It's one of the best weeks of the year - the week of the Creation Festival! I've been going since 1991. Although I missed a few years in that time, I've taken/gone with groups for many of those years. I'm taking students there today and I can't wait! Why? Well, here's why -
1. Best Christian music in the country - Creation never fails to put great bands and artists on the main stage! The concerts each night are just plain awesome! And they always lift up the name of Jesus. 2. Best speakers in the country - The Word of God and people responding to the Gospel never gets old. Creation has found and shared incredible speakers each year, but one of my favorites is Bob Lenz. The first time I saw him I had never heard of him, but he was amazing! We've had him come to Pittsburgh several times since seeing him at Creation. I want my students to hear speakers like these. 3. Camping on the farm - okay, not everyone gets excited about camping, but coming back to the campfire after the evening sessions and sleeping under the stars is a great experience for students. Things can be said around a fire that won't be said anywhere else. And Creation lives up to it's name - it's a beautiful place to experience the outdoors! 4. Opportunities to make a difference in the world - through the exhibit area, students can find and be exposed to ministries that are doing amazing things to make a difference in the world. I love learning new ways to serve Jesus by serving people. 5. Worship with 70,000 people! This just can't be beat - to worship God together with that many voices, that many brothers and sisters in Christ, is a small taste of heaven. 6. Christians from every background - when you walk around the campgrounds you'll see church vans from congregations of every kind there. You get to rub elbows with parts of the Body of Christ that you don't normally - and that's a good thing. But no matter the differences, it's all about Jesus! 7. New bands that are coming up - I first saw Skillet on the Fringe Stage at Creation in 1997. They were brand new back then and, as we all know, have stood the test of time. It's very cool to go year after year and see bands grow and progess and to hear new ones that I've never heard before. I also remember hearing Lecrae on the Fringe Stage several years ago - not rapping, but preaching! And he was really good. 8. The Youth Leaders Hospitality Area - Creation knows how to treat Youth Pastors well! Their Youth Leader Hospitality Area sponsored by Interlinc is the best. Cold drinks, air conditioning, artist talk back sessions, workshops, a massage therapist, and more make this a great place to escape for a bit and to keep going strong. 9. Great memories - I love taking students for a selfish reason: I have so many great memories there and I love remembering those times. Like the time DC Talk rode down to the main stage on motorcycles or the first time our group had a hot dog cooking/eating contest which became an annual tradition. So many good times! 10. Future memories - And I love going for a second selfish reason. I have children now that I take to Creation and I want them to have great memories too! We took our first child, our daughter, when she was eight weeks old. Yes, we are that crazy. She's six now and ready to go again. So, you should seriously consider taking some students to Creation! If you can't go this year, check it out online at www.creationfest.com/livestream.
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WHO I AM
I'm a follower of Jesus, husband to my lovely wife Judy, father of Evangelina, Micah, Josiah, and Jeremiah, missionary to the northeast United States and advocate for all things youth ministry. WHAT I DO
I am the northeast regional coordinator for the National Network of Youth Ministries. I've worked for the last 24 years as the co-executive director of Teens For Christ, a ministry that equips teenagers to share their faith in their schools. I also served on staff at Cherry Tree Alliance Church for 15 years as youth pastor and family life pastor. My Websites
Youth Ministry Consultations Youth Ministry Networking 9 Month Mission Trip Speaking at camps, retreats, youth groups, etc. Archives
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