return: 1630 gen z summit
by abby Ralph
During America Reads the Bible, a national event calling our nation back to God’s Word, a smaller but impactful event was hosted by 1630 - Return: A Gen Z Summit. We hosted 45 young adults from across the nation who came together in our nation’s capital to hear God’s Word read, tour the U.S. Capitol, tour the Museum of the Bible, and listen to amazing speakers.
why return?
We planned Return and named it such because we are calling this generation to return to God’s Word. Less than 1% of young adults today have a biblical worldview - but it doesn’t have to be this way. With discipleship and teaching, we encourage young adults to read the Bible, know what it says, and live it out everyday. When young adults live more like Jesus, society can flourish. The 45 young adults in attendance are truly the leaders of tomorrow - they are called to government, ministry, business, media, entertainment, and education and we are helping them walk in their purpose based on biblical principles.
recap
Our first day of Return started with a U.S. Capitol tour led by Congressman Gary Palmer. Congressman Palmer led our tour with so much historical knowledge and highlighted how America’s foundations are built on biblical principles - something that is controversial today, but thankfully, true. Our founding fathers knew scripture and were Bible-believing men and this can be seen all around the U.S. Capitol.
The next day, our young leaders joined us at the Museum of the Bible where they got to tour the museum as well as listen to the America Reads the Bible reading in the World Stage Theater. This was an impactful time where they could see the effects of the Bible throughout America’s history and how it will impact our future. We ended the day with a dinner where we heard from Congressman Josh Brecheen of Oklahoma and Tim Goeglein of Focus on the Family. Both were amazing speakers who encouraged our young adults that there is hope in our nation’s capital and they can be part of making an impact.
Our final day together was our conference day. We heard from several amazing speakers including Dr. Ronnie Floyd, Ross Johnston, Dr. Kyle Lance Martin, Abigail DeJarnatt, Peter & Misty Phillip, Jaco Booyens, Brian Barcelona, and more. Each of these speakers brought a different perspective to the table, but they ultimately all shared something in common: a love for Christ, His Word, and our nation.
attendees
The attendees at Return were amazing young leaders between the ages of 18-30. They contributed to conversations, listened and learned from our speakers, and were deeply impacted to live out the purpose God has for them. Although they each may be called to different vocations, we are all called to be civically engaged and make an impact in America. They all came from different denominations, different states, different backgrounds, but they all left with a better understanding of Christ’s heart for them and His heart for America.
a lasting impact
America Reads the Bible and Return were planned in anticipation and celebration of the 250th birthday of America. Our founding fathers built this country on biblical principles, and just like them, our young leaders have a question before them: how do we want this country to progress over the next 250 years? Return helped them answer that question. If we want our nation to thrive, our churches to grow, and our families to flourish, we must base it all on the Word of God. Without Him, we have nothing.
I was honored to plan Return as the last major event during my time as Young Adult Director. As my husband and I anticipate the birth of our son this summer, I can’t help but reflect on the past 250 years of our nation and what our nation can and should look like moving forward. This event and this program exist to equip the next generation. There is nothing to be taken lightly about this - we’re talking about making an impact that will last for generations. That’s why Return is so important. That’s why 1630 is so important. If we don’t invest in the next generation of leaders, we are not obeying God’s Word and we will see the effects in our country for years to come. May this program continue to thrive for the sake of our children, our grandchildren, our great grandchildren, and beyond.
quotes from attendees
“Return truly served as a wake-up call for me… my greatest takeaway was the undeniable need for spiritual revival.” — Amanda Paulton, Colorado
“Because of this trip, I now know amazing people across the nation. To see so many organizations that are fighting for the side of God in every arena was very encouraging.” — Ryan Nabinger, Missouri
“Overall, Return helped me begin healing and reminded me to trust God’s plan, even when it’s hard to understand.” — Anthony Laurenceau, New York
“Return gave me the opportunity to hear from speakers who were involved in government, ministry, or both. It truly felt like it was built to speak into my specific situation.” — Jordan Ramsey, Texas
“The event strengthened my faith and reminded me of the importance of building my life on God’s Word and seeking His wisdom above everything else.” — Love Osemwegie, Texas