How do I read it? Embrace it or help to change it?

Leader: Sally Fry
Leadership Development Specialist – Northeast District

Do I have a spiritual gift? How do I figure out what they are?

Leader: Joel Repic
Director of Church Planting – Western PA District

I feel a connection to urban ministry, how do I start this type of ministry at my local church?

Leader: Charles Chapman
Alliance Missions Candidate Specialist, National Office

I feel a connection to refugee ministry, how do I start this type of ministry at my local church?

Leaders: Joseph and Irma Chon
Pastor Corner Christian Fellowship & National R.A.I.N. Leadership

What lies do I tend to believe about myself? How can I live in my identity in Christ? How does this happen?

Leader: Ciro Castro
Program Developer and Recruiter for Envision

How can I live out of my creativity for God’s Kingdom?

Leader: Caylie Smith
Senior Graphic Designer, National Office

How do I live as a disciple where I live, work, study, eat, and play? How do I step into my calling?

B.L.E.S.S. – a simple way to get to know your neighbor. Jesus tells us to love our neighbors. How can I get to know my neighbors or those I work with to have a chance to bless them?

Leader: Amy Roedding
Candidate Recruitment and Development, National Office

How do I build a connection with the college in my town and our local church? What are best practices? (For Young Adult Leaders)

Leaders: Bill Corbin and Adrienne Orris
Emerging Adult Directors, Lochhaven and Grove City, PA

Why are spiritual disciplines important to my deeper life in Christ? How can Sabbath and Fasting help me hear the Spirit’s voice?

Leaders: Emma and Brandon Pellatz
Campus Representative Crown College and Crown 30 Director

How does church planting work? How can I be part of it?

Leader: Aaron Barnett
Next Gen of Leadership Network with Exponential

What is healing prayer? Can I learn how to help lead healing prayer at my church?

Leader: Claire Elrod
Church Planter/ Grace Resident

Leader: John Stumbo

For young adult leaders.

Leader: Ashleigh Weaver
Director of Disciplemaking and Young Adults Leader

1. How much, and how do I register?

The cost is only $35 and includes meals. To register, click here and follow the steps.

2. What time does the conference start and end?

We will begin at 6 p.m. on Friday, October 13th, and conclude at 9 p.m. on Saturday, October 14th.

3. Where will the conference be held?

The entire conference will be held at Grace Church, Olmsted Falls campus: 6941 Columbia Road, Olmsted Falls, OH 44138

4. What will the conference look like?

The AYA Conference will consist of 3 main sessions, several breakout sessions, a fun event, 2 meals, a prayer room, various conversation opportunities, nature trails, firepits, and connections with people who can help young adults take their next steps. Our main sessions will include worship, two 15-minute speakers per session, and opportunities for interaction and response. Our breakout sessions will be intentional group conversations led by an expert in topics relevant to Christian young adults. Friday night we have a fun event planned that everyone will want to stick around for! On Saturday, lunch and dinner will be provided (be sure to indicate any allergies/intolerances in your registration form). We have a great outdoor space for hiking and gathering around campfires as well.

5. Who are the speakers going to be at the conference?

The Alliance Young Adults leadership team has made the intentional choice to prioritize the messages that God has put on our hearts. We have spent time in prayer as a team to develop content for each of the talks. Each talk will be delivered by someone who is actively working in an Alliance ministry with young adults. We are very confident that these 6, 15-minute messages will be impactful, relevant, and biblical. The speakers for our conference in Cleveland are Will Henderson, Joel Repic, Ariana Waters, Brandon and Emma Pellatz, Pablo Garcia, and Josiah
Stumbo. Several denominational, district, and church leaders within the C&MA will also be present for breakouts and other various moments throughout the conference.

6. Is there lodging available for the conference?

We have negotiated rates with two nearby hotels at a rate of $109-119 per night including breakfast at La Quinta Cleveland Airport West (7 min) and La Quinta Cleveland Airport North (14 min). Links for booking those hotels at the negotiated rate will be sent in your registration confirmation email. Lodging at these hotels is not required for conference registration. These group rates are available for your convenience while space remains.

7. Will food be provided?

On Friday night, we will have snacks and. food after the evening session. On Saturday, lunch and dinner will be provided (be sure to indicate any allergies/intolerances in your registration form).

8. What if I need to leave early on Saturday?

If at all possible, you’ll want to stay until 9:00 p.m. on Saturday! Much of the content of the conference culminates with our last service from 7-9. The church is conveniently located less than 10 minutes from the CLE airport. Consider staying through Sunday morning and attending one of the local C&MA churches listed in your conference registration confirmation email!

9. What if we want to stay Saturday night?

We would love you to stay Saturday night and attend one of the many Alliance Churches in the area on Sunday morning! Many of them are listed in your confirmation email after registration.

10. I’m 31+, can I still come?

In order to sharpen our focus on the “Emerging Adulthood” stage of life, we are limiting conference attendance to those between the ages of 18-30. Exceptions are made for anyone who is 31+ but married to someone who is 18-30, anyone who is actively leading a young adult ministry in their local church, and district/denominational leaders.

11. Will Childcare be provided?

We are unable to provide childcare for this conference. A nursing mother’s room will be available for use as needed.

12. Where will the next AYA Conference be?

We are actively praying about where to go next! Our intention is to host regional conferences around the United States. If you think your church would be a good host site and want to discuss what that could mean, contact [email protected]!