In 2006, I had the chance to attend the first Together for the Gospel conference in Louisville, KY. As conferences go, I’ve been to dozens over the years. That conference (the singing, preaching, fellowship, and resources), and the various iterations (it happened every other year until 2022), was used by God to change my life in multiple ways.

Next week, I have the chance to take approximately 35 students from Southwest Baptist University to another conference in Louisville. That conference will feature some of the same speakers (e.g., David Platt, John Piper, Kevin DeYoung), songs, and elements that shaped me so many years ago. I’m praying that God would use the time in Kentucky to help shape another generation of mature men and women who are ready to make a Christ-exalting difference in the world.

This trip is part of my efforts to lead our Center for Worldview and Culture at SBU. The Center exists to prepare students to practice their faith with courage and confidence in a confused world. Towards that end, we host events on campus at SBU, lead book studies, and offer trips like this one. In addition, next summer, we will take around 20 students to England for a study tour of London, Oxford, and Cambridge. Again, all of these efforts aim to shape students, preparing them to live Christianly in the world.

Would you pray for us as we sing, learn, and fellowship in Louisville?