Members of the Christian Association of Student Leaders (CASL) will attend a conference at Hardin-Simmons University seeking ideas and programs to help them make a bigger impact on their campuses. The annual gathering, scheduled for Jan 22 - 24, will explore leadership traits that don't necessarily come naturally, with the theme "Against Your Instincts."

As many as 200 guests are expected from Texas Baptist universities as well as Louisiana College, and Hannibal La Grange, Georgia. Attendees must be recommended by their university and be involved in student leadership. Leadership topics cover a number of areas including student government, residence life, student activities, campus ministries, and freshman orientation.

Speakers for this year's conference include Dr. Steve Bezner, Teaching Pastor at Kaufman's First Baptist Church, and the motivational team of Kevin Tutt and Michael Daggs. Kirk house and his band will provide music.

"Longtime Christians sometimes forget--or simply miss--the fact that Jesus' teachings are among the most revolutionary words ever spoken," says Dr. Bezner, "His commands regarding forgiveness, service, and love run counter to our culture and our instincts. By examining Jesus' words, this year's CASL will explore how Christian leadership ought to distinguish itself. While counter-intuitive, the Jesus Way continues to be the best way."

Dr. Bezner holds a B.A. in Biblical Studies and an M.A. in Religion from Hardin-Simmons University, and a Doctor of Philosophy in Religion from Baylor University. His ministry focuses on creating biblical forms of discipleship that integrate obedience, community, and mission. Steve enjoys writing and thinking about theology and popular culture, blogging, teaching, golf, and going to the movies. He is a gifted teacher committed to helping pastors, Christians, and academics see how the gospel can be transformative in their respective domains.

The team of Tutt and Daggs is well-regarded by leaders across the nation. Their presentations lead participants through an entertaining and interactive program, designed to challenge their current level of engagement and inspire them to maximize their potential impact on the lives of the people they serve. They have spoken to and inspired hundreds of organizations across the nation.

CASL is a group of college students committed to seeing Christian leadership come into sharper focus on their campuses. Chartered by the eight Baptist universities in Texas (Baylor, Dallas Baptist, East Texas Baptist, Hardin-Simmons, Houston Baptist, Howard Payne, University of Mary Hardin-Baylor, and Wayland Baptist), and under the sponsorship of the Congregational Leadership Team of the Baptist General Convention of Texas (BGCT), their mission is to equip student leaders physically, emotionally, spiritually, and intellectually according to the example set by Christ Jesus. Financial sponsors for this year's conference are HSU, the BGCT, and Aramark.