Orange Week: Who I’m looking forward to hearing at Orange

As I mentioned yesterday, this week is Orange week on Ministry Blackboard.  The assignment today was to share about the best speaker I have ever heard at Orange and how it impacted me.  Well, unfortunately, I’ve never been to Orange.  So, I can honestly say I don’t have a favorite speaker from Orange that has impacted me or my ministry.

HOWEVER, after seeing the lineup at Orange this year, I can tell you that I am pumped to hear these people speak this year:

1. Reggie Joiner – God gave him the idea of Orange and through his ministry at North Point Community Church and the Orange initiative, he has impacted countless students, leaders, parents and families for Christ.  I’m looking forward to hearing him speak and what he has to say about how the church and families can partner together better this coming year.
2. Doug Fields – Author of countless books and a lifer in reaching students for Christ, this guy has earned the right to be heard.  Really, when I think of student ministry, I think of Doug Fields.  I’m not saying that he is THE person in doing THE MOST effective student ministry ever.  However, he has done it long enough and God has blessed his ministry in so many great ways that I can honestly say he is an authority in the business and I can’t wait to hear what he has to say this year!
3. Kara Powell – She is the Assistant Professor in Youth and Family Ministry and the Executive Director of the Fuller Youth Institute.  Her blog is always a great read with tid bit thoughts and great insights.  I am really excited to hear what she has to say at Orange, especially if she has any California lingo I can pick up on.

The great thing about these “legends” of youth and family ministry is that I have NEVER heard either of them speak in person.  I can’t wait to hear what they have to say about Family Ministry.  Plus, considering that Doug and Kara are from California, they should have some pretty good tans by now too to make us all jealous. 🙂

So that is one of the reason why I’m pumped to be going to the Orange Conference this year.  Are you going?  If you haven’t signed up for the Orange Conference, you still can!  Click here and register. If you sign up by the 17th you can get $30 off and a $50 credit towards curriculum.  What a sweet deal!!! So, if you haven’t signed up for the Conference in April, TAKE A MINUTE and DO! IT! NOW!