2023 AR State Youth Conference | Saturday, July 15th

Our History

 

In 1992 the National Youth Conference was hosted on the campus of Harding University, nearly 3,000 young people from around the country flooded Searcy, AR.  It had such a tremendous impact on those who attended, that a desire was ignited to create this experience for the State of Arkansas annually.  Dwight Ware, the McAlmont Church of Christ Youth Director at that time, worked with Harding University and was gracious enough to allow the churches of Christ to host this State Youth Conference at an affordable cost on its beautiful campus the following year. 

 

 

Thus, in 1993 the Arkansas State Youth Conference was born.  From this effort, Dwight Ware saw the need to create a unified effort among the central Arkansas churches of Christ to help better organize the conference and keep the spiritual momentum going throughout the year.  So the Central Arkansas Youth Forum was born.  Because of Dwight Ware’s tireless effort, diligence for organization, and love for community and the Lord’s church, we now have the blessings of our own Arkansas State Youth Conference.  In 1995, a transition took place at the McAlmont Church of Christ.  Robin Mitchell, who had been working under the direction and mentorship of Dwight Ware for two years, was passed the baton of Youth Director and Central Arkansas Youth Forum Director.  To this day, Robin Mitchell proudly and thankfully continues to carry the torch of Youth Ministry given to him by Dwight Ware. 

 

 

The Arkansas State Youth Conference owes James Dwight Ware a great debt of gratitude.  Brother Ware, we salute you!