Welcome to the Campus Ministry Leadership Conference information and registration page!
The Campus Ministry Leadership Conference (CMLC) has gathered College students from across the United States for a weekend of learning, networking, worship and fun for over 40 years! Campus ministry groups (mostly Missouri Synod Lutheran, but open to all!) bring their group leaders and up and coming leaders (once again, all are welcome) to hear inspiring speakers and network with students and groups doing similar work on various campuses. Large State schools such as Michigan State, Kent State and Northern Illinois University, smaller state schools such as Eastern Illinois University and University of Wisconsin Whitewater, along with private schools such as Concordia Chicago, Valparaiso University and many more create a diverse group of students to share their experiences.
Some basic facts:
Location- The Dunes Learning Center in Chesterton Indiana. Participants sleep in cabins with bunks, please bring your own sleeping bag or blanket and pillow. IF planning to shower then please bring a towel as well.
Cost- $80 per person (students and staff are the same cost) This covers all costs, including meals.
Speaker – Rebekah Freed is a Kansas-grown girl who now lives in cornfields of Nebraska. She currently serves the students of Concordia University, Nebraska as the director in the Student Life Office and loves helping young adults know how much Jesus loves them. (Hint: It’s a lot!) She also led a campus ministry on the University at Buffalo campus near Buffalo, NY for many years before moving to Nebraska. Bekah enjoys kayaking and hiking, conversations about things that matter, fresh-baked cookies, the sound of little kids giggling, traveling, sunshine, a fuzzy blanket on a cold winter day, chai, hugs from her nieces, peanut butter cup ice cream, and celebrating the everyday blessings in life …often with confetti!
Registration- Email Rev. Marty Marks (Northern Illinois University) Rev@godwithusilc.org or call 815-501-3951 (cell) for details. Early registration is strongly encouraged with a final deadline of February 2nd at 11:59pm. Small adjustments in group numbers can be made during the final week.
For any other questions please reach out to Marty Marks (contact above).
Schedule:
FRI ‑ Feb. 9, 9:00ish p.m. Check in begins at 8pm
‑Introductions
‑Ice Breakers ––
‑Speaker Intro
‑Snacks
-Praise – Facebook connection –
‑Devotion-
SATURDAY ‑ Feb. 10
‑Breakfast 8am
‑Personal time/Prayer
-9am Devotions and Praise –
‑9:15‑10:45 Speaker: Rebekah Freed
‑10:45‑11:00 Break
‑11:00-12:00 Idea Sharing (ministry plans/ hopes) Rev. Marty Marks to facilitate
‑12:00 Lunch
‑12:45-1:45 Free Time (optional guided hike of the Indiana Dunes)
-1:45-3:15 Speaker: Rebekah Freed
‑3:15‑3:45 Devotions and Praise –
‑4:00 Group picture and depart!
Bekah’s Topic to share with us:
“Trust God.”
“Hold on to hope.”
“Depend on Jesus, not your own strength.”
We know that these kinds of truths are key to our life as Christians and especially as leaders. But what does it look like practically? How do we get up each day and put one foot in front of the other when sometimes life is just plain hard? How do we navigate this earthly life focused on Jesus when we’re also dealing with family struggles, mental health challenges, a growing pile of responsibilities and expectations, as well as the general brokenness of the world around us? What does it actually look like to trust and hope in Christ day-to-day and live in the abundant life He came to bring? And how do we do all that in a way that engages the world around us and gives us chances to invite them into life with Jesus as well?
This is what we’ll tackle together through conversation, study, laughter, (and maybe some confetti).
May we all walk away from this time together with tangible tools to trust God and treasure His grace long into the future.
“…It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. So, I live in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. I do not treat the grace of God as meaningless. …” Galatians 2:20-21
Jesus said, “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” John 10:10
SPEAKER BIO:
Rebekah Freed is Kansas-grown girl who now lives in cornfields of Nebraska. She currently serves the students of Concordia University, Nebraska as the director in the Student Life Office and loves helping young adults know how much Jesus loves them. (Hint: It’s a lot!) She also led a campus ministry on the University at Buffalo campus near Buffalo, NY for many years before moving to Nebraska.
Bekah enjoys kayaking and hiking, conversations about things that matter, fresh-baked cookies, the sound of little kids giggling, traveling, sunshine, a fuzzy blanket on a cold winter day, chai, hugs from her nieces, peanut butter cup ice cream, and celebrating the everyday blessings in life …often with confetti!
