We’re excited to announce the first ever SOAR Youth Conference (hosted by the SCSC) happening January 9–11, 2026 on the campus of the University of Southern Mississippi! This weekend event is designed for 6th–12th grade students to grow in faith, connect with others, and be encouraged to soar higher in their walk with Christ. Youth groups will stay in Hattiesburg hotels and registration will open in July 2025.
Attendees can look forward to breakout classes, guest keynote speakers, and fun games in the Payne Center. It’s also a great opportunity for juniors and seniors to preview the Southern Christian Student Center and see what it’s all about.
SOAR Registration
Soar - Contact
Speakers Bios
Rod Selman
Rod is 27 years old and married to the love of his life, Victoria Selman. Rod has earned a Bachelor’s Degree in the Arabic Language with a Minor in Military Leadership from the University of North Georgia. He has served in the Army National Guard for 10 years, lastly as a Field Artillery Officer.
Having lived in Oman, Jordan, Morocco, and Israel for a total of 2 years, he has dedicated part of his life to short-term mission work in Cyprus. Currently, Rod works full-time at House to House Heart to Heart in Promotions and serves in the College Ministry at the Oak Hill church of Christ in Rome, GA.
Aaron Gallagher
Aaron Gallagher is a deacon at the Southaven (Mississippi) church of Christ and works at the Gospel Broadcasting Network as director of production and programming.
Aaron has preached extensively across the country at various congregations and lectureships. Aaron has a passion for evangelism and has been on mission trips to Africa and Honduras. Aaron is a co-host on The Authentic Christian Podcast and Answering the Error on GBN. Aaron has had six debates covering topics such as the Biblical Plan of Salvation, Faith Alone, Total Depravity, and Once Saved Always Saved. Aaron graduated with a degree in Biology and Chemistry and worked in the laboratory automation industry for 10 years before joining GBN in 2018. Aaron is married to his best friend Jamie, and they have 4 children together.
Matt Wallin
I’m Matt Wallin, and I have worked with House to House Heart to Heart since 2006, where I have overseen the production and promotions of the House to House magazine.
I currently serve as the Director of Promotions. My wife Ashlei and I have three daughters. When we had kids, we moved back to our hometown of Rome, GA, where I currently serve as a deacon at the Oak Hill church of Christ and work with the growing college ministry. I speak at several gospel meetings, lectureships, and men’s retreats throughout the year. We run a fireworks business and flip houses.
Ben Rickman
Hi, my name is Ben Rickman, and I serve as the Campus Evangelist for the Southern Christian Student Center (SCSC) at the University of Southern Mississippi. I’m originally from Olive Branch, Mississippi, and choosing to attend Southern Miss was a life-changing decision. It was here that I became part of the SCSC, a place where I grew in my faith to actively share the Gospel with others. I’m so excited to see all of you at the SOAR Youth Conference as we come together to take our faith TO THE TOP!
