WHY EVERY STUDENT MATTERS EXISTS
Student ministry can be isolating. We believe God has called us to equip, encourage, and empower pastors and their spouses to be healthy and to fulfill the unique ministry He has given them. Shaping Student Ministry’s heartbeat is simple: no leader should do this alone.
Our focus isn’t on celebrity speakers. We focus on meaningful connections, practical equipping, and helping you lead students well. We've gathered trusted voices from around the country. Lasting leaders who quietly shepherd students, coach pastors, serve families, and build healthy ministries for the long haul.
EVERY PASTOR MATTERS
Student pastors carry a unique weight. You disciple students, lead volunteers, care for families and often do it while running on empty. This conference is designed to help you lead with greater health, confidence and clarity. You’ll leave encouraged, equipped and reminded that your calling still matters.
EVERY SPOUSE MATTERS
Healthy ministry starts at home. Ministry spouses often carry pressure that few people see. Every Student Matters creates intentional spaces for spouses to connect, breathe, laugh, rest and build relationships with people who truly understand ministry life. You are not an afterthought here.
EVERY VOLUNTEER MATTERS
Faithful volunteers are the backbone of student ministry. Whether you lead a small group, drive a van, disciple students weekly or simply show up consistently, your investment matters deeply. This conference will encourage and equip you to serve students with wisdom, purpose and joy.
This three-day gathering is designed for student pastors, spouses, and volunteer teams. Expect worship-filled plenary sessions, practical breakouts, meaningful conversations, and intentional connection time with leaders from around the country.
MEET OUR SESSION SPEAKERS
John Oliver is our conference emcee. He serves as Senior Pastor of First Baptist Church in West Point, Mississippi, where he is passionate about preaching God's Word and equipping the local church to make faithful disciples. As a Co-Founder of Shaping Student Ministry, John has invested in encouraging and coaching student pastors across the country with practical wisdom rooted in years of pastoral ministry. John brings biblical conviction, a shepherd's heart, and a passion for helping leaders build healthy churches that reach the next generation.
Dan Carson is the Founder and Executive Director of Student Ministry Matters and serves as Pastor of Family Ministries at Calvary Baptist Church in Fayetteville, Arkansas. With more than 30 years of ministry experience, Dan has devoted his life to equipping student pastors and strengthening the local church through coaching, teaching, and encouragement. He is also the host of the Student Ministry Matters podcast. Dan brings decades of practical wisdom, a pastor's heart, and a deep passion for helping leaders serve students with faithfulness and joy.
Dr. David Odom is Professor of Student Ministry and Director of the Youth Ministry Institute at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. With more than 25 years of ministry experience as a student pastor, associate pastor, professor, and conference speaker, his passion is equipping the next generation of student ministry leaders. Dr. Odom brings biblical depth, practical insight, and a heart for helping leaders faithfully disciple students and strengthen the local church.
Josh has spent twenty years in youth ministry fueled by a single obsession: seeing teenagers trade a hand-me-down faith for a bold, activated identity in Christ. He's at his best when helping young people realize the local church isn't just a place they attend, but a movement they participate in. Josh loves nothing more than watching the Gospel click for a student, seeing them grab hold of their place in God's story and start living with contagious, Kingdom-minded purpose. As Director of Ministry Operations for Christian Endeavor (CE), Josh helps churches flip the script on traditional youth ministry. He coaches leaders to move away from the "Hippo" model of passive consumption and toward a "Honeybee" strategy of equipping students to be active contributors who own their faith and impact their communities. Whether he's writing new resources, leading youth leader trainings or speaking at youth retreats, Josh is all about building discipleship strategies that actually stick. In addition to his role with CE, Josh enjoys spending time with his wife Justine and their five kids (who are entering the teen years!) on their small farm, drinking coffee and smiling like crazy. When you connect with Josh, be sure to keep an ear out for his classic catchphrase, "so good!"
Don and Suzanne Manning are the founders of Crazy Cool Family, a ministry dedicated to helping parents build Christ-centered homes and lasting family relationships. Married for more than 30 years and the parents of seven children, they have spent decades encouraging families through speaking, writing, podcasts, and practical discipleship resources. Don and Suzanne bring biblical wisdom, real-life experience, and an authentic passion for helping families thrive as they point the next generation to Jesus.
Ian Dunaway is the Co-Founder of Shaping Student Ministry and has served in student ministry for nearly two decades. He is passionate about equipping student pastors, developing practical ministry resources, and helping leaders build healthy, Christ-centered ministries that last. Through speaking, writing, coaching, and creating curriculum used by churches across the country, Ian encourages leaders to love Jesus deeply, shepherd students faithfully, and never lead alone. Ian brings practical teaching, relatable encouragement, and a deep commitment to strengthening those who invest in the next generation.
Seasons Worship is a Texas-based worship collective with one mission: to lead people into authentic worship of Jesus Christ. Since launching in 2023, they have faithfully served churches, camps, conferences, and communities with a passion for creating meaningful moments that point people to the unchanging faithfulness of God. Seasons Worship brings heartfelt leadership, musical excellence, and a genuine desire to help every person encounter the King of Kings through worship.
Join the Interest List
Sign up to receive the first word on registration, updates, and more!
Looking for Where to Stay?!
Here are some great options whether you're by yourself or have a group.
Meeting Venue
First Baptist Church Brandon
175 Boyce Thompson Dr
Brandon, MS 39042