Summit Ministries

As much as Summit has changed us, I've learned that some things stay the same, no matter your worldview. Let's talk about the philosophy of alarm clocks. This morning four cell phone alarm clocks forced us to open our eyes. Five minutes later, after my three roommates and I collectively muttered "five more minutes," the alarms pierced the silence again. Another five minutes later the situation repeated itself. Obviously, our philosophy on sleep has stayed the same.

Wow, how is it even possible to explain an experience that is so amazing? I had anticipated before coming here that I would learn and grow a lot, but I never imagined that the 'learn'ing and 'grow'ing would be quite so extensive. Sometimes when walking to class in the morning I cannot help but feel that nothing else will fit into this very full mind, and yet somehow I walk away from every lecture with more knowledge on so many different issues. The range of subjects that are covered here is mind-blowing, but then of course that just means we get to have "more fun than a human oughta have!"

The morning of the 26th of July began quietly in the small town of Manitou Springs...that is until five alarm clocks simultaneously went off, signaling everyone in Room #203 to roll out of bed. Another day of Summit had begun. Our day began with a lecture from the man himself, "Doc" Noebel. The worldview analysis had begun! Following Doc was our good friend Kevin Bywater, and following him was John Stonestreet. Their commanding voices, thought provoking arguments and humorous jokes woke everyone up from their delirious state of confusion...at least...almost everyone.

When I was a kid, all I really wanted was to grow up. Now that I have grown up, I realize that along with more candles (and, incidentally, smaller cakes) comes an unreasonable expectation of early rising. This morning, I awoke at the ungodly hour of 7:08. I know this because after my first question ("why is it so cold?") I darted out of bed with the realization that I had 7 minutes before breakfast.

Hello friends and family tuning in to the Summit Colorado Session 5 blog! This new feature allows you to at least know what's going on when, if you're like my family at all, the student you know at Summit just doesn't seem to call home any more.

Greetings from Summit Ministries! So far, so good-- day four was just as fun and exciting as Monday and Tuesday. Summit is really living up to its reputation for challenging students and boggling minds. Today's primary speaker was Dr. J.P. Moreland. A well educated philosopher, Dr. Moreland dove right into the tough stuff. I actually enjoyed his lectures because they were deep, but also understandable. Dr. Moreland delivered three lectures today: Evidence for the Existence of God, and a two-part discussion on the worldview of Post-Modernism. Before attending this class, I thought Post-Modernism was something out of an art exhibit. Who knew that it was one of the six major worldviews?

"Keep your feet firmly on the ground." This quote was written to me in my signed copy of Relativism, a book Dr. Frank Beckwith wrote. These past couple days have revolved heavily around this idea. Another important subject emphasized in the seminar is Dr. Noebel's popular quote, "Ideas have consequences." Why? Because an idea can affect not only your generation, but future generations. As Christians facing these crazy ideas, it's important to keep your feet firmly planted on the Rock.

My name is Kristin Weber. I am part of the Summit Colorado staff for the second half of the summer. I work sessions 5, 6 and 7. Anyhow, the students for session five arrived yesterday. It's always exciting to see a new batch of fresh faces waiting to cram their minds with worldview goodness. Each session is unique. While most sessions are quiet and timid the first couple days, these students act like they've been here for years! They are a loud, bubbly, and fun group.

From Kristin Kay's small group: Lectures of the day: Our first speaker this morning was Del Tackett. He talked to us about the history of America's Christian heritage. Contrary to popular secular humanist belief, all of our nation's founding fathers were at least theists if not solid Christians.

My time at Summit Ministries this summer has come to an end. I've thoroughly enjoyed my 8 weeks here serving on Summer Staff. As your blog manager I have gotten to read and edit every blog from our Colorado conferences, and now take the time to finish my tour of duty with my own blog.

My experience at Summit has been better than I could have imagined. I came to Summit expecting only to learn about worldviews and how the Christian worldview was right, yet I have learned much, much more. On day one we learned how attitude effects everything. This is a big thing to me, something that I have been thinking about a lot these two weeks. I always knew my attitude affected how I acted, yet hearing it at the Summit and learning different ways to apply it has given me motivation to change my attitude into one that is glorifying to God.

Another day at the Summit is nearing an end, one that was full of new challenges, conversations and opportunities to show the love of Jesus. This summer has been my third year on staff and I have loved it. My 'shift' here is over in five days, but I don't want to lose the amazing friendships and things I have learned in crazy Manitou Springs. It is wonderful to have people who are supportive and encouraging around every day.

Scene A "Colorado Springs?" my Taiwanese travel agent's voice quivered on the phone in inquiry, "Where is that supposed to be?" As a matter of fact, I didn't have a better clue than she did.

It is our nation's Independence Day and I have the greatest privilege of spending it here at the Summit! This evening, after a swell day of learning and hiking, we watched a marvelous fireworks show put on by Manitou Springs - the perfect way to finish the day, and in fact, our first week of Summit learning and experiences!

Hi! My name is Jess and I work for the Summit. Trying to sum up a day in the life of students for parents and students alike seems like the hardest job ever because even now time is running together. I have been at Summit for seven weeks now and it never ceases to amaze me how fast time actually does fly. Parents you might agree, time begins speeding up at a certain age and after those days, weeks and months blur as one.

Greetings from Manitou Springs, CO! My name is Klint McInturff and I am on staff here at the Summit. I've been asked to give my experience working this summer, how it has impacted my relationship with the Lord, my goals, intellect, and relationships with others. If being a student here last summer wasn't impactful enough, being on staff has somehow dwarfed last summer's impact.

The third day in and a routine is forming. I heard one staff worker liken this routine to that of a "continual drinking from a water hose". There is much truth to that statement.