No. Summit is a supplemental gathering designed to take place alongside the regular rhythms of local church college and young adult ministries. We want Summit to strengthen local ministries, not compete with them.

Our hope is for Summit to grow into a collaboration of gospel-centered churches working together to create a thriving community of young adults across our area.

Initially, First Family Church will provide leadership and direction for Summit. As other theologically aligned churches come alongside the gathering, our desire is for ownership and leadership to become increasingly collaborative.

Local, trusted pastors and leaders who faithfully and boldly proclaim the Word of God. Initially, First Family Church will be responsible for identifying and inviting Bible teachers for each gathering.

The name Summit carries two ideas that reflect the heart of this gathering.

A summit is a peak, representing our desire to create meaningful moments that encourage and equip young adults in their walk with Jesus.

A summit is also a gathering, reflecting our desire to bring young adults and ministries from across the greater Des Moines area together around the gospel.

Cooperating churches play an active role in helping the Summit thrive as a shared ministry effort. Each church should appoint a clear point person to attend the quarterly Summit meetings and communicate opportunities, needs, and updates back to its congregation. Churches are also encouraged to help carry the load by pitching in wherever needed, whether through volunteers, planning, promotion, hospitality, prayer, or other practical support. Financial support may be given as needs arise, but it is not mandatory. Finally, cooperating churches can help expand the Summit’s reach by introducing leaders and churches from across the area to this shared opportunity.

Host churches provide the worship environment and practical support needed for a Summit gathering. They are responsible for providing or coordinating worship and for ensuring appropriate technical support, including sound, projection, lighting, and volunteers. Each Summit event will include dinner before the gathering, so the host church is required either to provide the meal or to help make it available for the young adults attending that evening.

Preaching at the Summit should be centered on the gospel and should clearly point listeners to Jesus Christ. The message should do more than offer general encouragement; it should help believers understand who Jesus is, what He has done, and how His grace shapes everyday life. Speakers should encourage Christians to live boldly and faithfully for Jesus in their relationships, work, school, and communities. Because the Summit especially seeks to reach young adults, messages should also call them to a sincere, courageous, and lasting commitment to following Jesus.

Summit holds to the Baptist Faith and Message 2000 as its statement of faith. This confession provides a shared theological foundation centered on the authority of Scripture, salvation through faith in Jesus Christ, the mission of the local church, and the call to make disciples. It helps unite participating churches around core biblical convictions while working together to encourage and strengthen young adults in their faith.