Young Men's Summit 2025
- plantsandpillarsap
- Nov 14, 2025
- 3 min read
Recap: Relationships Reflecting Christ
The seminary chapel room was filled with friendly smiles and jovial greetings as 18 young men gathered for the 3rd annual Young Men’s Summit. Hosted at the PRTS campus, this year’s Summit explored the theme “Reflecting Christ through Relationships.” From enriching topic sessions to brotherly encouragement, the Summit was a blessed time for growth and fellowship.
The opening lecture from Dr. Gerald Bilkes focused on cultivating a personal relationship with Christ. Through 5 Biblical examples, we were practically encouraged to behold, believe in, seek, commune with, be changed by, bring others to, follow, be seen by, and see Christ. Especially through the example of the disciples, Dr. Bilkes noted the faithful humility of the Christ-follower, plodding on one step at a time. We cannot afford to delay this obedience; we must resist the pull of pride, decreasing that Christ may increase. We were charged to consistent, disciplined use of Christ’s ordinances like Bible reading and prayer, as these means are sustenance for the Christian.
Dr. Mark Kelderman addressed the young men on the topic of relationships in the church. Fundamentally, before inter-personal relationships can flourish, the individual must be reconciled to God. When Christ’s work of salvation restores the individual, they necessarily exist in a covenant community. Dr. Kelderman encouraged us to actively pursue service and unity within our churches, specifically taking time to reflect on areas where God expects us to use our gifts to serve in His kingdom. This kingdom service has a stated purpose: “for the edifying of the body of Christ, till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ” (Ephesians 4:12-13). All service is for Christ and for His people’s conformity to His image, growing in purity and unity.
Student Luis Loaiza delivered the third address, discussing relationships in the family. “God is the God of the young and the old”; our Lord relates meaningfully with our youth. He desires for us to serve Him in every stage, and as we grow, we develop in our relationships familially. We were charged to walk in love, being quick to extend grace and forgiveness. These principles were then applied practically to different stages of life: singleness, courtship, marriage, and fatherhood.
The final topic was given by Dr. Ian Macleod, addressing relationships with friends. Foundationally, friendships are rooted in the love of God in Christ. Understanding this is key:
Good theology leads to Christ-like friendships. Biblical friendship is selfless and sacrificial. It gives up time and reputation. It is patient, active, and faithful. It is unconditional, casts out fear, and is quick to forgive. Biblical friendship unites believers, reflecting the inter-trinitarian unity and love of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. May our friendships be defined by 1 John 4:7: “Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God.”
The edifying lectures were well balanced with fruitful times of reflection and fellowship. Learning together was a tremendous shared experience. Thoughtful conversations were scattered throughout the Summit; it’s a wonderful context for grounded friendships and spiritual encouragement. Beyond classroom-type lectures and group meals, we also returned to the seminary basement for our annual tradition of robust a cappella singing. Wednesday night at the beach featured a thrilling USA vs. Canada volleyball match. Home field advantage was ultimately futile: the Yankees lost.
On Wednesday afternoon, we were privileged to tour the West Michigan Beef Co. processing facility. Seeing the blood spill out of each cow’s slitted throat was a visceral experience, a concrete image of what the old testament sacrificial system was like and a sober reminder of the cost of Christ’s atonement for sins. Thank you to Ron Vanderboon and West Michigan Beef for the memorable tour. Thanks also to Corbin Prince and Prince Motors for the tour of their facility. It was a blessing to see tangible examples of generational businesses committed to serving the Lord vocationally.
The 2025 Young Men’s Summit is a wonderful means for building unity and friendships between the young men in the FRC and HRC denominations. Thank you to Corbin Prince, Scott Dekorte, and Luke Ingles for organizing this event. With God’s blessing, past Summits have already served as an encouragement to men who are now husbands and fathers. May the Lord use this means to encourage strong, selfless leadership in His Kingdom, that God may be worshipped in purity and unity. He alone is worthy of all honour, glory, and praise.
