ignite green

2009 is here and we at Ignite couldn't be more excited.

We are 18 days away from the student leadership forum...what? You don't know what the student leadership forum is? Well, I'm glad you asked.

Ignite Green is all about teaching student ministries how to grow through discipleship and leadership. What better way for students to learn how to lead, than to learn by leading their peers?

At least that's what we think.

So we created an opportunity at Ignite 09' for students to speak. That's right - students speaking to students on how to lead students. Confused yet? Don't be. It's as simple as this - we at Ignite want students to go from consuming to contributing.

So, if you are a youth pastor, a teacher, a volunteer, a parent or a student reading this and you say, "hey, I think I know a student or am a student who is ready to step up and contribute," then here is what you do:
1. go to http://www.ignite-youth.org/
2. click on the "download" tab at the top
3. dowload the student speaking application
4. have your student leader(s) fill out page one
5. you fill out page 2
6. mail to "Ignite Youth Leadership 4200 E. 25th St. Des Moines, IA 50317" or fax to 515.265.0891 (attn. ashley)
7. if you are paying attention, you've noticed that I haven't said anything about page 3. That's coming right now.

The first step in the student speaking process is the student leadership forum. This is an opportunity for all students that have applied to speak to show us their stuff. All applications are accepted, but only 4 students will be chosen to speak at Ignite 09'. All applicants will take a weekend trip to the beautiful (and most likely snowy) capitol city of Iowa - Des Moines - and will present to a panel of judges what they hope to present to their peers in March. It may sound a little bit like American Idol, but I will assure you of a few things:
1. students will not have to sing
2. none of our judges are mean
3. none of our judges speak with a British accent (however, they may if asked)

While we are on the matter of judges, let me introduce them to you:


Todd Stiles is founder of YLC (Youth Leadership Connection) a ministry to churches and youth workers. As a 15 year youth ministry veteran Todd has written numerous articles, and Bible Study materials. Todd is currently Lead Pastor of First Family Church in Ankeny, IA. where he serves with Julie and their four children.

Tim Kightlinger is the director of youth at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in Urbandale, IA. Tim is also camera shy.

Our third judge is Ignite's very own Jonathan Meyer. Jonathan founded Ignite in 2004 and by God's grace continues to watch it grow each year. This year, he is really excited about the opportunity to hear students speaking at Ignite.

If you have further questions about student speaking opportunities at Ignite, questions about the leadership forum or just want to chat, you can reach us at ignite.youth@ymail.com.
But for now, happy new year,