Imagine thousands of young adults worshipping together, hearing the Word through preaching, connecting with global missions, and building each other up.
These activities can be life-changing for your young adults.
The late teens and early 20s are a time of self-discovery and decision-making. They are crucial years for spiritual formation and discovering one’s calling within the will of God. Part of discipling young adults is equipping them to go out into the world and make disciples of all nations, just as God desires and commands. The church is in constant need of qualified individuals to be the hands and feet of Christ on earth, proclaiming the gospel and doing the work the Lord has prepared for them. Every Christ follower needs to build a foundation for a life of faithful service to the Lord according to his or her calling. It is crucial to ground young adults in deep, applicable biblical exposition as part of guiding them into joyful obedience.
These ideas drive key events like the CROSS Conference happening in January 2027. CROSS is a large-scale Christian conference geared toward young adults around 18-to 25-years old with the primary goal of empowering the next generation to spread the gospel among the nations and make the name of Jesus known especially to the world’s unreached people and language groups.
If, in your ministry, you’re discipling the next generation within the church, here are four key reasons to have your young adults attend CROSS Conference in St. Louis.
1. Your Church’s Young Adults Will Benefit From Connecting With the Global Church
CROSS brings young believers from many locations together for three days, demonstrating the diversity of believers making up the global church. This unity also naturally establishes a focus on seeking Christ. This is a place for everyone to worship God together as one body, praising him and reflecting upon his goodness. We believe that the Holy Spirit moves deep within us, especially through worship. Pastors and missionaries have opportunities to counsel and mentor the younger generation across all three days. The combination of joyful corporate worship and time with ministry leaders can be effective tools in discipling the next generation in your church toward engaging in missions.
2. Your Church’s Young Adults Will Connect With Real Ministries They Can Invest In
Virtually every conference has exhibit halls for sponsors and other aligned organizations to promote their work. But for the young people in your church, CROSS may be the first real opportunity to witness the landscape of gospel ministry—and identify their next step in serving with organizations built to leverage their unique skills and gifts for the kingdom.
After all, with global missions in particular—which can seem large and daunting—college students and young adults may find it difficult to know whom to talk to or where to start. Christian conferences like CROSS remove obstacles by putting the right ministry leaders right in front of young adults. They can sit down with a returning ABWE missionary to ask questions about life on the field and get concrete answers.
Even a short conversation with a ministry leader in a bustling exhibit hall could unlock your student’s potential to be used in ways he or she never considered.
3. Your Church’s Young Adults Will Be Encouraged by Like-Minded Peers
As Christians, we are called to be in community with other believers. God makes it clear that we are not meant to live the Christian life alone. Proverbs 27:17 says, “Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.” Sharing ideas and strengths with people of a similar age can ease anxieties and create a more comfortable environment.
Many of the young adults in your church are searching for Christian community, even as they are surrounded by worldly influences. Gathering with thousands of other young Christ followers will remind them that they are not alone—even when the direction of their life may be taking a completely different path from that of their peers.
4. Your Church’s Budget Can Handle It
Taking a group of young people in your church to a large conference can be cost- prohibitive. But the organizers of CROSS 2027 in St. Louis have taken steps to make it as affordable as possible for your church or student ministry.
First-time attendees save $20 with ABWE’s ambassador code: ABWE.
Scripture makes it clear that we all have a role to play in fulfilling the Great Commission. ABWE is proud to partner with CROSS and help young Christians discover how God wants them to participate in furthering the kingdom and reaching all nations with the gospel.
CROSS 2027 runs December 31-January 2 at The Dome in St. Louis. Register now at crosscon.com with the code ABWE. Help young adults progress in their faith by encouraging them to attend CROSS and continue to make Jesus’ name known.
