Frequently Asked Questions

[heading]Who’s involved?[/heading]

[answer]The group is exclusive and limited to around 30 participants from throughout North America who are up and coming leaders in youth ministry representing multiple denominations & multiple size ministries from urban, suburban & rural contexts. The partnership behind this movement is Never The Same, 12STONE & Indiana Wesleyan University Student Ministry Events.[/answer]

[heading]Who leads it?[/heading]

[answer]Jeff Eckart, the CEO of Never The Same, a national youth ministry organization.

Charlie Alcock, Professor at IWU, the largest youth ministry major in the US.

[heading]What is unique about this community?[/heading]

[answer]It’s 1 part conference, 1 part community, 1 part think tank, 1 part ongoing learning.  Think of it as a great conference, but much more personal and laser focused. There are 4 strategic areas that will connect directly to you & your youth ministry.  Also, think of the relational cohort component as a symposium where you are not just hearing, but sharing ideas as well.[/answer]

[heading]What is the overall strategy?[/heading]

[answer]Forum #1: (November 13-14th, 2017 @ 12STONE in Atlanta, GA)
RELATIONAL LEADERSHIP -growing, investing & building leadership in others This is focused on how to build leadership around you.

Forum #2: (May 7-8th, 2018 @ IWU in Marion, IN)
SELF LEADERSHIP -being, learning & living out Godly principles within yourself This is focused on how to build leadership within you.

Forum #3: (November 12-13th, 2018 @ 12STONE in Atlanta, GA)
PLATFORM LEADERSHIP -teaching, communicating & thinking critically when leading others This is focused on how to communicate most effectively.

Forum #4: (May 6-7th, 2019 @ IWU in Marion, IN)
ORGANIZATIONAL LEADERSHIP -planning, empowering & focusing while leading. This is focused on how to strategize most effectively.[/answer]

[heading]When & where are they?[/heading]

[answer]This is designed to be a 2-year ongoing experience including 4 forum events, 2 per year. (Fall ’17 & ’18 @ 12STONE in mid November/Spring ’18 & ‘19 in mid May @ IWU) For those who decide to be involved, the expectation is attendance at all 4 events.[/answer]

[heading]What do we do?[/heading]

[answer]Charlie, Jeff, or Derik & various guest speakers lead each session along with space for Q & A. Time is provided for discussion & sharing of ideas as well as practical “learning labs” where participants practice presented concepts. There is also a casual activity experience outside of the formal learning environment.[/answer]

[heading]What are the costs?[/heading]

[answer]The emphasis is to make this accessible to any kind of ministry on any budget. The total registration cost for all 4 events over both years is only $199 by October 1st 2017, and $249 after October 1st, meals included. Travel & housing in Atlanta only (IWU venue housing is provided) are additional costs.[/answer]

[heading]Who are the special guests?[/heading]

[answer]Never The Same, 12STONE & IWU Student Ministries will be bringing in top leaders to share with forum leaders in a very personal & intimate setting with time for Q & A. This is an opportunity that will only be available to New Level participants.[/answer]