Nevada-Utah Conference Hosts Club Ministry Leadership Summit in Salt Lake City
By Neat Randriamialison
All the volunteer staff from the Nevada-Utah Conference Youth Department being introduced for the first time to the rest of the attendees.
We are discipling the leaders of today and tomorrow." These words from Delberth Castillo, the Nevada-Utah Conference’s interim Youth Director, set the tone for the Club Ministry Leadership Summit held October 25-27, 2024, in West Jordan, Utah. The event brought together club ministry leaders from across Nevada and Utah, with participants representing Pathfinder, Adventurer, Teen Leaders in Training, and Master Guide ministries. The weekend was filled with workshops, fellowship, and encouragement as leaders exchanged ideas and strategies for guiding young people in faith. “I am a product of the club ministries myself, and I know firsthand the importance of this mission,” Delberth added.
Cris Cazarine sharing how love changed her atheistic perspective and brought her to God
Keynote speaker Cris Cazarine, a newly published author and respected pastor, shared her powerful journey from atheism to faith. Her story, detailed in her book “Broken By Love: The Story of an Atheist Turned Pastor”, spoke to the influence of compassion and non-judgmental acceptance on her path to knowing God. "It was the love and welcome of a Christian woman, who embraced me and my friends without judgment, that allowed me to begin to believe,” Cris shared, reflecting on a difficult upbringing that initially led her to question the existence of God. She said: “We need to learn how to embrace kids Her testimony struck a chord with attendees, showing the transformative power of love, faith, and community.
Master Guide Class sharing notes during the Communication Skills class.
One of the Adventurer Club Directors taking notes during one of the workshops
The summit also offered workshops focused on practical skills like communication, leadership, and teaching, each woven with biblical principles. Club leaders received tools to support and connect with the young people they serve. "Youth ministry can sometimes be hard, but what you pour into these young people will forever be a part of their journey," said Randy Hill, Pacific Union Vice President for Youth Ministry, encouraging leaders to stay steadfast in their efforts.
The 2024 Club Ministry Leadership Summit emphasized the vital role of ministry leaders in shaping lives with faith, resilience, and purpose, equipping them to support the next generation of leaders across Nevada and Utah.