A mountaintop experience

Conference gets to the heart of youth ministry

by Captain Chrissy Cooper

Standing in the valley of the Lawrence M. Daley Camp and Conference Center in Calabasas, Ca., my eyes were drawn to a small white cross lifted high in the mountains. This moment brought echoes of Psalm 121:1 (NIV), “I lift up my eyes to the mountains—where does my help come from?” as the National Divisional Youth Leaders’ (NDYL) Conference delegates gathered and then rested after a day of travel. Our eyes would be drawn to the Lord in many more ways over the next few days. The conference gathered divisional youth secretaries from all four U.S. territories, providing a unique setting for fellowship, collaboration and inspiration.

One of the primary benefits of NDYL was the opportunity for us to collaborate and share experiences. Our diverse backgrounds and perspectives enriched the discussions and workshops, fostering a sense of community and mutual support. The collaborative atmosphere allowed us to exchange ideas, resources and best practices, empowering us to better address our respective divisions’ unique challenges and opportunities.

The conference also provided valuable resources and the latest information relevant to different areas of youth ministry.

Workshops and sessions covered topics from innovative youth programs to effective leadership strategies. We gained insights into the trends in youth development and learned practical approaches to address the evolving needs of young people in our communities. The information shared during the conference equipped us with tools to enhance our local youth ministries and make a lasting impact.

The biggest takeaway for me was the reminder that what the young people in our communities need most is the truth which only comes from the Word of God. Nothing we do matters if we are not sharing the gospel.

The heart of the conference was the impactful speakers and the transformative worship experiences.

Renowned officers, including National Commander Commissioner Kenneth G. Hodder and Western territorial leaders Commissioners Douglas and Colleen Riley, shared their expertise giving us a broader perspective for youth’s challenges and opportunities today. The speakers, chosen for their relevance and impact, delivered powerful messages that resonated with all of us, inspiring us to approach our roles with renewed passion and purpose.

The worship sessions were nothing short of transformative. Beautiful harmonies, coupled with comforting and sometimes challenging lyrics, created an atmosphere where we could connect with God on a deeper level. The worship experiences not only served as moments of reflection and spiritual renewal but also strengthened the sense of unity among the territorial and divisional youth secretaries. The shared experiences created lasting bonds among the delegates, fostering a sense of camaraderie which extends beyond the conference.

This NDYL Conference proved to be an impactful experience for leaders in The Salvation Army. The picturesque setting, collaborative environment, impactful speakers, and perspective-changing worship moments all contributed to an event that left a lasting impression.

As each of us returned to our divisions, we carried increased knowledge, a renewed sense of purpose, and a strengthened commitment to reaching the next generation with the gospel.

The venue will forever hold a special place in the hearts of those who attended this mountaintop experience where leaders united, learned and left inspired to make a positive impact in the lives of young people across the nation.