FRIDAY, October 9
Friday 8 PM: GLOW Party.
Friday night at IGNITE is getting a GLOW-UP!
From 8–10 PM, the ballrooms transform into a full-on GLOW Night Party — think round tables, glowing accessories, photo booths, and activities in every corner.
This isn't a sit-and-listen night; it's a meet-your-people night, where you'll get up-close time with the bishop, speakers, and artists who actually come to you — hanging out and answering your questions. It's IGNITE turned up, lights down, and glow all the way on.
SATURDAY, October 10
Doors open 8:45am
Saturday Morning, 9:00 AM
Optional District Youth Group Huddles in Ballrooms
Main Stage Session 1, 10 - 11:30 AM
Worship: Britt Nicole
Speaker: Charlie Conder
Main Stage Session 2, 2 - 4 PM
Worship: Britt Nicole
Speaker: Kris Sledge
Main Stage Night Session 3, 7 - 9 PM
Worship: Britt Nicole
Speaker: Derek Matthews
Prayer and Small Groups
SUNDAY, October 12
Doors Open: 8:45 AM
Sunday Morning, 10 AM
Worship: Britt Nicole
Speaker: Bishop Cynthia Moore-Koikoi
Communion
VENUE INFO
The Wildwoods Convention Center
4501 Boardwalk
Wildwood, NJ
LOCATION GUIDE
WEST HALL: Sessions
EAST HALL
BALLROOMS: Workshops
Check-In
Registration and check-in will be open on Friday, October 9 beginning at 5:00pm, located at the Wildwood Convention Center front entrance. At check-in, attendees will be given a wristband which will grant access to all IGNITE events.
Parking
Parking is FREE at the Wildwood Convention Center
SPEAKER
Charlie Conder
Charlie grew up in rural Illinois but has somehow survived 21 years of metro Atlanta traffic. She lives with her wildly talented husband, Eric, and spends most of her time helping students, leaders, and churches become more human and love well.
She’s worked with students for nearly 24 years in educational and ministry settings, which means she can spot youth group chaos almost instantly. She now coaches, consults, and speaks for organizations.
Charlie loves Swedish Fish, really good tacos, and cheese in basically every form imaginable. Honestly, a charcuterie board is part of her leadership strategy.
She also loves asking deep questions, making fun art, and reminding teenagers that they are loved exactly as they are.
SPEAKER
Kris Sledge
Kris Sledge is the lead and founding pastor of The Journey Church, a vibrant United Methodist congregation planted in 2019 in the heart of urban Harrisburg, PA.
The Journey is a diverse and inclusive faith community with a bold vision: to create a space where all people can experience the liberative and transformative spirit of Jesus. Approximately 65% of the congregation is under the age of 40, and the church’s multi-ethnic makeup (55% white, 45% people of color) reflects its commitment to justice, inclusion, and radical belonging. He co-authored Followers Under 40: The Journey Away from Church for Millennials, Gen Z, and Gen Alpha with Rachel Gilmore. The book explores the challenges facing the church today, declining trust, aging congregations, and dwindling attendance, and offers a hopeful path forward for churches ready to foster belonging, curiosity, and safety for younger generations.
Kris also serves as president of the Board of Directors of Harrisburg Neighborhood Center, The Journey Church’s nonprofit community development and city mission arm, working to advance human flourishing throughout Harrisburg.
He was born and raised in central Pennsylvania, where a local church became a surrogate family, saved his life, and instilled a love for God and people. That nurturing foundation laid the groundwork for his call to ministry and continues to shape his leadership today.
Outside of ministry, Kris loves spending time with his wife, Hannah, and their daughter, Lydia -- traveling together, discovering new breakfast spots, kayaking in the summer, or sledding or skiing in the winter.
SPEAKER
Derek Matthews
Derek G. Matthews is a dynamic speaker, executive coach, and master facilitator known for igniting purpose, unlocking leadership potential, and helping individuals step fully into who they are called to be. With more than 25 years of experience across federal government, public safety, corporate leadership, and community engagement, Derek brings both real-world authority and authentic connection to every stage he steps on.
As President and CEO of Legacy Management-Group LLC, Derek has partnered with government agencies, corporations, and community organizations to develop transformational leaders and high-performing teams. A former GS-15 Homeland Security executive and Deputy Director of the Federal Protective Service, he has led high-stakes operations, trained over 4,000 law enforcement professionals worldwide, and conducted risk assessments at more than 2,500 critical infrastructure sites across the United States and in over 50 countries.
But beyond the titles and experience, Derek’s greatest impact comes through his ability to connect—heart to heart, purpose to purpose by way of sharing his own professional set back and his road to reconciliation.
At IGNITE 2026 in Wildwood NJ, Derek will bring a message aligned with the theme GLOW—challenging young people to recognize that they are not defined by where they’ve been, but by the light they carry within them. Drawing from his own journey of failure, setbacks, resilience, leadership, and growth, he speaks directly to the next generation about overcoming obstacles, embracing identity, and stepping boldly into leadership.
Derek’s speaking style is energetic, transparent, and deeply engaging. He doesn’t just deliver a message—he creates an experience that moves people to think, reflect, and act. Whether working with youth, emerging leaders, or seasoned professionals, his message remains consistent:
“You already have what it takes—you just have to activate it.”
He has served in key leadership roles including Director of Equity Programs and Practices, Community Engagement Lead for Anne Arundel County Government, and Director of Operations for multi-state security firms. His work continues to span leadership development, workplace safety, equity strategy, and community transformation.
Through every engagement, Derek is committed to one mission: Helping people lead with purpose, standing in their truth, and GLOW in every space they enter.
SPEAKER
Bishop Cynthia Moore-Koikoi
Bishop Cynthia Moore-Koikoi will challenge us to “Go and make disciples of all nations” in the Sunday morning session, which will end with communion and a final invitation to “Go!” and share the story of all that God is doing in your life and in the world around you. You can learn more about Bishop Cynthia Moore-Koikoi in the following articles:
A New Chapter for EPA&GNJ: A Conversation with Bishop Cynthia Moore-Koikoi
ARTIST
Britt Nicole
Britt Nicole is from North Carolina. She has been singing since 3 years old at her Grandfather’s church in Kannapolis and writing songs since the age of 17. Britt has had the opportunity to travel the world and see people impacted by her music. Her heart is to make space for the Presence of God, on and off the stage.
Britt signed with Capitol Records in 2012, at the age of 21, and has released 4 records with Capitol. Britt’s songs have been featured in movies, TV shows, and have charted on Top 40 Pop Radio and Christian Radio. Britt hosted the Pre-Show Grammy Awards, along with being nominated for a Grammy Award and a Dove Award.
In addition to music, Britt has an online shop, shopbrittnicole.com. Check out the shop to see “The Britt Nicole Collection”, “The Work of Art Collection”, and releasing soon, “The Dreams Collection”.
Britt is excited to be releasing new music very soon. Stay tuned!
EPAUMC Camp & Retreat Ministry
Creating community and belonging, asking questions, growing supportive inter-generational relationships, and processing together have been proven to make a significant difference in the faith formation of young people. Small group discussions are a GREAT way to do all of these things! During IGNITE, we encourage you to gather as a youth group, or break into smaller groups, for conversation.
Word of Encouragement:
You play a vital role in creating a safe and welcoming space for youth to explore their faith and ask questions. Your presence and guidance make a significant impact on their spiritual journey.
Tips, Tricks, and Practical Advice:
Be Present and Engaged: Put away distractions, actively listen, and show genuine interest in what the youth are sharing.
Create a Safe Space: Encourage open and honest sharing, and assure the youth that their thoughts and feelings are valued and respected.
Be Authentic: Let your personality shine through and allow the youth to be themselves. Authenticity fosters trust and connection.
Facilitate, Don't Dominate: Guide the conversation, but allow the youth to take ownership of the discussion. Ask open-ended questions that encourage them to think critically and share their perspectives.
Pray Together: Begin and end your small group time with prayer, inviting God's presence and guidance.
GLOW Small Group Questions
Young people rarely grow in faith from a big event alone. They grow when someone listens to them, asks a good question and lets them wrestle with the answer. IGNITE gives us worship, great speakers and a room full of energy. Small groups are where that energy takes root, as students put words to what they're feeling and discover their story matters in God's story. Use these questions after sessions, back at the hotel, or on the ride home. Pick the ones that fit your group, listen more than you talk, and don't rush the silence.
DISCUSS THIS
What are you most excited about this weekend?
What's the first thing you think of when you hear "Glow or Level Up"?
On a daily basis, what's something/someone you interact with...
a. At school?
b. Online?
c. At home?
d. With Jesus?Share about a unique interaction that has made an impact on you.
In your own life, how can you help others feel seen?
Zacchaeus knew Jesus was coming through his town (Luke 19:1-10). He chose to collide with curiosity by climbing up a tree to get a better view. In what ways can you climb a tree (or do something out of the ordinary) to get a better view of Jesus this week?
Where in your life do you feel most "lit up," like you can fully be yourself? Where do you feel dimmed or like you have to hide?
Who has been a light for you? What did they do or say that helped you see Jesus more clearly?
What's one thing that makes it hard to know God better right now? It could be a busy schedule, your phone, doubts or questions. There are no wrong answers.
What's one thing you've heard, sung or experienced this weekend that has stuck with you? What do you think God might be inviting you to do about it?
DO THIS
Leaders, as you close your time together, have students get into groups of 3. Take turns saying the phrase below over each person in the group, one at a time, so everyone hears it spoken over them.
You are seen. You are loved. You are a child of light. Go and GLOW!
Throughout the weekend, you will need to provide your group with:
Friday: dinner
Saturday: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Sunday: breakfast, lunch (depending on how far you live from Wildwood)
Here are some great food options for your group during the IGNITE weekend:
Hybrid – Group members purchase their own fast-food meals on traveling days (Friday dinner & Sunday lunch), and you provide or purchase all Saturday meals & Sunday breakfast out of previously collected money or your youth ministry budget. Another idea would be to take a church offering in your Sunday service so that your church can bless the lives (and stomachs!) of their youth.
All meals provided – You provide or purchase all meals for the weekend out of previously collected money or your youth ministry budget.
No meals provided – You do not include the cost of food in the amount of money you collect from your group, and group members are responsible for purchasing all of their own meals for the weekend.
If you plan to make some of your own meals, we recommend asking your congregation to donate food for the weekend. Some examples of donations:
Mini-bagels with cream cheese, cereal with milk for breakfast, fruit, or donuts for breakfast
Bread, lunch meat, peanut/sun butter and jelly (be mindful of allergies in your group), chips, fruit, or a veggie tray for lunch
Salad, lasagna, baked ziti, rolls, brownies, or cookies for dinner
Paper plates, disposable silverware, and paper towels
Ask your students to each bring their own reusable water bottle
If you plan to eat out for one or more meals, we recommend researching restaurants ahead of time! We have provided a starter list of restaurants in Wildwood, NJ but still suggest that you call establishments before the trip to make sure they will be open and can accommodate your group. Try to book a reservation for your group, based on the IGNITE schedule for the weekend.
The Wildwoods Convention Center does not permit visitors to enter with food from outside the center. There is a concession stand inside the convention center.
During The Conference
Keep up to date with the IGNITE program for event schedule
Spend time with your church group
Engage in workshops and activities
Visit vendors and booths
Explore the local community
Attractions In Wildwood
Many groups plan to arrive early or stay after the conference to enjoy the local sites and activities.
Wildwood Boardwalk
Seaport Aquarium
Doo Wop Preservation League Museum
Cape May Zoo
Self-Guided Group Activities
Check out the following PDFs for activities your group can do together on Saturday afternoon:
