Student ministers beware. “Rooted,” a new conference for youth and college pastors, has a different take on how to reach the next generation.

“Rooted won’t equip you to regurgitate theological platitudes and principles of life or show you how to throw the next popular event,” said John Steakley, youth director at Covenant Presbyterian (PCA) in Birmingham, Ala., who serves on the steering committee for Rooted. “But it will endow you with a focus on good exegesis of Scripture that leads to a correct understanding of your ministry. Very simply, our ministries need to be focused on Christ-centered relationships and faithful, accurate teaching of God’s Word.”

“Rooted: A Theology Conference for Student Ministry,” will be held August 10-12 in Birmingham, Ala., and represents an effort of several PCA pastors and lay people working with those in other denominations to encourage and equip youth and college pastors for Christ-centered ministry.

While many conferences for youth and college pastors continue to focus on methodology, Rooted seeks to provide an opportunity for student pastors and ministry leaders to discuss the gospel and biblical theology in the context of youth culture.

Brian Habig, a former RUF pastor at Mississippi State and Vanderbilt, and the current senior pastor of Downtown Presbyterian Church (PCA) in Greenville, S.C., will serve as one of the keynote speakers at Rooted. Habig appreciates the opportunity to work with Christians of other denominations. “My hope is that our time together will be an expression of good catholicity,” wrote Habig. “We're trying to help each other think about ministry with the Reformation distinctives we share."

Rooted has received a number of endorsements, including one from Harry Reeder, senior pastor of Briarwood Presbyterian (PCA) in Birmingham, Ala. and current moderator of the PCA General Assembly. Reeder wrote, “This conference is positioned to greatly impact those who will take advantage of the opportunity. Its focus upon Christ and the gospel, by developing sound lives through sound doctrine, is an event that should not, and if at all possible, must not be missed.”

“Rooted: A Theology Conference for Student Ministry” will take place on the campus of Cathedral Church of the Advent in Birmingham, Ala., August 10-12. To learn more, visit www.rootedconference.com or call Cameron Cole at 205.443.8500.