In the summer of 2023, then again in 2024, the FRC Youth and Education committee hosted the “Young Men’s Summit” in Grand Rapids, seeking to encourage young men in spiritual leadership in their friendships, homes, and churches. The world often scoffs at young men who bear the yoke of Christ, seeking to glorify Him and relying on His strength. The church needs men who fear the God of their fathers, leading with grace, with gentleness, and with a knowledge of the Scriptures. By God’s grace, the Young Men’s Summit has helped to address this need, annually offering a short, intensive time of learning and fellowship.
In continuing this effort, the desire arose to host local summits for both young men and women.
Looking back with thankfulness, we excitedly share that from January 31 to February 1, 2025, the first Winter Summit was held. On Friday night, an evening of fellowship was had as a “soft start” to the weekend. Reformed Book Services and Cafe 1517 graciously hosted over thirty young people who ventured through the snowy roads to attend. Pastor Pronk, Pastor Dibbet, and Pastor Vanbrugge also joined us for fellowship throughout the bookstore and coffee shop, warmly sharing personal insights and book recommendations. Later that evening, we moved to the library for a live edition of Plants and Pillars’ Ask a Pastor. The conversation was recorded and posted here https://youtu.be/6zabZBmj_K0 .
After a time of early morning prayer, Bible study, and singing, and as a fresh layer of snow blanketed the ground, we welcomed 66 young people to the Winter Summit. Held at St. George FRC, we examined the theme “Branches of the Vine; Living out of the vital union”. Through two sessions of closely examining John 15, Pastor Lawrence Bilkes surveyed the analogy of the vine and branches. The vine-branch is not majestic. It is only useful if it bears fruit. Likewise, the Lord has created us “unto good works” (Ephesians 2:10), and demands the obedience of repentance and faith. Yet this obedience can only flow from our union with Christ—what joy there is in that union! Pastor Bilkes also spoke of the “constant, conscious communion with Christ” that believers have tasted and ought to strive after. This desire cries out with the psalmist, “What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee. In God I will praise his word, in God I have put my trust; I will not fear what flesh can do unto me.” (Psalm 56:3-4). In closing, we reflected on the Father’s purging of “every branch that beareth fruit” (John 15:2). The pruner is concerned with fruit, not feelings. Deadness, worldliness, and unbelief are cut off, and we must humbly submit to our sovereign God who disciplines His children in perfect love. The recordings are available at https://youtu.be/Cf48RXHZym8 and https://youtu.be/3JWzNda_BLc.
Our afternoon was spent competing in a short trivia competition, followed by a delicious lunch of soup and sandwiches. We then separated into men and women’s breakout sessions, led by Pastor Mark Wagenaar and Dr. Jo Deblois. Pastor Mark spoke of the glory and freedom of justification in Christ, and the marks of this reality in the human heart. The Christian is most bothered by their own sin, and strives to be their new self, in Christ. He also highlighted the joy to be had in delighting in Christ. When our pleasure conforms to His, we experience what J.C. Ryle called “happy holiness”. What a comfort it is to know that it is “God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure” (Philippians 2:13). When our will is in obedient submission to God’s, He gives us the desire of our hearts! In closing, Pastor Mark left us with a charge; “A weak man is a mighty weapon in the hand of God”. We are but conduits of Christ’s love. True strength is found in this realization, when we reach out to God, with Paul, asking “That Christ may dwell in (our) hearts by faith; that (we), being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; and to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that (we) might be filled with all the fullness of God.” (Ephesians 3:17-19) The recording can be found at https://youtu.be/Ou37OnK-nyQ.
Dr. Deblois led an inspiring ladies' workshop on using our God-given talents for His kingdom, focusing on how each woman can contribute to His work. Through a reflective exercise, participants analyzed their strengths and weaknesses, uncovering areas where God can redeem their character for His purposes. The workshop emphasized how Scripture shows God's transformative power in using imperfect individuals for His kingdom, offering hope and encouragement for the young women. The recording has been posted at https://youtu.be/0D8CWd89DE8 .
After the workshops, Pastor Wagenaar and Dr. Deblois answered questions on the hearts of the youth. Topics such as praying to the Trinity, witnessing to coworkers, working through doctrinal differences when dating, and properly viewing the spiritual realm were discussed. The recording is available at https://youtu.be/UuXP3NEzC6s.
In reflection, we rejoice in God’s providential hand in guiding and directing the planning and outworking of the 2025 Winter Summit. We extend a warm thanks to our speakers, our videographer, our photographer, and the ladies who prepared lunch. Your efforts are much appreciated!
We are excited to continue this effort of encouraging young Christians in faithful service to their King. Looking ahead, we hope to expand the summit westward, reaching Alberta and British Columbia, D.V.. May the Lord bless this means unto the upbuilding of His kingdom, that we might be united as living stones, “built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.” (1 Peter 2:2).
In Christ,
The Winter Summit Committee