Smoky Mountain Winterfest Now in 32nd Year
Smoky Mountain Winterfest convened last weekend at Thompson-Boling Arena on the campus of the University of Tennessee. The City Harmonic, Desperation Band, Jason Crabb, Rich Wilkerson, Jr., Kevin Wallace, Reggie Dabbs and others provided music and ministry that connected with the thousands attending. The groups 4-Trinity and JJ Weeks Band also led in worship and music.
After 32 years, Smoky Mountain Winterfest is still amazing. It is hard to fathom that what was five churches gathering for a winter retreat thirty-two years ago has become a movement that touches 40,000+ students globally every year. Former Director of Youth and Discipleship Tom Madden was there at the beginning and explains, “You never know on any given day what God is setting in motion. You don’t – He does – so drain every potential possibility out of everyday!” … “Do not despise small beginnings” (Zech. 4:10 NLT).
The atmosphere in the arena is nothing less than inspiring, but more importantly; the hunger and thirst for more of the Lord Jesus Christ and the decisions to “surrender all” were marks of the weekend’s success. God is at work, and Church of God Youth and Discipleship is determined to be right in the middle of it! Current Youth and Discipleship Director Gary Lewis, Assistant Director David Blair, and a small army of volunteers provide innovative and skilled leadership to make Winterfest a fabulous spiritual experience.
What Youth Pastors and Pastors Are Saying:
“There is something special about thousands of students coming together to worship God. Winterfest changed many lives in our student ministry and I look forward to seeing the fruit throughout the upcoming year.” – Jeremy Guyselman
“Winterfest has always been the “stoke” that the fire inside of students need to become a flame at home! The charge that comes to students from WF cannot be matched!” – Neil DuBose
“Friday night reminded us that ‘God Did It’. No matter how strong our faith or doubts are God always comes through! Because of Winterfest, our youth group is committed to action!” – Pastor Tim Fritz
“Winterfest embraces new methodologies for reaching students without acquiescing our Pentecostal heritage and integrity. The most exciting part was watching every youth leader receive the Youth & Discipleship curriculum book for year two entitled ‘Discipleship 102!’” – Craig Mosgrove
“Winterfest is an opportunity for God to speak to a generation of young people and share what’s on His heart. I pray that other youth pastors will take the momentum from Winterfest into their home churches and ‘Go and create disciples’.” – Josh Guyselman
“Winterfest had a huge impact in my life and is part of the reason why I am in ministry today. I couldn’t be more grateful for a weekend that directly affects the destinies of young lives!” – Jared Waldrop
Winterfest continues to be one of the strongest arms of ministry of Church of God Youth and Discipleship. For more information, visit www.winterfest2014.com or www.cogyouth.org or @COGYD
B. Randall Parris serves as the Leadership Development Coordinator for Church of God Youth and Discipleship. rparris@churchofgod.org
