Join us for our monthly
Youth Leadership Initiative Lunch!

Our monthly lunches are designed for adult ministry leaders working with youth who are eager to build a peer community and gain knowledge on relevant ministry topics. Leaders are invited for the purpose resourcing, collaboration, and being encouraged in their ministry.

Why meet for lunch?

Each month, the lunches we host are centered around rich conversation at the table. Guest speakers share their expertise on topics involving leadership, spirituality, healthy church practices, and relevant youth ministry issues. Our hope is that leaders walk away with a renewed sense of community, a network of ministry leaders, and tools they can use in their ministry contexts.

To participate in our next lunch,
simply register below:

The first 25 people to register will receive a free copy of Mark Matlock’s book, Faith for the Curious: How an Era of Spiritual Openness Shapes the Way We Live and Help Others Follow Jesus.

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Faith for the Curious: How an Era of Spiritual Openness Shapes the Way We Live and Help Others Follow Jesus

The lunches are completely free and lunch is provided! Once your RSVP is confirmed, you will receive an email confirmation with details including directions, parking information, and further elaboration on the speakers and topics addressed.

Next Lunch Details

Date: Tuesday, February 18, 2025
Time: 12:00pm – 1:15pm
Cost: Free
Location: Azusa Pacific University East Campus, LAPC
Address:  901 E Alosta Ave., Azusa CA 91702

Deadline to register is Monday, February 17.

Youth Pastors Lunch

Description: “Faith for the Curious” Mark Matlock coauthored Faith for Exiles with David Kinnaman and, most recently, authored Faith for the Curious. Mark will be sharing key insights from his newest book to help us understand how to approach those who are open to spiritual conversations and the gospel.

February Lunch Speaker

Mark Matlock

Mark Matlock

Executive Director, Urbana 2025
InterVarsity Christian Fellowship

Mark Matlock is the Executive Director of Urbana 2025 for InterVarsity Christian Fellowship and a Senior Fellow at Barna. Mark’s research provides insights into younger generations, cultivating resilient disciples, and knowing the pulse of your city. As the founder of WisdomWorks, he has helped national and international faith-based organizations adapt to changing times by turning data and research into strategic action. Mark coauthored Faith for Exiles with David Kinnaman and, most recently, authored Faith for the Curious.

Past Lunch Speakers

Matt Manno

Nextgen Pastor, New Life Fellowship

Dr. Esau McCaulley

Professor of New Testament,
Wheaton College

Dr. Jason Le Shana

Program Director, Baylor Collaborative on Faith and Disability

Dr. Coba Canales

Dean of Students, Azusa Pacific University

Dr. Karen Rougglly

Campus Pastor, Azusa Pacific University

David and Leah Gaulton

Co-founders, Jesus Use Me Movement

Tommy Nixon

CEO, Urban Youth Workers Institute

Justin Knowles

Youth Pastor and Co-host of Youth Ministry Hacks

Dr. Adam Morris

President, Azusa Pacific University

Dr. Lori Lacy

Executive Director, University Counseling Center, Azusa Pacific University

Megan Fate Marshman

Speaker, Author, Pastor

Jose and Erica Rodriguez

CEO and COO, Rescue a Generation

Tom Lin

President, InterVarsity Christian Fellowship/USA

Will Hooper

Director, LA and OC Cities, Alpha USA

Dr. Bill Fiala

Licensed Psychologist, Journeys Counseling Ministry

Doug Fields

Co-founder and President, Download Youth ministry

Jordan Biere

National Youth Director, Alpha USA

Dr. Jim Burns

Founder, HomeWord

Dr. Kenneth C. Ulmer

Dr. Kenneth C. Ulmer

Author, Speaker, Trainer

Thank you for joining our monthly Youth Leadership Initiative lunch! We look forward to seeing you there.