Friends in Christ,
These past few years have been difficult to navigate for all people, and our young people are no exception.
We have heard from youth and their leaders that they have struggled with loneliness, lack of stimulation, and mental health. The youth of our churches are calling out to their leaders seeking community, connection, growth in faith, and opportunities to effect change in the world. They desire to be the hands and feet of Jesus in their churches, their communities, and their world.
The IGNITE Conference brings these diverse, bright young minds together for community, worship, and so much more. IGNITE is an opportunity for students in grades 6 through 12 to engage in dynamic worship, powerful messages, interactive workshops, impactful mission, empowering leadership development, and life-changing community.
Many church leaders have expressed struggles to rebuild ministries for young people in the aftermath of the pandemic. The IGNITE Conference is the perfect opportunity for you to forge, rebuild, or grow the youth ministry in your church. It is a foundation for spiritual connection, community building, and leadership development. I truly believe that bringing your students to the IGNITE Conference will not only change their lives, but it will also develop a strong relationship between young people and the local church.
This year, I am calling upon churches that have previously participated, to join in this year as a witness to emerging from Covid and commit to the young people of our community and beyond. I also call churches that have not participated in the past, to join in this exciting and life-changing gathering.
I encourage you to gather a group of youth, regardless of how many, and join us in Wildwood, NJ the weekend of September 30 – October 2 for a life-changing weekend at IGNITE.
Here is a Registration Guide to resource your church as you navigate registering and getting your group to the IGNITE Conference in 2022.
Keep the faith!
Bishop John Schol