Students reflect on ‘authentic influence’ at BRN Next Gen Fall Conference

Nearly 60 college students gather together at the BRN's Next Gen Fall Conference to learn about Christ-like leadership and to be encouraged.

November 10, 2022
Macala Mays

HALIFAX, Pa., (BRN) – A dozen campuses from across the Pennsylvania/South Jersey region and nearly 60 collegiate students gathered last weekend, Nov. 4-6, at Camp Hebron in Halifax, Pennsylvania, for the Baptist Resource Network’s (BRN) Next Gen Fall Conference.

BRN Next Gen Director Stanley Williams kicked off the three-day event by presenting the theme for the weekend “authentic influence,” and motivating students to become “a person of influence” in their own spheres of life.

“We start out as children, then we mature, but it’s because we walk through the youthful seasons of our journey…what great things the Lord has in store for men and women like you,” encouraged Williams.

From opening remarks, the students moved into a time of team building and interactive opportunities to practice their leadership skills.

Of the collegiate ministries supported by the BRN, students and campus missionaries from Arcadia University, Cairn University, Chestnut Hill College, Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania – Lock Haven (LHU), Delaware Valley University (DelVal), Drexel University, Gwynedd Mercy University, Montgomery County Community College (Montco), Penn State University (PSU), PennWest – California, PennWest – Clarion and West Chester University were all present at the conference.

Two student representatives from Great Commission Church in Philadelphia also attended for the weekend.

Through breakout sessions, team activities and main plenaries, students were challenged to consider the qualities of a Christ-like leader and evaluate the concepts of character, perspective, courage and favor as well as calling and vision.

“When I came into a student leadership role at LHU NewLife, I had very minimal leadership experience, even less so as a spiritual leader,” said Lock Haven Senior Joshua Keefer.

“Hearing and listening to all the different aspects of leadership at the conference allowed me to reflect on who I was entering a leadership position and just how far God has brought me…He truly is faithful to equip who He calls.”

Another student added to Keefer’s comment, stating, “The weekend gave me new courage to continue pursuing, yet holding with an open hand, the vision God has placed on my heart. And in the meantime, to continue faithfully loving God and loving [my] neighbor.”

The BRN Next Gen conference also gave students the opportunity to build relationships with fellow students from across Pennsylvania/South Jersey and enjoy a weekend away from their studies.

Through the generosity of East Shore Baptist Church, students were fueled by snacks and through the dedication of BRN campus missionaries, students were given a space to hike, play sports, go horseback riding and, most importantly, rest and deepen their relationship with Christ.

To learn more about reaching the next generation and how to support our BRN campus missionaries visit the BRN’s Collegiate Ministry page.

Macala Mays

In 2022, Macala Mays stepped into her current role as Associate Editor of BRN United and Podcast Producer for the Baptist Resource Network of Pennsylvania/South Jersey (BRN). Before taking this position, she worked as a contracted Podcast Producer in 2021 and a freelance writer in 2020 for the BRN. During her time with the BRN, Macala Mays has produced three different podcast series, including 50 Stories of Transformation (2021-2022), The #LovePASJ Podcast (2022), and Celebrating Cooperative Missions (2023). She also has written over 60 articles for the BRN and has been nationally published by The Baptist Paper and Baptist Press. She is also a member of the Baptist Communicators Association (BCA).

Prior to working with the BRN, Macala interned at the State Capitol of Tennessee in the Publications Division under the office of Secretary of State. She also remotely wrote news for TalkErie, a radio station in Erie, Pa., and previously worked as a News Director/Producer for WJET-TV in Erie, Pa.

Macala Mays holds a master of arts in communications from Edinboro University of Pennsylvania (EUP) as well as a bachelor of arts in journalism/public relations from EUP. During her graduate years, Macala worked as a Graduate Assistant and helped manage the on-campus radio station. She also served as a managing editor for the university’s newspaper, which led to an interest in music journalism.
Macala and her husband, Robbie, live in Lock Haven, Pennsylvania, where they attend Big Woods Bible Church and Robbie serves as the Associate Pastor of Campus Ministry. Both Robbie and Macala find great joy in discipling and walking alongside college students at Lock Haven University.