VALLEY FORGE, PA (ABNS 4/11/19)—We are excited to launch Beach Break – A youth conference at the 2019 Biennial Mission Summit. This year we are doing a new thing!  While the adults are enjoying the Biennial Mission Summit, the youth will take part in a dynamic conference designed with them and for them. The Biennial Youth Conference will be held at the Holiday Inn, North Beach, from Friday, June 21 to Sunday, June 23. Themed, “Lessons at the Seashore,” youth will explore the teachings of Jesus that emerged as he interacted with his disciples along the water. Youth will experience dynamic preaching, interactive workshops, Holy-Spirit filled worship, fun fellowship – all with the goal of youth attendees having an unforgettable Encounter with Jesus Christ.  “This is a great opportunity for young people to meet God in a new way, literally by the sea. What a way to start their summer in Virginia Beach, learning, growing, fellowshipping, and having fun,” says Minister Eric Battle, Sr. Minister Battle is the Youth Pastor at New Beech Grove Baptist Church in Virginia; he is coordinating local efforts to promote the Youth Conference.

“I am excited and honored to be part of this year’s Youth Conference in Virginia Beach.  It is so important for our denomination to provide a place for our young people to meet other American Baptists from around the country and Puerto Rico, to connect and grow together in the Lord.  These national opportunities are powerful and can influence and change lives,” remarked Rev. Karen Yee, one of the conference speakers.  Yee is one of a team of experienced instructors including youth ministry veteran, Rev. Rob Ely of Baptist Campus Ministries in W.V., and millennials, Garrett Black of Northern Seminary and Pastor Trevor Hyde of Berean Baptist Church in Brooklyn, N.Y.

The Biennial Youth Conference kicks off Friday evening with small group activities and a worship service, featuring the gifts and talents of young people from local ministries, including the sounds of United Forces for Soul (UFO’s) and the preached Word from Pastor Trevor Beauford of Union Baptist Church in Hartford, Conn. Saturday’s activities begin with the young people leading morning worship on the beach, followed by lessons from the seashore taught by youth leaders from across the country. Saturday afternoon international global servants will join the youth to share their experiences, before the young people head out to complete mission projects in the city. The youth will close out the evening with another dynamic worship experience, followed by activities and games. On Sunday the young people will join the Biennial Mission Summit at the Virginia Beach Convention Center for Worship and a closing luncheon. Additionally, there will also be a Vacation Bible School program for children in Elementary School. This event will include activities, games and worship inviting children to learn about Jesus at the Sea. “I am excited that we are once again as a denomination bringing young people together. We know the present and future of ABC is dependent on its investment in its young people,” said Pastor Trevor Beauford.

“American Baptist Churches is blessed to have young people participating in the life of our churches all across the country. Our denomination will continue to thrive when we are intentional about creating spaces for our youth and young adults. This is why we are having a Biennial Youth Conference – to bring our young people together to have a unique encounter with Christ and to let them know they are valued members of our community. Likewise, we invited Dr. Jeremy Myers to share his work on intergenerational connections within the church with our youth leaders, to equip them to return to their ministries and be cross-generational bridge builders,” says Rev. Marsha Scipio. Reverend Scipio has been working with a planning team of diverse leaders from across the country to coordinate the Conference.

We encourage you to register your young people and youth groups today! Please click here for more information about Beach Break! We look forward to welcoming our youth to the 2019 Biennial Mission Summit.

American Baptist Churches USA is one of the most diverse Christian denominations today, with approximately 5,000 congregations comprised of 1.3 million members, across the United States and Puerto Rico, all engaged in God’s mission around the world.