreshing to see both the passion and the burden that ministry can be. Overall, it was affirming to know that no pastor is truly alone, and that there are people all around who are in similar situations and are there to cheer each other on.”

The theme for this year’s conference was “Doing Life Together.” It consisted of four main sessions and three breakout sessions. Sessions included topics on personal leadership, racial reconciliation in student ministry, youth sermon series, leading and developing teams, and more. The students split into smaller groups for the breakout sessions and reunited later to share ideas and stories.

“The NYLA Conference was a life-changing experience, and I had a great time connecting with other youth leaders,” said Jared Bennett, a freshman youth ministry major. “Because of the welcoming attitudes, wisdom, and questions answered at the conference, I can say I am better equipped for successful youth ministry.”

For more information about Lee’s Department of Christian Ministry, visit https://www.leeuniversity.edu/academics/religion/christian-ministries/, find them on social media @leeuyouthministry, or call (423) 303-5111.

For more information about the NYLA Conference, visit https://nylaconf.com/.

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