FRIDAY, October 10
Session 1:
Friday Night, 8 PM
Worship: Alexander Pappas
Speaker: Carmelle Beaugelin
Concert: DJ El Vow
SATURDAY, October 11
Saturday Morning, 9 AM
OPTIONAL Youth Leader Meeting in Ballroom C
Session 2:
Saturday Morning, 10 AM
Acoustic Set: Tomorrow Has Come Ministries
Worship: Alexander Pappas
Speakers: Woo Kang and Michael Beck
Speaker Panel Discussion
Breakout Opportunities:
Saturday Afternoon, 2 - 5 PM
Saturday Afternoon Workshops.
2:00 - 2:45 PM.
Ballroom A: Audio Divina: Spiritual Practices (Tomorrow Has Come)
Ballroom B + C: Q+A with Bishop Cynthia
Moore-Koikoi
Free time/games
Saturday Afternoon Workshops.
3:00 - 3:45 PM.
Ballroom A: Audio Divina: Spiritual Practices (Tomorrow Has Come)
Ballroom B + C: Let’s Talk About It: Mental Health, Self Harm and the Power of Hope and Connection (Laura Jenkins)
East Hall Deck: Open Mic
Free time/games
Saturday Afternoon Workshops.
4:00 - 4:45 PM.
Ballroom A: Mission Project: Christmas Cards
Ballroom B + C: Fresh Expressions in Youth Ministry (Michael Beck and Woo Kang)
East Hall Deck: Open Mic
Free time/games
Please click here to view breakout times and descriptions.
Session 3:
Saturday Night, 7 PM
Intro: DJ El Vow
Worship: Alexander Pappas
Speakers: Woo Kang and Michael Beck
Response Time with Annointing
SUNDAY, October 12
Sunday Morning, 9 AM
OPTIONAL Youth Leader Meeting in Ballroom C
Session 4: Doors Open: 8:30 AM
Sunday Morning, 9 AM
Acoustic Set: Tomorrow Has Come Ministries
Worship: Alexander Pappas
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 11 beginning at 5:00pm, located at the Wildwood Convention Center front entrance. At check-in, attendees will be given a lanyard which will grant access to all IGNITE events.
Parking
Parking is FREE at the Wildwood Convention Center
ARTIST IN RESIDENCE AND SPEAKER
Carmelle Beaugelin
Carmelle Beaugelin Caldwell is a Haitian-American visual theologian and multidisciplinary artist who work moves in vibrant hues and layered textures —- a visual language of ancestral memory and sacred migration.
Drawing on the wisdom of Caribbean art traditions and Christian pneumatology, her practice is rooted in Kombit —- a Haitian philosophy of collective labor and mutual care —- as an act of ancestral remembrance and sacred co-creation of new divine realities.
A graduate of Princeton Theological Seminary (M.Div.), Carmelle founded BeauFolio Studio to curate collaborative experiences that merge fine art, spiritual practices, and play. Her work has been commissioned by Interfaith American, Duke Divinity, and A Sanctified Art.
Carmelle serves as Associate Director of the Missing Voices Project at Flagler College’s Center for Religion and Culture and sits on the board of Artworks Trenton. She has been awarded the 2025-2026 Overseas Missions Study Center (OMSC) Artists’ Residency at Princeton Theological Seminary.
SPEAKER
Michael Beck
Michael Beck is a pastor, professor, and author. Beck is a rare breed of both practitioner and scholar, actively engaged in frontline ministry while also researching and teaching at multiple academic institutions.
Michael and wife Jill have led a series of revitalizations and unconventional church plants with "the ones no one else wants or sees." They are currently co-pastors of Compassion and St Marks UMCs, where they oversee a holistic recovery housing program called Open Arms Village, and lead a network of fresh expressions gathering in tattoo parlors, dog parks, burrito joints, EV charging stations, digital spaces, and a substance abuse rehab. Michael serves as the Director of Fresh Expressions Florida, Director of the Fresh Expressions House of Studies at Perkins SMU, and Director of Fresh Expressions UM.
He is currently a graduate instructor of sociology at the University of Florida and teaches as an adjunct professor at several seminaries including Emory, United, and Duke. Beck is the author of 18 books and widely considered the primary practitioner and thought leader of the Fresh Expressions movement in the United States. Follow on Substack.
SPEAKER
Woo Kang
Woo Kang is an Associate Pastor at The Nett Church and the Lead Pastor of At The Table, a dinner Church in Historic Norcross, Georgia, launched in February 2023. At The Table has quickly become a welcoming and transformative space, particularly for young people, to rediscover what it means to be the Church and belong to a faith community. Through innovative, asset-based approaches, Woo is dedicated to meeting the spiritual needs of the community in fresh and meaningful ways.
As an Associate Pastor at The Nett, Woo has focused on outreach and discipleship ministries, helping to cultivate deeper connections within the congregation and beyond.
In his free time, he enjoys fishing, running, sleeping, exploring coffee shops, and indulging in great food with his wife, Lydia, and their beloved dog, Sugar.
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
Alexander Pappas
Alexander Pappas is a world-renowned Worship Leader and Songwriter.
Having served as part of Young & Free, and Hillsong Worship for over a decade, and penning songs like “Alive”, “Wake”, “Real Love” and “Echo” which have served the global Church.
ARTIST
Tomorrow Has Come Ministries
Tomorrow Has Come started as a group of young adult worship leaders coming together to lead worship for a single event. Originally 8 musicians from Virginia, the group now consists of over 20 musicians living throughout the United States. Led by Andrew LaBar-Dietz, the membership looks different for every service.
Tomorrow Has Come draws influence from a variety of music and artists, both secular and spiritual, including: traditional hymns, the music of Taizé, Chris Tomlin, Eric Whitacre, Gary Clarke Jr., Puppet, Chicago, Mumford and Sons, and more.
They walk an eclectic path, finding ways to use different styles of music to engage with God in new and creative ways, all while welcoming the listener into the holy moment. You never know exactly what you will find with Tomorrow Has Come, but you can be sure that worshipping God will be its heart.
DJ & Concert:
To date, El Vow has been featured in several national tours along many of today’s top artist such as Social Club Misfits, Tedashii, Derek Minor, KB, Travy Joe and many others. El Vow's music delivers a distinguishing style for his distinctive listeners. “I wanted to leave people with something more than just dope beats, I wanted to give them more substance” says Vow. Vow’s musical influences include Hip Hop, EDM along with traditional Mexican and latino music, which he claims to filter through his faith. It is no wonder El Vow continues to leave audiences hungry for more.
Although the ingredients in Vows secret recipes may seem to be requesting a slice in today’s music industry. El Vow also concentrates on other important things aside from the creative arts. El Vow and his family are currently raising support for their next season in ministry as full time missionaries. CLICK HERE to read more
DJ El Vow
Created Clothing
createdclothing.com
EPAUMC Camp & Retreat Ministry
WORKSHOPS
Saturday Afternoon Workshops. 2:00 - 2:45 PM.
Ballroom A: Audio Divina: Spiritual Practices (Tomorrow Has Come)
Ballroom B + C: Q+A with Bishop Cynthia Moore-Koikoi
Free time/games
Saturday Afternoon Workshops. 3:00 - 3:45 PM.
Ballroom A: Audio Divina: Spiritual Practices (Tomorrow Has Come)
Ballroom B + C: Let’s Talk About It: Mental Health, Self Harm and the Power of Hope and Connection (Laura Jenkins)
East Hall: Open Mic
Free time/games
Saturday Afternoon Workshops. 4:00 - 4:45 PM.
Ballroom A: Mission Project: Christmas Cards
Ballroom B + C: Fresh Expressions in Youth Ministry (Michael Beck and Woo Kang)
East Hall: Open Mic
Free time/games
Information on each Workshop:
Audio Divina: Spiritual Practices (Tomorrow Has Come)
What even is spirituality? What am I supposed to do with my hands? What if my brain won't stop moving? Join composer and worship leader Rev. Andrew LaBar-Dietz in exploring and experimenting with spiritual practices in the space where creativity, neurodivergency, and prayer intersect. We will break down traditional spiritual disciplines, orient ourselves to the heart of God-Seeking, and try several different creative ways of prayer and meditation including art and music. Chaos welcome!
Let’s Talk About It: Mental Health, Self Harm and the Power of Hope and Connection (Laura Jenkins)
Mental Health challenges and Suicide continue to be an area of concern as it relates to the overall well-being of youth and young adults in America. Although we see more conversations in the media and in our society talking about it, Mental Health challenges, substance use, and suicide continue to be a difficult conversations to have in many settings including in families, communities, and even in churches.
In this session, speaker, Lauren N. Jenkins, Licensed Trauma Therapist, Mental Health Advocate and Suicide Survivor, will talk about the impact of Mental Health and Suicide, the common signs and symptoms, as well as discuss strategies to increase resiliency in those impacted. This session will also provide youth, youth leaders, and loved ones with tools and resources to support someone who may be struggling. This session will also talk about the power of hope and connection and walk through information as well as biblical stories to help youth and young adults feel seen, find hope and connection, while navigating their mental health and healing journeys.
Fresh Expressions in Youth Ministry (Michael Beck and Woo Kang)
Isolation is the great soul wound of our time. As Christians, we know that the church has a unique gift to offer a hunting world: communal life in Jesus. This gift has the power to heal our loneliness and isolation. It is good news for the lonely, the isolated, the struggling. So why does it often sound like bad news to those who need it most?
Perhaps because we misunderstood what the good news actually is — and how we ought to be sharing it. We have collapsed evangelism into offering a golden ticket to some postmortem destiny. But the goodness of the gospel we are called to share is about so much more: shalom, wholeness, and the peaceable kingdom of Christ breaking into the world. This is the gift of communal life in Jesus. A gift that re-alignments us back together with God and one another.
In this workshop we will unpack a practical process for cultivating new Christian communities (Fresh Expressions) in everyday life.
East Hall Deck: Open Mic
Come and share your gift! Read a poem, sing a song, play music, share your story… There are so many talented people at IGNITE and we want to hear your voice!
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.
Genesis Small Group Questions
1. Where did you see “God’s fingerprints” at IGNITE this weekend?
Follow-up: What moment made you feel closest to God’s presence?
2. The theme talks about how “God’s wind swept over the waters” – bringing new things. What’s one “new thing” God might be creating in your life right now?
3. Which session, song, or moment this weekend spoke most to your heart? Why do you think that is?
4. The Genesis theme reminds us that “God created you in God’s image and called all of creation good.” When is it hardest for you to believe that you are “good” and created with purpose?
Follow-up: How can we remind each other of this truth?
5. We heard that “God created you, loves you and hopes that you join in the creative process.” What unique gifts, talents, or passions has God given you? How might God want to use those?
6. The speakers talked about finding peace and hope because “God is near.” Where in your daily life (school, home, social media, etc.) do you most need to remember that God is with you?
7. One key message was embracing “all of who you are and everything you offer to the world.” What’s one thing about yourself you’ve been afraid to fully embrace or share?
Note: Create a safe space; students can share as much or as little as they’re comfortable with.
8. The theme includes “creation care and social justice – all people created in God’s image.” What’s one practical way our group could live this out when we get home?
9. Mental health was connected to this theme: “God created you, God is always present, and finding peace/hope/beauty of God near.” Who in your life could you check in with this week who might need to hear this message?
10. The conference is called “IGNITE” for a reason – to spark something. If you could describe in one word what God “ignited” in you this weekend, what would it be? What’s one way you’ll keep that fire burning?
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:
