Judson to host youth leadership conference in June

Judson University invites high school students to attend the SOAR Youth Leadership Conference Friday and Saturday, June 6 and 7, on Judson's Elgin campus, 1151 N. State St. SOAR is a supercharged weekend where high school students can come together and learn what it means to be a leader at school, at home, in their communities and in the world.

This two-day event will feature speakers addressing relevant topics in Christian leadership today. Judson Alumnus Ian Simkins '06, pastor of Poplar Creek Church in Bartlett, will speak on Church leadership; Judson Professor Dr. Mark Torgeerson will speak on "The Movement of Worship"; Judson Professor Kimberly Schmidt on address "Leadership in the Arts"; Bethany Suckrow will lead a session on "Leadership in Social Media"; Cindy Wallace will speak on "Women in Leadership"; and Jerell Carpenter, Director of Student Ministries at Poplar Creek Church, will lead a session on discerning and using spiritual gifts.

Students will also spend time in worship with some of Judson University's outstanding worship leaders, including popular Christian band Citizen Way, and two other bands, Mass Anthem and Graveyards to Gardens, all comprised of Judson students and alumni.

Students will learn from real-life people that have a knack for engaging their generation through social media and technology. They'll be inspired by the Word of God, participate in interactive service projects, and build relationships with others that understand them.

Registration for the conference is $79 for students, $49 for youth pastors, with a registration deadline of May 23. Conference costs include a free SOAR T-shirt, housing and meals for both days, on-site giveaways, concerts with three bands including Citizen Way, and a free Citizen Way CD. For more information and registration, visit JudsonU.edu/SOAR.

Judson University is a fully accredited, private Christian university of the liberal arts, sciences and professions. Judson offers degrees in more than 50 different majors/minors for traditional, graduate, and adult students. Judson University ranks consistently among the Top-Tier of Regional Colleges in the Midwest by U.S. News and World Report. With an academically challenging environment and encouraging spiritual community, Judson shapes lives that shape the world.