i’m a big fan of “believe“, the touring junior high event hosted by ciy each year. quite a few years ago, i consulted with them about how to make it more intentional for early adolescents, and the then-new leader of the event, johnny scott (who has since become a good friend), ran hard after making changes. those changes have resulted, i think, in a pretty amazing event that is pretty amazing for young teens.
then, a few years ago, i spoke at most of the believe events for a season, and got to know it more intimately. johnny and his team continue to improve the event every year; i’m always impressed by his insatiable desire to improve (and i don’t mean “to make it flashier”; but, rather, to make it more and more effective in what an event like this can provide for young teens and middle school ministries).
so i’m stoked to join the team of speakers this year (an amazing team that includes some of my best friends in middle school ministry: scott rubin, kurt johnston, and heather flies), even if for only one city (atlanta). believe is coming to 11 cities in 2011, and i’d highly encourage you to check it out. they just released their promo materials in a pdf version, which you can check out here. the website for next year’s event will go live later this month, so watch for that.
and, yes, that is a bobble-head of me. they had them made of all the speakers. too funny!
Last year was my first time to go to Believe and it was a great experience for my jr hi kids. It’s refreshing to have something geared for their age. The message and worship really got through to our group. Kudos to Believe!
Did they mix up Kurt and Scott’s bobbleheads on the promo material?
i agree, josh. clearly: kurt and scott’s bobbleheads are reversed.
um i want to buy one i don’t care how much
They came to Arizona once and then never came back…. I didn’t fit our students needs anyway…
Last year was my first year going to Believe. I took a small group of students to scope it out to see if I wanted to take my whole group back and was very impressed. I’m pumped to take our whole group back this year. The students that went really loved it and I love how much they really “get” middle school students. Everything is done with such purpose and passion. Can’t wait to head up to Michigan this May!
@Scotty: I’m curious, would you expound upon how you felt it lacked in meeting your students’ needs? I don’t ask in judgement, but more out of intrigue for how/where your students could/are being fed. I’m also wondering if this is the case in other locations. Thank you! Looking forward to hearing from you.
I love those bobbleheads I had one made for my girl friend with http://www.bobbleheadofme.com and it was a fit.