On August 1st, 2009, I took off on an all-day drive from the Dallas area to South Indiana – with less advance notice (2 days) than any road trip previous! The main purpose of the trip was to attend a national college ministry conference, but of course I did my best to squeeze in other collegiate and church explorations during this 10-day trip!

Dates: Saturday, August 1st through Monday, August 10th

8 States: Texas, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Tennessee, Oklahoma

Read all blogs that discuss this trip

The first post (introducing this surprise road trip!)

Read the trip recap here!

Campuses Visited

  1. University of Southern Indiana, Evansville, IN
  2. University of Evansville, Evansville, IN
  3. Middle Tennessee State University, Murfreesboro, TN
  4. Belmont University, Nashville, TN
  5. Trevecca Nazarene University, Nashville, TN
  6. Arkansas Tech University, Russellville, AR

Collegiate explorations

  • Attending the National Student Conference of the National Association of Christian Campus Ministries (NACCM), August 1st – 5th. The conference included connecting with many leaders from campus ministries connected with the Independent Christian Churches. Not only did I get to attend training seminars and large-group meetings, but I also got “drafted” to lead a Q&A session to talk about what I’ve learned in my explorations. I also had numerous conversations with college ministers during that time.
  • Ministry discussion and campus tour, Mark Whited, Director, Student Christian Fellowship, University of Evansville.
  • Ministry discussion, Morgan Stephens, National Director, Every Nation Campus Ministries.
  • Ministry discussion, Kevin Twit, Campus Minister, and Syneva Colle, Intern, Reformed University Fellowship, Belmont University.
  • Ministry discussion, Robbie Russell, Worship Associate (with College Ministry oversight), and Doug Campbell, Senior Associate Pastor, New Vision Baptist Church, Murfreesboro, Tennessee.
  • Ministry discussion, Guy Chmieleski, University Minister, Belmont University.
  • Weekend worship service, Hope Presbyterian Church, Cordova, TN, 5:30pm Sat. 8-8-09, Associate Pastor Eli Morris preaching
  • Weekend worship service, Fellowship Bible Church, Little Rock, AR, 9am “The Edge” on-site venue, Sun. 8-9-09, Student Ministries Lead Pastor Brandon Barnard preaching (via live video)
  • Weekend worship service, Antioch (Missionary) Baptist Church, Little Rock AR, 10:45am Sun. 8-9-09, Sullivan family testimony
  • Weekend worship service, The Church at Rock Creek, Little Rock, AR, 12:30pm “Rock Creek 30″ (30-minute) service, Sun. 8-9-09, Teaching Pastor Greg Kirksey preaching
  • Weekend worship service, Epoch Church, Little Rock, AR, 6pm Sun. 8-9-09, New Orleans Mission Trip testimonies
  • Church and college ministry discussion, Nathan James, Co-pastor, Epoch Church, Little Rock, AR
  • Ministry discussion, Jeremy Aylett, Minister of Collegiate & International Students, and Matthew Wilson, Assistant to Missions, Recreation, and Outreach (with college ministry responsibility), First Baptist Church, Russellville, AR
  • Ministry discussion, Scott Palmer, Student Life Pastor, Fellowship of Christians (church), Russellville, AR