Tony Merida is dean of the chapel and assistant professor of preaching at New Orleans Baptist Seminary in New Orleans, LA, and interim senior pastor at Temple Baptist Church in Hattiesburg, MS. He is a former senior pastor of First Baptist Church in Kenner, LA, and has spoken at various youth events and summer camps. Learn more about Tony's ministry at tonymerida.com.

Derwin "Dewey" Gray is a former NFL defensive back and co-founder of One Heart At A Time Ministries. After five seasons with the Indianapolis Colts and one season with the Carolina Panthers, Dewey entered full-time ministry and now seeks to transform people through evangelism, discipleship, and relational apologetics. He speaks in a variety of settings such as Billy Graham Evangelistic Association events, Franklin Graham Festivals, conferences, retreats, churches, college campuses, and business gatherings. He shared his testimony on a 2007 globally-televised Billy Graham Special, appeared in the short film Evangelism Linebacker, and can now be seen on ESPNU during college football season. A native of San Antonio,Texas, Dewey is a graduate of Brigham Young University and the Billy Graham Institute of Emerging Evangelists, and is enrolled at Southern Evangelical Seminary. 

Phil Vischer is creator of Veggie Tales and Big Idea Productions, and now founder of Jellyfish Labs, which develops new faith-based projects for kids and families. He continues to voice Bob the Tomato and many other Veggie Tales characters, and continues to write one episode each year for the animated series. He is author of Me, Myself and Bob, 47 Beavers on the Big Blue Sea, and Sidney & Norman: A Tale of Two Pigs. Phil’s story can be found at www.philvischer.com.

Mark Matlock is president and founder of WisdomWorks Ministries. Mark speaks to students through PlanetWisdom conferences, books, and Web site. He can be heard regularly on Christian radio on the nationally-syndicated WisdomWorks Radio segments. Previously with Shepherd Ministries, he is author of Don't Buy the Lie: Discerning Truth in a World of Deception.

Tommy Woodard and Eddie James are The Skit Guys, communicating God’s Word and impacting lives through comedy, drama, and teaching. A former youth pastor, Tommy is associate pastor of teaching and creativity for NEWCHURCH in Oklahoma City, OK. Eddie is creative consultant for drama, video, and different elements for Sunday morning worship at The Heights Baptist Church in San Angelo, TX, and a former staff member at Saddleback Church, Lake Forest, CA. For more information visit www.skitguys.com.

Britt Nicole is a recording and concert artist based in Nashville, TN. Her Sparrow Records release, Say It, debuted to enthusiastic reviews and produced four Christian radio top 10 singles. Britt began singing in a trio with her brother and cousin for her grandfather’s church and TV ministry in Charlotte, NC. At 16 she started writing songs and has co-written every song for her upcoming CD. Britt works with the youth group in her home church when she is not on the road. For more information, visit www.brittnicole.com.

Rush of Fools is a Birmingham-based band that went from winning a national talent contest to landing a record deal in a short period of time. The band, which bases its name in 1 Cor. 1:26-31, is comprised of Jacob Chesnut, Wes Willis, JD Frazier, Jamie Sharpe, and Kevin Huguley. The music sound of their self-titled Midas Records release, Rush of Fools, is tagged by some as “progressive worship.” Rush of Fools is participating in the World on Fire Tour with By the Tree and The Turning. For more on the band visit www.rushoffools.com.

Taylor Mason is a comedian, ventriloquist, muscian, and actor from Moorestown, NJ. Taylor headlines comedy clubs throughout the US and is regualrly featured on the Disney Crusie Line. He is host of the children's show Taylor's Attic and appears in the motion picture Thou Shalt Laugh. A comedy writer for television, greeting cards, and for other performers as well as his own act, Taylor trained as an improvisation actor at the Second City Theater in Chicago and won the $100,000 Star Search grand prize in 1991. Learn more at www.taylormason.com.

Thor Ramsey is a standup comedian and author based near Los Angeles, CA. Thor hosts the comedy series Bananas and has appeared on numerous other TV comedy programs. He also appears in the DVD series Thou Shalt Laugh, and is author of A Comedian's Guide to Theology. A graduate of Texas Christian University, Thor began his comedy career playing a hotel lounge in Des Moines, IA, and has now headlined comedy clubs throughout the US. Learn more at www.thorramsey.com

Todd Agnew is a recording artist and performer. His most recent release, Better Questions, explores questions Todd feels people are often afraid to ask in church. His previous releases include Grace Like Rain and Reflection of Something, as well as a Christmas project, Do You See What I See? For more about Todd's ministry, visit www.toddagnew.com.

Wavorly is a rock/alternative/indie band from Tupelo, MS. The band is comprised of vocalist Dave Stovall, bassist Matt Lott, guitarist Seth Farmer, drummer Jaime Hayes, and keyboardist Ryan Coon. Their Flicker Records debut, Conquering the Fear of Flight, features a mix of modern rock genres and literate lyrics heavily influenced by the works of C. S. Lewis. For more information check out www.wavorly.com.

Group 1 Crew blends a message of hope and encouragement with a hybrid of hip-hop, rock, funk, and soul — genres of music that typically glamorize the messages of the world. Friends and fellow musicians Manwell, Blanca, and Pablo came from varied backgrounds, first to begin a Bible study, then to team for the unified purpose of shining the love of Christ through the power of song. The band can be heard on their self-titled first release, Group 1 Crew, and on their new EP, No Plan B, available exclusively through the iTunes Music Store. Read more about the band at www.group1crew.com

Register by Mail: LifeWay's National Youth Workers Conference
                             P.O. Box 24001
                             Nashville, TN  37202

Register by Fax:  615.251.3730

Register by Phone:  Events Registration, 800.254.2022

Conference fee: $130.00 when registering through May 1, 2008, or $145.00 when registering after May 1, 2008.

 
Hotel Information

Hampton Inn & Suites
310 – 4th Ave South / Nashville, TN  37201
615.277.5000
www.hamptoninn.com
Cost:  $150
How to Reserve Your Room: Call 615.277.5000 and mention the LifeWay National Youth Workers Conference and the quoted rate. This price ends August 22, 2008. 
Amenities: Free continental breakfast, laundry, parking, fax machine and business center, pool, fitness room, wireless Internet, check in is at 3:00 p.m., check out is at 12:00 noon. 

Holiday Inn Express
920 Broadway / Nashville, TN  37203
615.244.0150
www.holidayinnexpress.com
Cost:  $99
How to Reserve Your Room: Call 615.244.0150 and mention the LifeWay National Youth Workers Conference and the quoted rate. This price ends Sept. 2, 2008. 
Amenities: Free continental breakfast, laundry, parking, pool, fitness center, wireless internet, business center, check in is at 3:00 p.m., check out is at 11:00 a.m..

FAQ #1: How do I get checked in once I arrive?
Answer: Registration will take place in the main lobby corridor of LifeWay Christian Resources. You will need to enter LifeWay at the One LifeWay Plaza entrance. At registration, you will check in and get your name tag and other materials for the conference.

FAQ #2: What is the deadline to register and pay?
Answer: You can register before May 1 at the price of $130.00, or if you pay after May 1 the cost is $145.00. Online registration ends on Sept. 12, 2008 and registration by phone ends on Sept. 18, 2008. You can also register and pay at the door on the first day of the event.

FAQ #3: What is included in the cost of registration?
Answer: All conference sessions and snacks at break time are provided in your registration fee. Meals, travel, and housing costs are not included in the registration cost.

FAQ #4: Can I bring small children with me?
Answer: It is not encouraged that you bring small children with you as childcare is not provided at the event. If you do choose to bring a child with you there is no cost for their admission to the event.

FAQ #5: Can I bring students from my youth group?
Answer: This event is for adults who work with students so we recommend that you do not bring students from your student ministry.

FAQ #6: Are the concerts and late night activities open to the public?
Answer: No. Only registered participants may attend the late night concerts and activities.

FAQ #7: How could I find a roommate?
Answer: We cannot help you with this for liability reasons, but feel free to ask around to other people you know are coming and work out a situation that is best for you.

FAQ #8: Where can I find information on airport shuttles, parking, driving directions?
Answer: Directions to LifeWay can be found on the “Event Details” part of the LNYWC website. You can park at the hotel where you are staying and walk to the event at LifeWay. At registration we will give you more information on directions.

FAQ #9: What are other youth leaders saying about this event?
Answer: Comments from the event last year included: “I enjoyed the relevant information dealing with student culture and how to reach students.” “I heard a new vision for youth ministry that immediately applied to me and my student ministry and I am excited about all the breakout sessions scheduled for this coming year’s event.”

FAQ #10: What is the philosophy behind this event?
Answer: The KNOWN strategy and LifeWay's National Youth Workers Conference is three days of
inspiration, encouragement, and practical how-to helps focused on developing students. It is a time for youth workers to come together and learn more about student ministry.

FAQ #11: Who can attend this event?
Answer: Any Student Minister, Student Ministry staff, Student Ministry volunteer leaders or parents.

FAQ #12: Can I bring my spouse?
Answer: Yes, your spouse will need to register and pay the conference fee. Bring your spouse with you and be strategic about the breakout sessions you attend so you can get the most out of this event.

FAQ #13: Who will be leading breakout sessions?
Answer: You can find out the titles, leaders, and descriptions of the breakout sessions on the LNYWC web page.

FAQ #14: Will there be any exhibitors?
Answer: Yes, there will be a limited number of exhibitors providing information on helpful resources and various areas of ministry.

FAQ #15: Do you offer any discounts at local hotels or restaurants?
Answer: Yes, you will get this information when you check in at the event on registration day.

FAQ #16: What is the dress attire?
Answer: Casual.

FAQ #17: Do you accommodate special needs?
Answer: Yes, we can make accommodations for special needs. Notification is required 30 days prior to the conference by contacting Events Registration at 800.254.2022.

LifeWay Christian Resources
One LifeWay Plaza
Nashville, TN 37234

Directions to LifeWay Christian Resources:

From the North:

1. Interstate 65 South or 24 East to Interstate 40 East
2. Exit Interstate 40 at Broadway (exit 209A)
3. Turn left onto Broadway, go to Ninth Avenue
4. Left on Ninth Avenue and cross Commerce Street
5. Visitor Parking is on the left
6. Main entrance is at One LifeWay Plaza

From the South:

1. Interstate 65 North to Interstate 40 West
2. Exit Interstate 40 at Broadway (exit 209A)
3. Turn right onto Broadway, go to Ninth Avenue
4. Left on Ninth Avenue and cross Commerce Street
5. Visitor Parking is on the left
6. Main entrance is at One LifeWay Plaza

From the East:

1. Interstate 24 West to Interstate 40 West (40 West from Airport)
2. Exit Interstate 40 at Broadway (exit 209A)
3. Turn right onto Broadway, go to Ninth Avenue
4. Left on Ninth Avenue and cross Commerce Street
5. Visitor Parking is on the left
6. Main entrance is at One LifeWay Plaza

From the West:

1. Interstate 40 East
2. Exit Interstate 40 at Broadway (exit 209A)
3. Turn left onto Broadway, go to Ninth Avenue
4. Left on Ninth Avenue and cross Commerce Street
5. Visitor Parking is on the left
6. Main entrance is at One LifeWay Plaza

Map Link: LifeWay Christian Resources

• Telephone: 800.254.2022