At NATIONAL, our plenary sessions are designed to ENRICH youth workers through stories and real life experience shared by speakers at work with students, and to AFFIRM youth workers through laughter, community experience, and music.

Our General Session speakers bring passion and experience that speaks to us about the real purpose of student ministry.

2009 National General Session Speakers Include:

Thursday Night: LIVE
with Dustin Kunkel, DCE
“I am the resurrection and life. Anyone who believes in me will live.” John 11: 25-26
Live “Big Picture.” The Gospel message and your confession define your life as more than a solitary snapshot. You are part of the body of believers; in Christ your life and ministry makes the big picture complete.

Friday Night: LISTEN
with Bob McKinney, DCE
“The two disciples heard him say this, and they followed Jesus.” John 1:37
Faith comes from hearing. Jesus is the Word. We hear; we follow; we confess; and still more, follow. Listen to who God says He is.

2009 National Artists Include:

These Guys
Yes. They're back yet again! Returning to the NATIONAL stage, we present These Guys. Appearing each General Session, they could also accurately be named: Two DCEs and A Pastor. With skits and narratives composed from their own congregational experience, you just might see yourself in one of "these guys."

The House Band
Led by Jon Jordening from Concordia University Irvine, Calif., these talented musicians help us sing, laugh, and draw together through music at each event.

The Go West Young Band
The Bible study house band is a home-grown team of LCMS youth workers, educators, pastors, and DCEs. Led by Rev. Brian West, we hope you are encouraged to join in the braise each morning as we gather in the Word and begin the day anew.