For J. Roger Davis '96, returning to Samford University each summer is more than a homecoming. It's an opportunity to introduce thousands of middle and high school students to a campus that helped shape his own calling while creating an environment where lives can be transformed.
As president of Youth Ministry 360 (YM360), Davis leads GENERATE Camps, a series of Gospel-centered summer camps hosted at universities across the country. This summer, more than 3,500 students from 13 states attended GENERATE at Samford, one of more than 20 university partners that host the ministry's camps.
A communication major with a minor in congregational studies, Davis said his years at Samford played a significant role in preparing him for a lifetime of ministry.
"I knew during my time at Samford that the Lord was calling me into ministry," Davis said. "Those days put tools in my toolbox for life and ministry that I am still using today. What we were experiencing in the classroom was able to be put into practice each summer, as well as while leading Disciple Now weekends and conferences throughout the year."
Davis said Samford's long tradition of preparing students for ministry continues to influence generations of Christian leaders.
"Samford has a rich history of producing camp staffers, and I am glad I was one of them," he said. "I am often reminded that we all stand on the shoulders of someone, and I was fortunate to have great examples to follow."
That foundation has helped Davis and his wife, Becca, who earned degrees from Samford and Beeson Divinity School in 1995 and 1998, dedicate their lives to discipling the next generation through youth ministry.
Each year, GENERATE Camps welcomes tens of thousands of students from churches across the country for a week centered on biblical teaching, worship and discipleship. While activities and recreation are part of the experience, Davis said the ministry's focus remains unchanged.
"We desire for students to 'get the Gospel' and then 'give it away,'" Davis said. "That is the calling for all Christ followers. Camps are exciting because you expect to see God do what only He can do. He is always faithful to draw people to Himself when His name is lifted up."
He added that despite the challenges facing today's students, he continues to see hope.
"The generation of young people have so many things that can be distractions, but in the middle of the clutter and chaos God continues to move, calling people to Himself through His goodness and grace," Davis said. "This year we will have more than 30,000 young people with us at GENERATE, and our prayer is that each one of them gets to see Jesus for who He is and respond accordingly."
For Davis, hosting camps at his alma mater carries special meaning. Today, his connection to Samford extends beyond being an alumnus, as two of his children are current students.
"I loved Samford as a student, alum and now as a parent to two Samford students," Davis said. "It holds a deep fondness for me in my development of who I am today.”
He believes the camps can also introduce prospective students to Samford in a meaningful way.
"I often think about how four nights at a camp on campus can change the life of someone," Davis said. "They return for four years, and then they are connected as ambassadors for the university for 40-plus years."
GIVE: Support impactful work at Howard College of Arts and Sciences.
