The Biblical character David was an untested teenager, a shepherd boy with no military training, when he simultaneously proved to be the only man among soldiers courageous enough to confront the giant Goliath.

For 40 days, Goliath’s taunts paralyzed Israel’s army with fear. Then David overheard the mockery, witnessed the cowardice of the adults around him, and was moved to action. The rest, as they say, is history.

On Saturday, 12 student leaders rejected the contradiction that “student leadership” events could only be led by adults, and hosted 68 student leaders for the first student led student leadership conference in my memory of 21 years of youth ministry and youth development here in New York.

I was blown away by their poise, dedication, and — yes — leadership, despite inexperience and a lack of proven models for what such an event could look like. I was also impressed by the dozen adults who voluntarily stepped back to follow their lead, and provided the support necessary to allow them to shine, especially the visionaries at Latino Pastoral Action Center whose generosity and innovation made the day possible.

I’ll be posting more about Kickin’ It Old Skool throughout the week. Stay tuned. Meantime, check out some Twitter highlights from the event (including Twitpics and more) here.

Via @jlopez219

// “Death was mine to face but You took my place in Love…” -Beyond Barriers twitpic.com/hiz7t

// Now on Stage at “Kickin it old Skool” in NYC… Beyond Barriers! twitpic.com/hivhq

// “Mercy & Grace” from Sunset Park Bklyn are leadin us in some tight worship! twitpic.com/hispn

// Just acted a fool on stage tryna do some old skool break dancin… I ain’t never break danced in my life! Haha ☺

// Chillin at da “Kickin’ It Old Skool” Concert (16st n Irving St. NYC) If u in the city come thru! twitpic.com/hieji

// Sound ✔ for the “Kickin’ It Old Skool” Concert 2nite at 7pm (16th n Irving St. NYC) If u in the city come thru! twitpic.com/hhoq4

// On my way 2 the “Kick’n It Ol’ School” Youth Conference in NYC… @beyondbarriers in Concert 2nite at 7pm

via @jeremydelrio

// No, its not obnoxious for me 2brag abt my lil bro. Jon kicked it old skool for real w his msg. Bro makes u laff as his words pierce deeply.

// Props to LPAC, UKYM, XCEL, No Limits, Gr8r Heights, CitiVision for trusting uth 2lead. Well placed trust. 2020schools.net/kickin-it

// twitpic.com/hitef – Nu skool leadership at Kickin’ It Old Skool. Leadership requires courage &these studnts hve it

// Nu skool leadership at Kickin’ It Old Skool. These kids shine like stars (Phil 2). twitpic.com/hi5ab

// Sound ✔ for the “Kickin’ It Old Skool” Concert 2nite at 7pm at on 16st n Irving NYC. Come thru! twitpic.com/hhoq4. Via @jlopez219

// Final prep for the 1st student led studnt leadrship conf in my 21 yrs of uth work. History is hard work. 2020schools.net/kick…

// Goliaths fall when adults like Saul get out of Davids way. 9/12: NYCs only student led studnt leadrship conf 2020schools.net/kickin-it

via @GabrielM23

// Here@the Kickin It Old Skool Concert which is the ending of a great day of empowering this generation to make a difference in their world!

Via @dsanabria

// hey all you amazing ppl out there come out to washington irving h.s. on 14st for a free concert at 7 PM!!! (via @CrossoverYM)

// @ the Kickin’ it old Skool student led conference! yfrog.com/0o2btvj

// It Kicks off at 10 am Be there!! 2020schools.net/kick… Registration is free!! Tell Everyone you know!! See you there!

// 9/12/01 a 26 y/o lawyer was changed THERE tinyurl.com/jrd911. 9/12/09 students will be changed HERE 2020schools.net/kick…

// 1day til NYCs only studnt led studnt leadrship conf. Goliaths fall wen adults like Saul get out of David’s way. 2020schools.net/kickin-it

// Check out the only student led student leadership conference in New York City. su.pr/1EtCnf (via Youth Specialties @YS_Scoop)

Via @pleaseexchange

// golly, whataday. still got some hw, s’all good though. Great things are 2 come with Kickin’ It Old School! thanks @jeremydelrio

// LogosRHEMA is lethal. Still at Kickin it Old School.

// @ a panel on youth leadership. Kickin it old school, watchout (in George lopez voice)

// Kickin it ol school= awesome. Loving this small group. <3

// Is @ kickin it old school! Making moves for student leadership!

// Big day tomorrow. Kickin’ It Old School @ Washington Irving High School! If you’re a student that wants to see REAL CHANGE, come through!

But too often we adult leaders stand in the way of youth actually leading. Usually it’s unintentional. Busy lives, lack of planning, mistrust — lots of reasons conspire against releasing real authority to students.

On September 12, that changes … at least for one day.

Join Latino Pastoral Action Center, the Coalition of Urban Youth Workers, Urban Kingdom Youth Ministries, CitiVision Inc, Generation Xcel, Greater Heights, and 20/20 Vision for Schools for Kickin’ It Old Skool, the first student led, student leadership conference (and concert!) in recent memory.

Bring your student leaders, and be challenged along with us to make real student leadership a regular part of youth development and student ministry.

It’s the only way to change the world.

Register online.

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