Why? Christian Youth Summit

2012 Dates and Info

Keynote Speakers: Prof. Craig Hazen (BIOLA) & Brett Kunkle (Stand to Reason)

Praise the LORD! We had over 400 people nourished on the truths of the faith and fired up to stand firm amongst an unbelieving world. Thank you to all those who helped put on this important event and sign up on our email list to be informed of when next year's Summit will be.

Testimonies:
"Wow, what an incredible eye-opener this weekend was! The combination of informative lectures, encouraging fellowship, and the presence of God has left me on fire for the Lord . . . . and with a much stronger faith then when I walked in. From the soul searching talk by Stephen Williams to the hilarious but still inspiring lectures by Brett Kunkle and Craig Hazen, every minute offered a wealth of new information and material that can directly apply to my life and faith. I will be returning next year for another incredible two days of this amazing conference, Thank you!" – 16 year old

"When I came to the Youth Summit, I thought I was pretty strong in the faith, I knew what I was doing, how to defend my faith. Honestly, I didn't really want to go in the first place, but my mom dragged me along. I couldn't believe how much I didn't know, how poorly prepared I was to stick up for what I believe in. But the speakers were phenomenal, they showed me just the basics of apologetics, and I am so grateful that they took their time for me and everyone else who attended. Craig Hazen's Q and A session was awesome, and the worship was downright amazing. I didn't believe there was anything I needed to know when I came, but afterwards, I realize that I don't, in fact, know everything, and the Summit prepared me to tell others why I believe what I believe, and has allowed me to convince myself even more of the truth of Christ." - 13 year old

"I had been living the lie that faith is a blind leap. My father is a atheist. He is always trying to shake my faith. He was starting to get through to me. I was losing my faith. I am glad that the Summit was able to provide me with skills to defend and trust in my faith. Now I may even be able to convert him to Christianity..." – 13 year old

"The youth summit gave me the tools to defend my faith. Keith Kirkpatrick and Phil Long gave me specific ways to share my relationship with Jesus without getting offensive or making people upset. I think that every speaker presented essential tools to new Christians and older Christians alike. As i came back to church and school, I realized how ripe the harvest is and how much more i can be doing to share my faith. Fire Up!!!" – 17 year old

"I was excited about the Summit coming into it, but left the Summit absolutely ignited with a passion to dig deeper, search further and discover more! I've always been one who has stood happily on faith alone. The amazing speakers and breakout sessions I attended put my faith into overdrive! I no longer just have to say 'I just know it' but now have some historical information to back it up. As a one who disciples, I was challenged to go even further in my studies that I might equip students better than I ever have in the past. Very exciting!" – Lynn (44)

"At first I thought I didn't want to go, and it wasn't money or time or anything like that, I just didn't want to go. But God kept working at me until I decided I would obey him. I've had this thought about becoming a pastor, but I asked God to give me a clear sign, the clearest sign ever before I jumped into this. A few months passed, so I assumed God said I shouldn't become a pastor. But at the Youth Summit, I felt so close to God, closer than ever before. And then Stephen Williams said it. He said that God might be calling some of us to become pastors and ministers. It's like God said "That's you Daniel. I want you to serve me as a pastor." Since then, I've been so peaceful, so comfortable with the idea." – 13 year old

"I have already gone through several questioning stages of my faith and from them, I know what I believe is truth. One thing I still needed was evidence to defend my faith. This youth summit gave me that evidence and a longing to know more of the evidence in our world defending our faith in Jesus. Since the youth summit I have been searching on the internet 'reasons NOT to believe the Bible' and looking for answers to arguments there are against my faith. I feel as though I have been successful so far and am grateful that I went to the youth summit." – 15 year old

"I came to the Youth Summit as a leader--confident that I would pass on my life experiences to those who are broken. I thought I had come strong, but I realized how very broken I was. The Youth Summit gave me a new perspective on Christianity and revealed many problems I had "swept under the rug." This was a memorable weekend for me, one that I will remember by the friendships I built with people and with God." – 15 year old

"It showed me that my faith isn't just a blind leap. We, as Christians, have science on our side. The Summit gave me great resources and tools to go out and impact the world for Christ." – Seth (18)

"I think for my family [The Summit] really solidified the fact that Jesus is real...there were some very tangible proofs, great stuff for teenagers dealing with public schools." – Scott (50)

"It really made me realize that I needed to take my mask that I had been putting on and just give all of my past mistakes up to God. It also encouraged me to immerse myself daily in His word and pray to Him in any situation whatsoever. The speakers, the kids and everything was so amazing! I had so much fun and couldn't have imagined anything better than that :) The worship was so awesome too! I felt the presence of God unlike any time that I have ever felt Him before. I just had such a strong sense that He was right there with me and I felt at peace. I felt like I was the only one in the room worshipping and that I didn't care if I raised my hands and my voice for the One who created me. I was completely unashamed and it felt great! I am definitely going back next year and the year after that and so on." – 15 year old

"Youth Summits have been such encouraging experiences. They have increased my faith and my knowledge of what my faith is. Summits have gotten me "fired up" and have greatly increased my interest in apologetics. The speakers are top-notch and have interesting and practical topics. It is awesome to meet authors like Sean Mcdowell from last year and Craig Hazen, who always makes me smile. Brett Kunkle's redefining of "faith" was amazingly useful. I enjoyed the discussion times much more this time." – 16 year old

"The worship concert impacted me in my worship. I worshiped Christ with all my heart like never before. The youth summit also encouraged me not just to read the whole Bible, but study and understand it too. I need to be able to back up my faith, and to show others that Christianity is not just a blind leap. I really like this quote by Brett Kunkle, 'We all have this disease, but Jesus is the only way to cure it.' The disease is sin. We all have sin, but Jesus is the only one who can save us. Heather Wieber quotes, 'Despite our mistakes God uses us. Our messes equal a message.' All of the speakers impacted me in how to live a godly life. I am encouraged to live my life for the Lord!" – 15 year old

Christian Youth Summit 30 Second Promo 2012 from Prepare the Way Ministries on Vimeo.