More than 800 high school students met at Mississippi College in Clinton for the Super Summer conference.
Since 1987 students have gathered to grow deeper in their faith and their passion to share Jesus in their daily lives. The July 10–14 conference was designed for student leaders who have a desire to grow spiritually.
Garrett Mills, associate pastor and minister to students and children at First Baptist Church Terry, is new to the church staff and brought a first-time group of students.
“The theme ‘Barefoot’ [Isaiah 52:7] was very well received,” he said. “I really believe it challenged our students to move past knowing about God to evangelism. This theme was one of the more challenging themes.”
Josh Kinsley, high school pastor at Broadmoor Baptist Church of Madison, said, “Even if the word ‘barefoot’ wasn’t used, the truth of Isaiah’s words could be heard in every sermon, lesson and small group.
“In my 10 years of Super Summer, I heard more about the importance of taking the good news to our communities than ever before,” he added.
Students who have completed 8th through 12th grade, met basic requirements and are selected by their church for their leadership abilities may attend.
Andrew Irwin, minister to students at First Baptist Church Laurel, one of this year’s 16 planning team members, noted, “There are a lot of conversations that happen in our planning team meetings about how to make the event even better. We want to glorify God and work together. This year’s team has been such a joy to be a part of.”
Jason Curry, founder of Finish Empty, was featured speaker and Journey Worship Company led worship.
Conviction, challenges and grace
Elliot Garrett, minister of youth at First Baptist Church Senatobia, noted, “Jason Curry is an outstanding preacher who is faithful in his exposition of the Bible, and his preaching was filled with conviction, challenges and grace. My students and I were incredibly encouraged by his faithfulness in preaching each night.”
Curry attended Mississippi College where he played baseball and graduated with a degree in communications. He currently serves on staff at The Church at Rock Creek in Little Rock.
Even after 30-plus years and in the midst of increasingly busy summer family schedules, Super Summer continues to be an important choice for student ministers in their yearly planning.
“I choose Super Summer because I see the value in the event,” Irwin noted. “When it is done right, Super Summer is one of the best things Mississippi Baptists do each year.
“The fact that it involves students from all over Mississippi helps in so many ways down the road. It makes our state unique and cooperative unlike any other state I know of.”
Kinsley added, “Our Mississippi churches are better because of the Christian leaders this camp has and is producing. It’s not only benefitting student ministries, it’s having a widespread effect on our churches all because of the young leaders that are being trained in leadership, evangelism, apologetics and discipleship.”
EDITOR’S NOTE — This story was written by Tanner Cade and originally published by the Baptist Record.
