PROGRAM AND CONTENT PASTOR OF ANTHEM, MARS HILL BIBLE CHURCH

BIO: Matt is program and content pastor of Anthem, the high school/post high school ministry at Mars Hill Bible Church in Grand Rapids, MI. He has served in student ministries at Mars Hill as a volunteer, resident, and pastor for the last eight years. He’s also lived and studied in the Middle East and is passionate about providing high school and college students the opportunity to experience the Bible and its world through pilgrimage, teachings, and resources.

SESSIONS:

The Present Future Youth Ministry: Reimagining "High School" Ministry

Never gambling the future for the sake of the present, the New Age-Appropriate High School Ministry provides content and contexts for students to experience the Christian faith both now and in the future. Further, it creates opportunities for students to experience a connection to the church and a growing spirituality that transcends high school ministry programming. Topics such as spiritual practices, asking questions, volunteers, and college transition are part of this discussion.

God, the Definitive Mix: An Age-Appropriate Narrative Hermeneutic

“Be Like King David.” “Here are 10 Verses about Why You Shouldn’t Do Drugs.” As youth workers we’ve all uttered these (or similar) words to our students and volunteers regarding the Christian life. Although seemingly age-appropriate at the time, this way of interacting with the Bible and obedience lacks the theological and intellectual integrity our students deserve. In this seminar we’ll challenge the traditional “be like” and “proof-texting” model of teaching and propose a way forward that encourages the possibility of an honest and lasting spiritual journey for our students through the lens of an Age-Appropriate Narrative Hermeneutic.