first things first 2007 NATIONAL YOUTH CONFERENCE Convention Review WNAC Review

MORE THAN 3,000 children, teens, and youth workers from around the world gathered in Little Rock, Arkansas, to put “First Things First” July 15-18. Participants in the fast-paced convention enjoyed age-appropriate worship, intense competition, great music, challenging service projects, and surprises along the way.

Photo: Competitors wait anxiously.

Making History

During the Monday night service, participants recognized Malcolm Fry for his pioneer work in developing the National Youth Conference. In 1972, Fry became the director of the FWB Church Training Service. Although Bible competition was already in place, he wanted to institute a program that would include all young people, so he introduced Music and Arts Competition. The program experienced instant success with more than 200 entries during the first year of competition. 

Although the new event was successful, Fry worked hard to refine the program in succeeding years, eventually bringing Bible competition under the umbrella of the National Youth Conference. The conference continued to evolve as the innovative director added a new feature each year. He developed services for children and teens, activities after evening services, banquets, and daily activities.

Daughter Becky (Fry) Gwartney and granddaughter Casey accepted the award on his behalf.

Highlights

Reach That Guy enjoyed another successful year. In only three days, 565 students served the City of Little Rock. They donated more than 2,410 hours to ministries and agencies like the Arkansas Food Network, Fish Net Ministries Food Bank, the Florence Crittenton Home, and the Union Rescue Mission. Their efforts caught the attention of local media, prompting coverage by the Arkansas Democrat Gazette and local television. Volunteers represented 62 different churches.

The National Youth Evangelistic Team celebrated 20 years of ministry. Under the direction of Angie Deel, alumni from previous years joined the current team for an inspirational finale.

Students donated more than $5,000 to Free Will Baptist ministries through the Buck-a-Week offering on Tuesday night.

Photo: Jacob Riggs, Matthew Bracey, and David Snow lead worship.

Changes

Conference Director Danny Conn unveiled revised Competition Guidelines that will go into effect in 2008. The revision adds several events that develop practical ministry skills for youth. Events are more inclusive, offering a wide range of categories with something for everyone.

Bible Millionaire, a new team game for 4th—6th grade students, is a fun way to reinforce weekly Bible studies. Group Bible Memorization will enable all students to participate in Scripture recitation. Extemporaneous translation will hone skills for cross-cultural ministries. The expanded Instructional and Promotional Media category will help students develop media skills for use in the local church.

Entry Requirements and rules have been adjusted to include more young people. New members can be added to large ensembles and substitutions can be made in groups. Guidelines accommodate unique circumstances of missionary kids and home school students. Music contestants will be allowed to use “homemade” recorded accompaniment.

For more details on Competition Guideline revisions, visit www.randallhouse.com

The conference closed with the announcement of next year’s theme, “It’s Not About Me,” based on John 3:30. “He must increase, but I must decrease.”  The conference will be held July 20-23, in Charleston, WV.

NATIONAL YOUTH CONFERENCE AT-A-GLANCE

Theme: First Things First

Registrants......................3,388

Competition Entries............833

Reach That Guy

• 565 volunteers

• 2,410 hours of labor

• 62 churches

• 21 missions

Speakers

Children: Steve and Katie Greenwood (TN); Johnny and Gail Miller (AR)

Teens: Joey Postlewaite (AR), Jason Nichols (AR), Gowdy Cannon (IL), Casey Cariker (OK), Christian Powell, (NC)

YOUTH OF THE YEAR Andrew McPeak, Nashville, TN

YOUTH GROUP OF THE YEAR New Home FWB Church, Berryhill, OK

YOUTH WORKER OF THE YEAR Gowdy Cannon, Chicago, IL

2008 NATIONAL YOUTH EVANGELISTIC TEAM

• Audrey Hollifield (TN)

• Melissa Dukes (FL)

• Macie Webb (CA)

• David Frazier (TN)

• Ashley Northrup (FL)

• Jeni Dixon (MO)

• Brandi Floyd (SC)

• Jamie Kilgore (TN)

• Kenyon Savage (AR)

• Thad Douglas (GA)

• David Snow (TN)

• Thomas Yerby (AL)