Illinois | IBSA’s annual Youth Encounter returns on Columbus Day weekend with multiple locations. Students can expect the one-day evangelism event to have similarities to past years, but expect some exciting, new changes.
As always, students will participate in worship and hear gospel-centered preaching. There will be opportunities for fellowship and time to share a meal with friends.
New this year, participants can select one of three locations: the South location is First Baptist Church of Herrin, Central location is Cross Church in Carlinville, and North location is Cornerstone Church in Woodland. Each location will meet on Sunday, October 11, 3-9 p.m.
IBSA Leadership Development Director Michael Awbrey said leaders across the state helped select where Youth Encounter should be held. Then, organizers from each region designed their own programs to serve their area’s students.
The Southern region will focus on apologetics and breakout sessions. Scottie McDowell is speaking on “why Christianity makes sense.” McDowell is the grandson of well-known apologetics speaker Josh McDowell, who published “More Than A Carpenter” a generation ago.
In the Central region there’s a focus on fun engagement with inflatables and games. Illusionist Bryan Drake is speaking and entertaining.
The Northern region wants a relational focus with carnival-like activities. Matt Joiner from Redemption City Church will be the speaker.
“I hope this year’s Youth Encounter energizes kids on sharing their faith, that they’re excited going back to school and will find opportunities to share what they believe,” Awbrey said. He added even this year’s T-shirt is an opportunity to share their faith, it reads “An encounter with Jesus changes everything.”
Student groups can use the event as outreach. “There’s something for everyone, for kids who are plugged into church and those who aren’t,” Awbrey said.
Awbrey encourages students to start inviting friends now. “Who’s your one? Who are you inviting?” he asked. “If you have 10 kids in your youth group, plan to bring 20. Each kid invites one friend.”
Groups can sign-up at IBSA.org/ministries/students/youth-encounter/ and select the region they’d like to attend. The cost is $15, which includes dinner and T-shirt. The shirt is only guaranteed until Sept. 15.