April 21-22, 2017. Spiritual Stewardship in the New Media Environment is a conference sponsored by the Presbytery Youth Committee and will be hosted by Christ OPC in Janesville.
Those who argue against Christianity in the broader American society attack the church mainly on questions of love and beauty. Philippians 4:8 provides an overarching theme for addressing this with its questions such as: What is true? What is real? What is good? What is beautiful?
Youth are easily entranced by contemporary artwork, particularly film and music, but they often fail to ask what art is for or what they should be thinking in regards to it when they participate and take in such media. It is not uncommon to hear students even at a Christian college saying things such as “everyone is entitled to their opinion,” or to see students with an extreme fascination with virtual reality environments yet at the same time avoiding that what is actually real because they find it awkward.
These attitudes are troubling. Tools for a more discerning approach to media need to be provided early so that young men and women can effectively deal with the exposure to a barrage of such influences coming at them. They need solid ways of defending their faith, not ways that are sequestered in defensive positions rooted in relativism. This conference is an opportunity to consider these things and discuss them.
Our speaker, Dr. Joel S. Ward,is an assistant professor in the Communication Department at Geneva College in Beaver Falls, PA. His research and teaching are primarily directed at understanding how new media shapes culture, communities, and Christians. The Lord has blessed him and his wife Tabi with four wonderful children.
Time: Friday, April 21, starts 7:30 PM / Saturday, April 22, from 8:30 AM to about 3:00 PM
Who: All youth are invited, together with parents, leaders, pastors, elders or anyone else interested.
Place: Christ Presbyterian Church, 3625 Skyview Dr, Janesville, WI 53546.
Cost: $25 per person or $50 per family.
Brochures: A trifold brochure is available. Feel free to print copies directly, or if your church would like printed brochures, please let us know.
Contact: Email youth.committee@pmwopc.org or Ben Snodgrass at (262) 309-8266 with questions.
Lodging: If you need lodging in Janesville on Friday night you may want to consider the Baymont Inn and Suites. The Youth Committee has reserved a block of rooms. Just tell them you are with the “OPC Youth Conference”. Reservations should be made no later than March 31 to receive the negotiated room rate.
Download the audio
Session 1 : Stewarding the Senses
Session 2 : Ministry of the Mind
Session 3 : Renewing the Real
Session 4 : Touching the Truth
Session 5 : Q&A