Religious conversion is a move from disinterest to curiosity about the universe. Theistic conversion leads to naming God and a comfort with God language. Christocentric conversion focuses on the figure of Jesus. Ecclesial conversion results in a commitment to a communal experience of faith. Intellectual conversion transforms random beliefs into a coherent belief system.
Moral conversion moves one from belief to action.
Franklin concluded by articulating several contemporary challenges. He urged leaders to engage the imagination, emotion, and will of youth, to let youth lead to where they want them to go, and to sponsor honest dialogue about the difficult issues. A lively question and answer session followed his opening remarks. The afternoon panel included Stephen Warner, Penny Becker, and Mark Yaconelli. Warner noted that his context at the University of Illinois at Chicago was one of rapid social and cultural change.