Today’s service preview
Sarah Reeves
Jeff Deyo
Rod Whitlock
Tony Dungy
Jay Mooney
By Kara Chase
This evening
Tonight’s Orland09 youth rally begins with a pre-service performance by singer, songwriter and worship leader Sarah Reeves.
Raised in Alabama, 20-year-old Reeves released her debut album, Sweet Sweet Sound, earlier this year. As a Fine Arts participant in multiple categories for several years, she finished in the top 10 in the Songwriting category at nationals in 2006. This week, Reeves is sharing her talents with other young people as she leads an Orland09 workshop on songwriting.
The service officially starts at 7 p.m. with worship, led by Jeff Deyo.
Recording artist and worship leader, Deyo is co-founder of Pure Worship Institute in Nashville, Tennessee. Pure Worship Institute exists to train future professional worship musicians and singers through teaching, modeling, mentoring and building. Deyo brings his desire to train upcoming worship leaders to Council this week as he leads an Orland09 workshop on “The Heart of Worship.”
Student Discipleship Director Rod Whitlock will introduce special guest Tony Dungy who will share a brief message daring students to be “uncommon.”
In his role as student discipleship director for national Youth Ministries, Whitlock oversees Student Discipleship, Fine Arts and Bible Quiz. He has authored several resources and speaks frequently across the nation. Whitlock and his wife Kim have four children.
As former coach of the NFL’s Indianapolis Colts and Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Dungy was the first African-American coach to lead his team to a Super Bowl title when the Colts won in 2007.
Dungy’s life has been marked by his strong Christian faith and his dedication to giving back to the community. His latest book, Uncommon, shares “lessons he’s learned from his parents, his athletic and coaching career, his mentors and his journey with God.” Dungy is also the featured speaker at today’s Discipleship Ministries luncheon.
An extended time of worship will follow Dungy’s appearance.
The evening’s main speaker is national Youth Director Jay Mooney. Mooney says his message will “challenge students across the nation to move forward as a generation of youth in ministry, championing the cause of Jesus Christ.”
Mooney previously served as national student outreach (Youth Alive) director and as Georgia District Youth director. He has also ministered as both a youth pastor and senior pastor. Mooney and his wife Laura have four children.
Mooney’s message will conclude with an opportunity for youth to spend time at the altar in prayer.
Since tonight has been designated as the “Adult Night Off,” the Executive Leadership Team encourages General Council attendees to use some of their free time to participate in “A Journey Around the World Featuring the Eurasia Experience.” The interactive tour will be offered hourly from 4:30 to 8:30 p.m. this evening. Tickets for the event are free, but must be obtained in advance from one of the AGWM booths in the Exhibit Hall. Additional tours will be offered Thursday.
Adults are also welcome to attend the Orland09 youth service.