MBC’s “Re:Connect” events set to draw statewide youth
By Brian Koonce
Staff Writer
January 24, 2006
SPRINGFIELD – Students across Missouri have two upcoming opportunities to “reconnect” with a passion to evangelize their world.
The Missouri Baptist Convention (MBC) will host two “Re:Connect” events, one at Second Baptist Church, Springfield, Feb. 25, and another at First Baptist Church, Raytown, March 18. Both events will run from 4 to 8 p.m. Two previous regional Re:Connect events in Cape Girardeau and St. Louis last fall drew 370 students and leaders.
“We’re just beginning to build momentum,” said Matt Kearns, MBC student evangelism specialist. “This is another opportunity to help students follow through with what we’ve asked them to do.”
The cost of the event is $5 and includes dinner.
The fact that it’s not an overnight conference is designed to help churches without a full- or even a part-time youth pastor.
“Maybe they’ve got a Sunday School teacher or a parent who can put kids in a car and drive them an hour or so to something like this where they don’t have to spend the night. They can travel, be there, get home and not be too exhausted.”
Although designed as follow up to the Super Summer youth events and its emphasis on making connections to share one’s faith, Re:Connect is open to all students, regardless of whether or not they attended Super Summer.
“It’s very evangelistic,” Kearns said. “We’re hoping that is a way that they can follow up on those students they’ve been investing in since Super Summer.”
Kearns will take part of the time to network directly with youth leaders.
Joel Engle will speak and lead worship at the Springfield event. He learned of his gift for music and leading worship while at the local Baptist Children’s Home.
“He’s not only gifted musically, but he’s a terrific communicator,” Kearns said. “Joel and I have been friends for a long time. I’m excited about him coming and in particular about him sharing his testimony.”
Curt Jones, a Springfield native and the student pastor at First Baptist Church, Irving, Texas will speak at Raytown.
“Curt is an incredible communicator as well,” Kearns noted. “He’s very humorous but very straightforward. I think students will really connect and identify with him.”
Jami Smith will lead worship in Raytown.
“Jami has led worship at Super Summer and local churches as well,” Kearns said. “It’s really amazing to find someone with such incredible talent and incredible humility.”
