Kaleo Youth Conference

Conference for 7th – 12th grade students at Azusa Pacific University on Saturday, June 22, 2024

Our Theme

Character, Hope, Love

Kaleo is a one-day conference at APU for 7th to 12th grade students, where they focus on God’s call on their lives. Kaleo, or κᾰλέω (kaléō), means to call and invite. Students will explore and discover God’s call – deepening their faith and reflecting on how God leads them in their unique purpose in the world. We encourage students to live for Jesus in their daily activities and big life decisions. Our conference theme this year focuses on character formation that Jesus does in us as we follow his call.

“And not only that, but we also boast in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not disappoint us, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit that has been given to us.” Romans 5:3-5

Guy raising his right hand
A group of happy teenagers smiling while looking at the camera

Conference Information

Our conference will have a mix of engaging general sessions, workshops, and activities. Chick-fil-A dinner is included with your ticket.

Registration is for students 7th to 12th grade and their leaders.

Date: Saturday, June 22, 2024

Time: 2pm-9pm

Location: Azusa Pacific University, East Campus

Cost: $25

Registration is now open and the last day to register will be Thursday, June 20, 2024. We will need release forms for minors and adults attending the conference.

Conference Schedule

Check-In Begins: 12:45 pm

General Session: 2:00 pm – 3:15 pm

Workshop #1: 3:30 pm – 4:30 pm

Workshop #2: 4:45 pm – 5:45 m

Dinner: 5:45 pm – 7:00 pm

General Session #2: 7:15 pm – 8:50 pm

Kaleo worship night

Conference Speakers

Erica Rodriguez

Sean Fenner

Sean is the Co-Lead Pastor at Light and Life Christian Fellowship in Long Beach. He is a Long Beach native and lives in the Houghton Park neighborhood with his wife Sarah, and his sons Aslan & Caspian. He is gifted as a pastor, discipler, mentor, and speaker with an intense passion to awaken this generation to an authentic relationship with Jesus. Sean is deeply passionate about discipleship in multi-ethnic ministry, urban spaces, and on campuses. His leadership focuses on community and life transformation to bring about renewal, revival, and restoration.

Erica Rodriguez

Erica Rodriguez

Erica is an incredibly gifted speaker who has traveled the world to help those who are marginalized and in need. Shaped through her own trials and circumstances, her mission is to empower and equip others to find beauty and purpose in their brokenness. She currently works as director of Donor Development at Rescue A Generation. Erica has been a team member of a global organization called Hour of Power for the past few years and is currently their live-stream host. She has also had the opportunity to speak at Conferences, Youth Events, and Churches around the world. With her passion to love people, she is determined to use her voice, share her story and preach the Gospel.

Erica Rodriguez

Jose Rodriguez

Growing up in the inner city, Jose was faced with many of the same challenges that students are faced with today. Impacted by his environment, he made some poor choices. He joined a gang, got arrested for stealing cars, and even was suspended from school pretty regularly. His story is one that many can relate to today, but it is also a story of a complete turnaround. Jose now is the founder and CEO of Rescue A Generation Inc., a non-profit that focuses on reaching students who are struggling in school due to behavior, suspensions, and family issues. He is a well sought-out motivational speaker who speaks to students in a variety of venues across the nation. His passion for young people, authenticity, and boldness gives him the tools to effectively rescue this generation. He is author of Rescue a Generation: Reaching the Least, Last, and Lost where he shares inspiring stories of urban youth being transformed by the gospel.

Hosts

Coba Canales

Coba Canales

Coba serves as Dean of Students at Azusa Pacific University and has been in ministry with college students and young adults for 18 years with time spent in church ministry and Fellowship of Christian Athletes. He was born and raised in Carson, CA in a pastor’s home and observed authentic incarnational ministry as his parents selflessly served inner-city bilingual communities. He is ordained with the Assemblies of God fellowship and finds deep joy in helping young adults discern their call while developing ministry leaders to impact the world for Christ. Coba and his wife Drea met in youth group (what???) and have been married 16 years with 3 awesome kids.

Wisdom Mira Wee

Wisdom Mira Wee

Wisdom is a youth and young adults pastor at Christ Church Sierra Madre, in Southern California. Wisdom is a graduate of Azusa Pacific University, where she obtained her BA in communication studies, her MDiv in seminary, and her husband Jonathan at an open mic event freshman year. Wisdom is aggressively passionate about sharing who Jesus is, and undoing who Jesus isn’t. Apart from being a pastor she is a Los Angeles native, a boba connoisseur, and everyone’s hype woman.

Worship

Jesus Use Me

Jesus Use Me is the sound of a new generation of worshipers who are moved to live out their faith in action. Believing the Christian faith isn’t just for Sunday Mornings but a daily decision to follow Jesus. Jesus Use Me is made up of musicians and worship leaders from churches across Southern California and anchored by the husband and wife duo David and Leah Gaulton who are worship leaders and co-founders of the Jesus Use Me Movement. Their passion is to unify and serve local churches to see revival come to our communities and cities.

Text us at (714) 274-7080 to stay connected to Jesus Use Me.

Jesus Use Me

Workshops

Will Hooper

Will Hooper

How to tell your friends about Jesus in a way that actually works!Learn More

DESCRIPTION:

Do you want to talk to your friends about Jesus but find yourself struggling to do it? We get it. Sharing your faith can be intimidating, cause anxiety, and be super awkward. In this workshop we will give you everything you need to naturally share your faith with your friends in a loving way that builds your relationship with them.

BIO:

Will Hooper feels a deep calling to serve the SoCal region and loves his role as Strategic City Director of Los Angeles and Orange County for Alpha USA. Will and his wife Annabelle live in Long Beach. Born and raised in the UK, Will has experience in youth and church ministry. Having completed his Bachelors in Theology from London School of Theology, he served as Local Reach Director at Garden Church, Long Beach, and he helped to pastor a multi-site church in Bournemouth, UK. Will has a huge passion to see young people meet Jesus, the church unite, and Alpha thrive in SoCal. Will enjoys spending time with friends, playing basketball, and watching football (soccer).

Stephanie Gala

Stephanie Gala

Evaluate Your BrandLearn More

DESCRIPTION:

We all have a brand, not just social media influencers. Evaluate how your behavior, character, and faith can impact your brand. Then learn how to use your faith values to guide future decisions, like college major and career fit.

BIO:

Stephanie Gala is the Director of the Academic Success Center at Azusa Pacific University and the Next Steps Director at Beyond Church in Fontana, CA. Stephanie earned a Bachelor of Social Work and an MA in Leadership at Azusa Pacific. Being the first in her family to go to college created a passion in her to empower all students to see their potential for success. She is energized by partnering with departments across campus to help build systems of support for students, and is honored to be part of the Azusa Pacific University community, where she sees Christ transforming the lives of students, staff, and faculty. Stephanie previously served with a church planting organization to support ministry efforts overseas in Russia, where she lived for a year and a half. Seeing the development of new churches and ministries is a passion and calling that led her to join Pastor Brandon Penn and Anissa Penn, along with an incredible core team, in launching Beyond Church just over a year ago.

Vanessa Cruz

Vanessa Cruz

Building Godly Friendships & ConnectionsLearn More

DESCRIPTION:

In this workshop we’ll explore the power of healthy relationships and friendships. Through interactive activities and conversation, we’ll discover why having a supportive community matters. You’ll learn how to find mentors and friends who’ll walk alongside you in your faith journey. Let’s dive into practical tips and biblical wisdom to create meaningful connections that honor God above all else.

BIO:

Vanessa Cruz is the Program Director for Congregational Leadership at Urban Youth Workers Institute (UYWI) where she helps lead and equip high-capacity urban leaders specifically in the church. She has her master’s in social work (MSW) from California State University of Long Beach, and her B.A. from Biola University. Her experience consists of 10+ years working with foster and at-risk youth through various community-based organizations and the local church. She serves as part of the Team at Revive Church located in Long Beach and El Monte, CA. She is passionate about empowering young people, young adults, and youth workers to achieve and obtain ALL that God has for them. Vanessa will take ANY opportunity to see the world. She loves to travel and eat good food with close friends and her family.

Leah Fortson Reed

Leah Fortson Reed

Anxiety Talks: Recognizing and Confronting the Chatterbox of AnxietyLearn More

DESCRIPTION:

This is an interactive workshop designed to identify the thoughts that are rooted in anxiety and often lead us to ineffectively behave in ways to avoid the feelings of anxiety. We will use Philippians 4:6-9 as a blueprint to counter and confront those thoughts and actions.

BIO:

Leah Fortson, PhD, MDiv, specializes in the integration of faith and psychology. She is a Professor in the Department of Clinical Psychology at Azusa Pacific University. Her work emphasizes cultural community approaches and spiritually integrative models of psychotherapy to address human suffering from holistic perspectives. Her clinical work and research has explored marginalized individuals, health disparities, barriers to treatment, and working to reduce stigmatized perceptions of mental health care, primarily among members of the Christian faith.

Gregg Moder

Gregg Moder

Leveling Up: Considering the Calling to Preach and Teach the BibleLearn More

DESCRIPTION:

This workshop is tailored to provide students who sense a ‘divine nudge’ or curiosity with valuable insights and encouragement as they navigate the discernment process. We delve into the significance of answering the call to teach and preach the Bible, offering a glimpse into the responsibilities and rewards of this calling. Participants will gain clarity on what aligns well with their abilities, receive guidance on preparation, explore potential next steps, and learn about the diverse opportunities available to fulfill this calling.

BIO:

Gregg Moder, D.Min., has worked extensively at the intersections of theology, youth ministry, art, and community development for over 25 years as a Professor of Practical Theology, pastor, and consultant. He served as founder and Chair of the Youth Ministry Department for Patten University in Oakland, CA for 15 years, as well as in pastoral ministry working with youth from diverse backgrounds, and with vulnerable populations as Lead Pastor of a local church in Richmond, CA. Moder’s published works center on his passion for integrating urban outreach, community development, and youth ministry education, with a particular emphasis on arts as a medium of transformation and faith formation.

Traci Birge

Traci Birge

What am I Supposed to Say to God?!? Learning to Speak Honestly to God through the PsalmsLearn More

DESCRIPTION:

Most people of faith know that we are supposed to pray, but what exactly are we supposed to say to God? Can you tell God when you’re angry or when you don’t trust his plan? What if you don’t have anything nice to say, is it better to say nothing at all? While a lot of public prayers include big church words or ideas, maybe God is asking for something much simpler. God doesn’t want you to copy a pastor (fake it until you make it?), learn cool prayers from TikTok (but it’s trending!), and he certainly doesn’t want you to pretend you trust the divine plan when all you feel is doubt. So here’s what you do: tell God the truth. In this workshop, we will talk through some of the prayers (and songs!) in the book of Psalms to be reminded of how the ancestors of our faith were raw with God and then wrote it down so that we wouldn’t forget.

BIO:

Traci Birge is a Biblical Studies professor at Azusa Pacific University who specializes in the First Testament. She has a passion for stories and storytelling, applying that love of story to the biblical text. Dr. Birge loves to help the biblical accounts come to life in the mind of modern readers, inviting students to find meaning as they enter into the biblical storyworld. She has a particular love for the Hebrew narratives in Judges, Samuel, and Jeremiah. She’s especially interested in the supporting cast of biblical stories who often shape the story (and our world) in quietly faithful, yet profound, ways.

Bobby Lopez

Bobby Lopez

Learn to Lead: How to Become a Stronger LeaderLearn More

DESCRIPTION:

Do you feel called to make a difference but struggle to see how it can happen? This class is for young people who want to see change in their world but feel unsure about stepping into leadership. Together, we’ll explore practical steps to build your confidence and grow as a leader grounded in Christian values. Through engaging activities and meaningful discussions, you’ll learn how to harness your God-given strengths, overcome insecurity, and lead with faith and courage. Discover the leader God created you to be and start making a positive impact today!

BIO:

Bobby is the Executive Director of Passion SoCal Network and CEO of Passionate Leaders. Bobby was raised by gang members and drug dealers from the streets of Eastside Los Angeles. He overcame a violent childhood and self-destructive teens years to join the United States Marines. It was while in the military that he was trained in leadership as the Training and Operations Chief for his unit. After an honorable discharge he attended Cerritos College for Liberal Studies and Life Pacific College for Organizational Leadership & Ministry. He and his beautiful wife Mayra Lopez have four children Bobby lll (22), Cielo (22), Adam (15), and Lilly (9). Bobby has been a youth director for over a decade both in church and non profits.

Hung Thach

Hung Thach

Enter the Story: Living Your Faith at SchoolLearn More

DESCRIPTION:

In a world where many of our friends are struggling through hurt, anxiety, and trauma we have an opportunity to come together as believers to display the light and life of Jesus and bring hope to those around us. In this session we will look at practical ways to reach your friends and other students on your campus and help enter the story of students to bring them the story of Jesus.

BIO:

Hung and his family fled from war torn South Vietnam in 1975 and came to the United States and was sponsored by a local Church in Chattanooga, TN. He and his wife Angela have been married for 27 years and have three children, Caleb, Brooke, and Jericho. They have served with Cru for the past 25 years and Hung currently serves as the Team Leader for Cru’s High School ministry in Los Angeles. They are committed to reaching students in some of the most under served areas of Los Angeles Their passion is to help bring the love and truth of Jesus to teenagers around their city and the world. Their family embraces the messiness of ministry and loves sharing life with the staff, college students, and teens in which they have the privilege of serving and leading.

Kaleo Conference FAQs

What is the purpose of the conference?

A one-day conference at APU for 7th – 12th grade students, where we focus on God’s call on their lives: κᾰλέω • (kaléō) to call, invite. Students will explore and discover their call – deepening their faith and reflecting on how God leads them in their unique purpose in the world. God’s call impacts students’ daily activities and their big life decisions.

What age does a student need to be to participate?

Students 7th grade through 12th grade are invited. This range includes students who will be beginning 7th grade starting in the Summer 2024 and high school students who graduate this Spring/Summer 2024.

Can adult leaders attend?

Yes, we encourage adult youth leaders to attend and bring their youth to the conference. We don’t have adult leader specific workshops so we ask leaders to attend workshops with their youth.

Where is the conference location?

Our conference is being hosted on Azusa Pacific University’s east campus. The address is 901 E Alosta Ave, Azusa, CA 91702. Parking is free.

What time does the conference start/end?

Check in will begin at 12:45pm. Our first general session will begin at 2pm sharp. From there, the day will consist of a series of general sessions, workshops, food, and games all leading up until we close our time together at 8:50pm!

What meals are provided?

We will be providing dinner catered by Chick-Fil-A for all those who register! The dinner will be served starting at 5:45pm.

How many workshops are provided?

We have 8 different workshops for attendees to choose from, which will cover a variety of topics pertaining to our youth. Each specific workshop will be offered twice. Continue to check our website to see additions to our workshop list.

Will I need release forms?

Yes, release forms are needed for everyone attending the conference. You will find the links for release forms when you register and you can find them below:

Kaleo Minor Release Form
Kaleo Adult Release Form

What is the Youth Leadership Initiative?

The Youth Leadership Initiative at Azusa Pacific University exists to equip youth to live their calling with a lifelong faith by grounding them in Scripture and resourcing their Christian communities.

Have any more questions?

Please contact us at yli@apu.edu