In less than a month, hundreds of students will gather at the Gaylord Texan for the SOAR 2023 conference. That event, which has been a mainstay in our work, is a powerful opportunity for our students to encounter something great. They will worship, hear the Word and see others their own age worship a living God. The theme this year is “Devoted” and provides our students the opportunity to evaluate their lives for the cause of Christ.
If you were on the fence about going, I would urge you to reconsider. Chris Vines, Stephen Castelberry, Nathan Brewer, Jeremy Hambrice and Drew Cline are all going to bring the Word as the SOAR collective leads us in worship. For more information, you can visit soarconference.com.
There is a question to ask — “How can I make this event more than just a fun trip?” That responsibility falls on those of us that work with students. Here are a few things to consider:
• Have a prayer team from your congregation praying for your students, the speakers and your adult leadership team. Ask individuals to pray for a specific student during your SOAR trip. Give them details about your students and the conference so they can pray purposefully.
• Be familiar with the theme and the speakers. This year, I have interviewed all five main stage speakers on our podcast. This provides an opportunity for leaders to get to know them better and know the direction they are headed with their messages. You can find the podcast at studentministrymatters.podbean.com and those conversations are on episodes 160-164.
• Prepare questions for your students. After each session or at the end of the day, you should meet as a group and debrief. You will want to have something in mind to discuss. You may have other discussion points come up, but it is always good to have a direction planned.
• Inform your sponsors of your ministry goals for the trip. Take time to communicate with your team, even if that team is just you and your spouse.
Taking a group to SOAR or any other conference is about more than hotel reservations and eating destinations. While those are necessary, they are not the main point. Your job is about providing a space for your students to encounter God in a unique way.
If you have other ways you prepare for SOAR, another conference or camp, join us at Facebook.com/groups/StudentMinistryMattersCommunity to share. We can all learn from one another.
