Inspire, Spring 2005

Inspire 7 Bebo Norman in Concert Christian pop singer Bebo Norman delighted fans in a January 28 concert at the ’Ville. His performance coincided with the Cedarville University Leadership Conference. Bebo is on tour for his fourth major release, Try . The acoustic pop artist has been nominated for numerous Dove Awards, and his songs “Great Light of the World” and “Falling Down” have been back-to-back Billboard Top 5 radio hits. During Art Week 2005, the Stevens Student Center was filled with the artistic creations of Cedarville students, ranging from paintings and sculpture to photography and poetry. But the week was much more than a showcase of students’ work. Cedarville’s Student Government Association (SGA), which directed Art Week, also sponsored a number of activities that encouraged students to explore new artistic outlets. “Some of those activities included pottery presentations, a drama presentation, a master art class, and other fun, artistic activities,” explained SGA Activities Board Director Jessica Dodson ’05. “We wanted to be able to use this week to display the finest of Cedarville’s art, as well as explore other various art forms in new, fun ways.” Art Week Showcases Talent Speak Up with Confidence Many of us want to share Christ with others, but frankly, we’re not that confident in our abilities to articulate the message. That’s where Carol Kent comes in. Carol is the founder and president of Speak Up Speaker Services, a ministry that equips Christian communicators through seminars. She brought her Speak Up with Confidence Seminar to Cedarville University in February as part of the annual Women’s Conference. Carol explained, “The purpose of this workshop is to help you, within the framework of your unique personality and God-given abilities, learn techniques for exalting Christ and communicating His truth in the most effective way.” During her three-day conference, Carol covered a variety of “how-to’s,” including how to find speech topics, gain the audience’s attention, use effective illustrations and gestures, and develop vocal variety. A member of the National Speakers Association, Carol has spoken at Heritage Keepers and Time Out for Women events and has been a guest on Focus on the Family , along with numerous other radio and television programs. She is the author of several inspirational books, including Becoming A Woman Of Influence , Secret Longings of the Heart , Tame Your Fears , and Speak Up with Confidence . Leadership Conference Draws Hundreds of High Schoolers Approximately 320 select high school students came to campus in January for the two-day Cedarville University Leadership Conference. The conference, titled “Navigating the Journey: Learning to Follow Jesus and Take Others with Us,” encouraged students to think biblically, engage their culture, and make a difference for Christ. Walt Mueller, founder and president of the Center for Parent/Youth Understanding, gave the opening address while Dr. Scott Dixon ’84, associate professor of Bible, served as the keynote speaker. Along with two break-out sessions for developing practical leadership skills, students enjoyed music by the SGA Praise Band and a concert by Christian pop artist Bebo Norman. This annual conference was sponsored by The Leadership Institute of Cedarville University and coincided with the Youth Worker Summit. how to have an effective ministry in today’s youth culture. Walt has many valuable resources for youth workers, including his critically acclaimed Gold Medallion Award- winning book Understanding Today’s Youth Culture . More resources are available at www.cpyu.org. In a world where Britney Spears and Eminem reign and high- tech video games and text messaging ramble, it may be harder and harder for youth workers to understand the very generation they are trying to help. In an effort to provide motivating training and encouragement for both full-time and volunteer youth workers, Cedarville University held its first-ever Youth Worker Summit on January 28. The theme was “Understanding Today’s Youth Culture.” The 180 guests in attendance heard fromWalt Mueller, president and founder of the Center for Parent/Youth Understanding. A recognized authority on youth culture and family issues, Walt talked about issues students face today and Understanding Today’s Youth Culture