Strengthening the Black Church for the 21st Century (SBC21) Debuts National Network of Young Adults

NASHVILLE, Tenn./ July 13, 2017/ — SBC21 will debut its new program, The National Network of Young Adults (NNYA) during its first-ever national conference designed for students who attend United Methodist affiliated Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU). More than 100 students are expected to attend The National HBCU Leading In Transformation (LIT) Conference Thursday, September 21, 8am – 9pm @ Clark Atlanta University in Atlanta.

“SBC21 is pleased to host this national gathering that I believe will be uniquely spectacular,” said Dr. Fred A. Allen, National Executive Director for SBC21. “I am inspired by the energy and focus that these college-aged young adult leaders will bring to this day of teaching and networking. They will leave with strategic models and best practices to strengthening our communities and our churches,” Allen said.

The National HBCU LIT Conference will offer relevant workshops and community service opportunities focused on Social Justice, Ministry and Academics. SBC21 NNYA Program Coordinator Nathalie Nelson Parker explains how the conference will aid campus ministry leadership. “This conference will provide support to campus ministers and students with vital resources to assist on-campus and post-graduate development, said Nelson Parker. “Thus, giving ethnic young adults the tools necessary to develop an awareness and action plan to address social justice needs on campuses and reach their God-given potential,” she said.

Dynamic keynote speakers and powerful workshop presenters will challenge, empower and inspire young adults to be the light of Christ and embrace the call of God to lead in the transformation of their campus, community, and ultimately, the world. National Grammy-Award Nominated Gospel Artist The Walls Group will lead worship.

“We are in an urgent time to aggressively engage young adults with the platform, tools, and blessing needed to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of this world,” explained Allen. By connecting young adults between the ages of 18-35 to a greater network of other disciplined young adults, campus ministers, and mentors, we can build a pipeline of effective leaders to serve within the church and respective UMC affiliated HBCU campuses.

About SBC21

SBC21 is a program designed to assist UM Churches with predominately black congregations become vital and effective in mission and ministry. It does this through is Collaborative Coaching & Training network, Prison Ministry program, National Network of Young Adults and through other innovative partnerships to revitalized churches. Learn more at sbc21.org.

National LIT Conference Registration and SPONSORS

The National Lit Conference sponsors are SBC21 and General Board of Higher Education and Ministry - Young Clergy Initiative. Register now at NationalLITConference.com, and stay connected with us on social media: http://facebook.com/NationalNetworkofYoungAdults or @NNYA_LIT on Instagram and Twitter. For information contact [email protected].

----------

Media Contact:
Toska Medlock Lee
214.729.6144