Below are the conferences I know are happening in 2026 that are specifically focused on Student and/or NextGen Ministry leaders. Please note: Not all events have posted their 2026 dates yet, so until they do, I have noted when they typically have them. Conclave NextGen • Usually in October (Arlington, TX)https://www.texasbaptists.org/events/conclave D6 Conference • March … Continue reading Youth Pastor Conferences 2026
Steve’s Blog
Standout Points from Global Leadership Summit 2025
The Global Leadership Summit just wrapped, and as I looked over all the notes I took from the amazing speakers, I wanted to share some of the highlights with you all. Consistency closes the gap between good intentions and actions. (Craig Groeschel) You might be juggling 12 balls but your competitor is throwing one ball … Continue reading Standout Points from Global Leadership Summit 2025
Let’s Put our Footprints on a Campus and Pray
It might be hard to believe, but another school year will be starting soon. In fact, some schools have already begun their fall semester. And those students, teachers, coaches, bus drivers, custodians, cafeteria workers, and administrators need our prayers! This is the 3rd year for NNYM’s “Footprints on Campus” prayer campaign, where our goal is … Continue reading Let’s Put our Footprints on a Campus and Pray
Thriving Youth Leaders Survey
A few months ago, I started a big research project as a part of my research cohort with Great Commission Research Network and in partnership with National Network of Youth Ministries and One Hope. I’m currently running a large-scale survey for youth leaders in the US and reading a ton of books, articles, etc., and … Continue reading Thriving Youth Leaders Survey
Collaborating Across Arvada for an All Area Youth Worship Night
I was just down in Arvada, CO, last night to witness 7 local youth ministries come together for an area youth worship night. They brought in 118 students from 37 area schools, saw several students say yes for the first time to following Jesus, and nearly every student in the room ended the night stating … Continue reading Collaborating Across Arvada for an All Area Youth Worship Night
Collaborating Across Colorado Springs for One Big Wednesday 2025
On April 16, our Colorado Springs network rented out a minor league baseball stadium to host One Big Wednesday, a worship and evangelism-focused event for middle school and high school students. Of course, I had to be there, and it was amazing watching God work among all these churches and youth leaders uniting under one … Continue reading Collaborating Across Colorado Springs for One Big Wednesday 2025
Back to Back Conferences in March 2025
March 14-22 was a busy time for me. First, I headed down to Florida to visit a former student who is now a tech director and getting ready to be married in April. Then I attended a conference with this new research cohort I joined, which is connected to the Great Commission Research Network. I’ll be … Continue reading Back to Back Conferences in March 2025
We Hosted Our First Lift Event in Northern Colorado
We had our very first Lift event in Northern Colorado this March. In partnership with Christian Educators, we hosted a dinner and program for nearly 50 Christian teachers and administrators from all over our area. These teachers are often feeling isolated and alone, similar to many youth leaders. We had such a good time, and … Continue reading We Hosted Our First Lift Event in Northern Colorado
Training Colorado Youth Leaders
On March 8, we hosted a training day for youth leaders from area churches. Everyone who attended stated they learned a lot from their experience and they are excited about the next time we host one in the fall. It was also great, as always, to see leaders interacting from different churches, making new friends, … Continue reading Training Colorado Youth Leaders
Colorado Network Updates – February 2025
Throughout February, I was able to visit several networks and youth leaders all over Colorado. Here are a few updates from the areas I visited: Arvada: This amazing network is constantly praying and strategically planning to reach the 14,000 teenagers in their community who don’t know Jesus. And they are planning a community worship night … Continue reading Colorado Network Updates – February 2025
Steve Cullum 