our PEOPLE
The National Youth Conference of the churches of Christ was organized in 1952 by the late Orum L. Trone Sr. and his lovely "Georgia Peach" Christine. At a time when opportunities for Christian fellowship among young people were rare and confined to local areas, they became visionaries who could foresee the future of the church through the eyes of youth.
It would be fair to say that every regional, state or local youth conference has benefitted from the determination and grit of the Trones who wanted to ensure that Christian youth were able to experience the love of Christian living with their peers. The bonds and unity of the Spirit that have been created among conference attendees in the last six decades are a testament to their vision.
Through the years, their efforts were carried on and implemented by great men of God who understood the need for such a conference. Those directors who helped develop the National Youth Conference into what it is today but have also passed from this life include the Carl Swanigan, Alvin Adkisson, Dual Ghant, and Kevin Murray. Other men who have assisted our efforts throughout our history are Calvin Bowers and Orum Trone, Jr.
It would be fair to say that every regional, state or local youth conference has benefitted from the determination and grit of the Trones who wanted to ensure that Christian youth were able to experience the love of Christian living with their peers. The bonds and unity of the Spirit that have been created among conference attendees in the last six decades are a testament to their vision.
Through the years, their efforts were carried on and implemented by great men of God who understood the need for such a conference. Those directors who helped develop the National Youth Conference into what it is today but have also passed from this life include the Carl Swanigan, Alvin Adkisson, Dual Ghant, and Kevin Murray. Other men who have assisted our efforts throughout our history are Calvin Bowers and Orum Trone, Jr.
the 2014 leadership team
Now, the National Youth Conference is led by a team of four Executive Directors with more than a century of combined experience in youth ministry and programs, including the National Youth Conference. Ernest "Deacon" Wyrick serves as the chairman and leads the Accomodation team. His son Narleski Wyrick leads the Location team. Phillip Wade I leads the Connection team. Fate Hagood III leads the Edification team. Each director works with several coordinators to fulfill the vision of the National Youth Conference. Team profiles are found on the our PREMISE page.