What is Pursue?

Pursue Logo

Pursue is a conference started by Johnson University for high school students who are interested in pursuing a career in ministry or missions. In association with CIY, Pursue takes place on a variety of campuses and comes to Johnson University in Knoxville, Tennessee on November 7-9, 2025. Initial Registration deadline is Oct. 10, 2025. We are expecting an excellent group of high school students in an intentionally intimate environment. We think the weekend will be extremely encouraging and powerful. Scroll down for the schedule and registration!

Register Today!
Check out Pursue 2.0

 

Quick Links

Why Pursue?

Pursue exists to encourage and equip high schoolers in their pursuit of a life of ministry. Students sometimes struggle to navigate this unfamiliar world of vocational ministry. Good news! We can help. This event is perfect for any student interested in pursuing a career in…

  • Youth Ministry
  • Worship
  • Preaching
  • Children’s Ministry
  • Missions

What will happen at Pursue?

Pursue will be a weekend with like-minded students from all over the country who desire to devote their career to maximum kingdom impact. The weekend will feature worship, workshops, main sessions, and of course lots of fun. You’ll have a chance to interact with college students pursuing ministry, college ministry professors, and Christian ministry leaders.

 

Is this for youth groups?

No, this event is for individuals desiring to potentially pursue a career in some form of ministry or missions. You will have the opportunity to meet and develop relationships with other students just like you!

Housing

Housing is included in the registration! Pursue attendees will be staying in the dorms with a host student from Johnson University.

Schedule

Pursue 2025 Student Schedule

Friday, November 7

3:30–5:00 p.m. Registration in Phillips-Welshimere Welcome Center

5:00 p.m. Dinner in the Gally Commons

6:30 p.m. Welcome and Introduction in PW Auditorium

7:00 p.m. Worship, Message, & Group Time (Anne Wilson)

9:00 p.m. All-Campus Worship

10:15 p.m. Late Night Fun in Graham Center

11:30 p.m. In Dorms

Saturday, November 8

8:00 a.m. Breakfast in the Gally Commons

9:00 a.m. Worship & Message (Daniel Overdorf)

10:00 a.m. Ministry Breakouts (Session 1)

  • Preaching & Church Leadership (PW 231)
  • Students & Children’s Ministry (PW 213)
  • Worship Ministry (PW Auditorium)
  • Missions (PW 229)
  • Tech & Production (PW Auditorium)

11:00 a.m. Ministry Breakouts (Session 2) (Same options as Session 1)

12:00 p.m. Lunch

1:00 p.m. Group Time

1:30 p.m. — Electives 1

  • Writing and Delivering Effective Messages (PW 155) — Dr. Rory Christensen
  • How to Help a Friend in Crisis (PW 213) — Dr. Josh Fish
  • How to Share Your Faith (PW 231) — Danny Wright & Noah Battenberg
  • Women & Ministry (PW 229) — Dr. Brian Leslie & Maddie Tate
  • Tools for Growing Closer to God (PW 227) — Lydia Emerson

2:30 p.m. — Electives 2(Same options as Electives 1)

3:30 p.m. — Free Time at Graham Center

  • Swimming Pool Open!
  • Gym available for pick-up games (volleyball, basketball, pickleball)
  • Ping-pong, pool, board games, card games, etc.
  • Disc Golf, walking trails, bracelet making
  • Campus bookstore open above Gally Commons

5:30 p.m. Dinner

6:30 p.m. Worship, Message & Group Time (Bill Wolf)

9:00 p.m. Late Night Fun at Graham Center (Singo! and more)

10:30 p.m. Outdoor Worship on Soccer Field

11:30 p.m. In Dorms

Sunday, November 9

8:00 a.m. Light breakfast in PW Auditorium

9:00 a.m. Worship & Message (Brian Leslie)

11:00 a.m. See ya later!

 

What to bring

What to bring:

  • Bedding & pillow for twin mattress
  • Towel
  • Toiletries
  • Clothes & Jacket
  • Bible
  • Swimsuit & towel (optional, for indoor pool)
  • Spending money for snacks (all meals covered)

How much does it cost?

$50 includes all programming, meals, and lodging. The $50 rate is available until October 10 – after October 10 the rate goes to $75 per person.

Where to Check In

Check-in is in the Welcome Center in the Phillips-Welshimer Building. Signage will direct you once on campus.

Pursue 2.0: Explore Your Calling

March 6-8, 2026

Reserve your spot

Ready to take your next step in your calling journey? Pursue 2.0 is a hands-on weekend for high school juniors and seniors who sense a call to ministry or missions and want to grow through real-world practice, mentorship, and community. Whether or not you attended a Pursue event preciously, this is your chance to explore ministry by putting it into action.

Choose Your Track

Spend the weekend learning from experienced ministry leaders and practicing your craft through one of several focused tracks:

  • Preaching & Teaching – Write and deliver a message, receive coaching, and develop your voice.
  • Worship Leadership – Delve into exploring creativity, collaboration, and pursuing the heart of God together. Led by seasoned worship ministry veterans and current college students
  • Student Ministry – Learn how to disciple teens and build meaningful ministry moments.
  • Missions & Cross-Cultural Ministry – Engage global stories and discover practical ways to serve beyond borders.

Why Attend

  • Practical ministry training you can apply right away
  • Mentorship from ministry professionals
  • Scholarship opportunities for participants
  • A deeper understanding of your gifts and calling