ACU announces theme and speakers for Summit 2009

Abilene Christian University recently announced the theme for the 92nd annual Summit. "On the Mountain with God: Exodus Expedition" will spark conversation about the book of Exodus, said Dr. Brady Bryce, director of ministry events at ACU. Summit 2009 is scheduled for Sept. 20-23, 2009, on the ACU campus.

"We are inviting everyone to join the expedition through the ancient wilderness trails, and to experience life with God on the mountain," said Bryce. "The descendants of God's promise felt abandoned to slavery in Egypt. God intended to use a deliverer who had fled from Egypt and from his people. On the mountain, Moses received his call to return, going back to Egypt and then back to the mountain to worship God. The conversations with God on the mountain established God’s name, identified the people, pointed people into covenant promises and launched them back into the world and down the mountain."

Participants will explore the mountains of Exodus in seven theme conversations at 11 a.m. and 7 p.m. each day of Summit. Hundreds of class conversations, led by experts, lay people, scholars, ministers and students, will explore real-life ministry, Bryce said.

Three featured guest presenters will bring distinctive viewpoints from their lives. Carlos Sepulveda, CEO and president of Interstate Battery System International, will share practical advice on being "in the world, but not of the world" from his business experience. Kathleen Norris, an award-winning poet, writer, speaker and author of several New York Times bestsellers, will speak on her newest book, Acedia & Me: A Marriage, Monks, and a Writer's Life. Donald Miller, New York Times author and screenplay writer, will talk about his experience as documented in his brand new book: A Million Miles in a Thousand Years.

Well-known preachers from across the country will also participate in Summit. They include Fate Hagood, Mike Cope, Joshua Graves, Bert Reynolds, Glenn Pemberton, David Holmes and Chris Smith. More than 100 leaders from across the world will present sessions for Christians, students, youth ministers, preachers and leaders. Specialized conversation threads covering Spiritual Formation, Justice and Mercy, Our Future History and Gospel and Culture, will also be presented.

Summit brings together students, ministers, faculty, Christians and church leaders from around the world in the name of Jesus Christ.

"The youthful vitality of all ages of people passionate about serving Christ has returned. If you are ready to see your life as ministry, if you are seeking ways to be spiritually and intellectually equipped to serve God in everyday life, then come," said Bryce. "Summit is a conversation where life and faith converge in Christ. Our entire life is lived before God and we are invited to participate with God in His mission for the world. We intend for you to engage in honest, open conversations and then to leave Summit more committed to following Jesus."

To learn more about Summit 2009, visit the website at www.acu.edu/summit.

If you are a member of the media who would like more information about this release, please contact ACU's Public Relations Office or call (325) 674-2696.