National Youth Conference Unites Over 400 Students from 33 Churches of Christ

The 71st annual National Youth Conference (NYC) brought together over 400 students from 33 Churches of Christ across 13 states. The event, held at the University of South Carolina Upstate, featured fellowship, workshops, and activities aimed at strengthening the spiritual well-being of participants. The conference traces its origins to 1952, when Orum L. Trone Sr. and his wife, Christine, of the Elmwood Park Church of Christ in Detroit, recognized the need for national Christian fellowship beyond local gatherings.

Victor Cathey, a member of the NYC board of directors, reflected on his first attendance at the conference 30 years ago at the University of Illinois. The 2023 National Bible Bowl champions, including Cathey, represented students from the Kingdom Church of Christ in Charlotte, N.C., and the Central Pointe Church of Christ in Dallas. Cathey, now a deacon at the Central Pointé Church of Christ in Dallas, described the conference’s history as guided by the Lord.

Lamont Ross, senior minister for the Marsalis Avenue Church of Christ in Dallas and a fellow board member, emphasized the conference’s role in inspiring youth to grow in faith and use their gifts for God’s glory. He noted that the event equips participants to address contemporary issues from a Christian perspective, enabling them to make an impact in their communities and the kingdom of God.

Willie Eva Burnett of the Mountain View Church of Christ in Dallas directed the All Conference Chorus performance on the final night of the event. The Bible Bowl, which this year focused on Philippians, returned as a conference activity for the first time in several years. Patrick Worthey Jr., NYC coordinator and singles minister for the Greenville Avenue Church of Christ in Richardson, Texas, expressed joy at the participants’ enthusiasm and anticipation for future involvement.

Other activities at the conference included bowling, reflecting the diverse range of experiences designed to engage and uplift young Christians. The National Youth Conference continues to serve as a vital platform for fellowship, spiritual growth, and community service within the Churches of Christ.

Source: Read the original report