|
History of the Mennonite Brethren National Youth Conference
Youth of the United States Mennonite Brethren (USMB) Conference began meeting together in the 1970s. Every four years they would gather together from all over the nation to listen to challenging speakers, worship and enjoy activities. These youth conferences have been the largest gatherings of MBs in North America!
The conferences were primarily held at Estes Park, CO, and occasionally hosted at Glorietta, NM, as well. A change came after Estes 03 when USMB Executive Director Chuck Buller began dreaming with some youth leaders about a new model for the conference. The USMB board appointed Rick Bartlett, Wendell Loewen and Tim Neufeld as a task force to investigate the issue. Upon further discussion and consultation with a large sample of MB youth leaders from across the nation it was decided to hold the 2007 conference at the Hilton Hotel in Anaheim, CA. One of the key goals of the conference was to move students into an environment where they could learn about and experience holistic ministry in an urban context. Each conferee was given the chance on the third day of the event to move into the city and minister in the name of Christ. The planning team felt that this was a great way to pass along an important Anabaptist/Mennonite value. The conference was a success and set the precedent for future national MB youth gatherings.
In the summer of 2008, co-directors Rick, Wendell and Tim travelled to Denver, Kansas City and San Antonio on a fact-finding trip. Soon after that they traveled to the USMB Pastors’ Conference in Wichita and convened a forum of MB youth leaders to process the information. Based on as much discussion and input as possible the date was set for April 16-19, 2011, the location was set for San Antonio and a contract with the Grand Hyatt was signed.
The San Antonio planning team facilitated a gathering of 50 youth leaders from across the nation at a MB Youth Leaders’ Summit, December 4-6, 2009. This was held onsite at the Grand Hyatt in San Antonio and served to orient leaders to the upcoming conference. Leaders went home energized and ready to begin the long journey to San Antonio with their youth groups.
The planning team would love to hear any questions, comments or concerns you might have. Please let them know how they can help make this the best National MB Youth Conference ever!
|
