In the fall of 2003, Steve Case, along with youth pastors from the Northern California Conference, started a seminar for students who have a desire to learn public speaking/preaching skills.

Over the course of two days, the seminar, Connecting, teaches high school age students to learn how to prepare and present worship talks. The participants begin by learning a simple narrative preaching method in small steps. Then they get into small groups to be coached by youth pastors and Bible teachers on a particular subject.

After they practice what they are taught in their small groups, they return to the large group. Each small group then selects one student to practice the new skill in front of the larger group. After the students have learned about preparing the content of their messages, leaders then give additional coaching on presentation.

Students who attend the seminar use their new skills in school chapel services, church services and other settings. Several students who have attended Connecting have gone on to preach in evangelistic meetings in South America and Eastern Europe. “I feel that Connecting is a good way for me to express my faith and get to know new people,” said Nathan Miller, a student at Pacific Union College Preparatory School.

The purpose of the seminar is not only to help students connect others with Christ; it also helps the students themselves connect with Christ. The personal spiritual growth comes when participants learn how to connect Bible stories to their own lives. Then they understand how the lessons apply to their listeners.

“We want young people to be able to prepare and present a worship talk,” said Case, director of Piece of the Pie Ministries. “But, more importantly, we wish to transform our young people spiritually. We don't wish to simply create preachers. We wish for young people to be transformed.”

Approximately 50 students attend Connecting each year. Most of the participants come from the Northern California Conference. Participants obtain sponsorships from the NCC education and youth departments. The Pacific Union education department has sponsored the seminar for the past two years.

The next Connecting seminar is scheduled for Sept. 2-3 in Sacramento. For more information, visit www.pieceofthepie.org or call 916-961-2177.