RETURNING SAT, NOVEMBER 18, 2023
PURity ISN’T A DIRTY WORD.
“Purity Culture” has developed a bad rep, and understandably so. For years, church kids were being told that their good behaviors could win them favor with God. In an effort to undo that damage, many youth groups have abandoned the conversation and, with it, any clear conviction on sexual ethics.
Let’s stop censoring the conversation and discover what the Bible *actually* says about sexual ethics.
Biblically speaking, the pursuit of purity has never been about “good behavior.” It’s always been about pursuing the only One who can make us pure. That’s what Pursuit is all about!
PURSUIT Youth CONFERENCE
FAQ’S
WHO CAN ATTEND?
This is a youth conference on biblical sexual ethics. Due to the nature of the content, there are separate tracks for middle and high school students with gender specific break out sessions. The suggested age range is middle school through high school. If you have a student that does not fit this age range, we trust your judgment. We will not be carding at the door. 🙂
ARE PARENTS AND STUDENT LEADERS ALLOWED TO ACCOMPANY THEIR STUDENTS TO THE CONFERENCE?
Yes, adults are welcome. We do ask that you bring at least one student with you. There is a separate track for parents to attend the Parental Workshop in the morning.
WHAT IS INCLUDED IN THE REGISTRATION FEE?
Your registration price covers the cost of the event and includes a PURSUIT student notebook for each attendee.
WILL LUNCH BE SERVED ON SATURDAY?
Yes. Pizza will be served for lunch!
WILL THE CONFERENCE BE LIVE STREAMED?
Due to the increased interest, we are working on the logistics. It’s a possibility.
Are there group discounts?
Yes. We encourage youth groups to sign up together. Groups of 10+ qualify for the group discount.
IS THERE ASSIGNED SEATING?
Yes. There are specific break out sessions based on age and gender. Groups that register together are assigned to sit together if they in the same demographic. If you and a friend sign up separately and wish to sit next to each other, please indicate so in your registration form! We are happy to accommodate the best we can.
Do you have a statement of beliefs?
Yes! This annual conference is hosted by Across My Heart Ministries with the support of Banner Church. You can find our statement of belief at the links above.
What is your approach?
Everyone believes something about sexuality. Is it good? Is it dirty? Can a girl really be a boy? Is pornography harmful? Media pushes it’s own narrative, and it’s hard to keep up. It’s time to rewind the conversation and get back to God’s good design. Together, we’ll discover that clear thinking and scientific research actually support scriptural truths. Teens will leave equipped with biblical answers as they pursue God’s heart and discover His good design for life and love. God’s way truly is the best way to live!
So flee youthful passions and PURSUE righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart.
2 Timothy 2:22
Conference Schedule
THE DETAILS
WHAT: Across My Heart is joining forces with area youth groups to host our third annual youth conference on Biblical sexual ethics at Banner Church.
WHEN: Saturday, November 18, 8:30 am – 4pm
WHERE: Banner Church, 1111 68th Street Byron Center, MI
WHO: Middle/high school students and youth leaders
HOW MUCH? Tickets only $15 per person (Group rates available)
PURSUIT CONFERENCE SCHEDULE
SATURDAY NOVEMBER 18, 2023
8:30 AM DOORS OPEN/ CEREAL BAR
9:00 AM WELCOME & WORSHIP
9:15 AM MAIN STAGE: THE CASE FOR BIBLICAL SEXUAL ETHICS
10:00 AM BREAK OUT SESSION #1 (Choose Your Topic: Godly Dating, Peer Pressure, True Beauty, Transgenderism: Truth & Compassion, and more!)
11:30 AM PIZZA PARTY & GAMES
12:30 PM MAIN STAGE: IDENTITY
1:30 PM BREAK OUT SESSIONS #2 (High School Boys -Your Brain on Porn; High School Girls – Romantic Fiction and Your Heart; Middle Schoolers – Activity)
3:00 PM WORSHIP
3:15 PM MAIN STAGE: GOD’S WAY IS THE BEST WAY
4:00 PM PARENTS PICK UP
Parents, This part is for you:
Something for the parents too:
If you’re a parent out there, wondering if we will be giving an anatomy class lecture on the birds and the bees, let us reassure you: this is sexual ethics not sex education. You can imply a lot without explaining it. Just think of it like an appropriately timed Hollywood cut scene! Whenever possible, we speak implicitly, not explicitly. And we always point back to God’s good design rather than all the deviations from it.
For too long, the Church has only told kids what “not to do”, and we’ve left them without an inspiring vision for what God-honoring love should actually look like. We want to champion God’s good design for life and love!
There will be an optional workshop for parents to attend on Saturday morning 9-11 AM while students are in the main sessions. This workshop will include an overview of what your kids are learning so you can better engage the topic of sexuality at home. You’ll get a chance to learn from fellow parents about how to address some of the most difficult conversations about sexuality, including gender identity and pornography.