This article was written by Taylor Geurin, Minister of Jr. and Sr. High Students at First Baptist Church in Benton.
Each and every generation faces new and unique challenges as it seeks to serve the generation coming behind it. As children and teenagers are plunged into the digital world, we know that today’s challenges may be unlike any we have seen before. Maybe you are a parent, grandparent, or a leader of young people in any capacity and you feel helpless or even hopeless when it comes to technology. Maybe you feel as if you have already lost the battle of digital boundaries and habits when it comes to the young people you care for. The good news is this: you don’t need to fear the digital world, you simply need to be equipped to navigate it well.
With this need in mind, the Arkansas Baptist State Convention and First Baptist Church of Benton have partnered together to introduce the Navigate Conference 2021. This is a conference to give parents, grandparents, coaches, teachers, and anyone who champions the next generation the confidence to lead faithfully in instilling healthy digital habits.
The keynote speaker for the conference is Jonathan McKee. He is a leading voice in this field, who understands youth culture and the ever-present and ever-evolving world of technology. He has authored over 25 books and has traveled the globe speaking about young people and how they relate to the digital world. There is no one more qualified to speak to the many issues that face both our children and teenagers, as well as the adults who care for them.
The event will also feature multiple breakout sessions led by top minds in the field of student behavior and technology use. These breakout sessions will cover topics about understanding generational differences in technology use, setting healthy digital boundaries, the truth about pornography, the science of screens, as well as many other critical issues facing the next generation.
We know that you will leave this conference encouraged and equipped. You no longer have to feel hopeless in the battle that the digital world seeks to wage against young people. Instead, you can be a confident leader who shepherds this generation with wisdom and care.
Navigate 2021 takes place on the campus of First Baptist Church Benton on Saturday, August 7, 2021. Registration begins on April 25 at ABSC.org/navigate. We are very excited to offer this conference for the low price of $25 per individual or $40 per couple. We hope to see you at Navigate Conference 2021!