Smoky Mountain Winterfest Means Discipleship
Smoky Mountain Winterfest convenes this weekend, March 13-15, 2015 and is amazing! It is hard to fathom that what began as five churches gathering for a winter retreat thirty-two years ago has become a movement that touches 40,000+ students globally every year. Winterfest has always been and will always be where the lives, direction, and paths of young people are interrupted, influenced, and forever changed by the power of the Holy Spirit! God has done, and is doing, amazing things through Winterfest!
By B. Randall Parris
Winterfest has become so much more than meaningful weekend encounters with Jesus in worship and wonder. Winterfest is committed to helping the students who attend become healthy disciples of Christ. Church of God Youth and Discipleship is committed to discipling students and children.
It is with great excitement Youth and Discipleship presents the third volume of the teaching series“Winterfest Discipleship”. This resource was developed with youth leaders and students in mind.“Winterfest Discipleship 103” is an effective and easy-to-use tool to disciple students. Previously, youth leaders attending Winterfest were provided complimentary “Discipleship 101” and “Discipleship 102” books! These resources have been a product of passion and prayer the past three years. The writers of the devotionals and lessons are successful youth leaders, with a desire to see students grow in their journey with Christ. The lessons guide students through a discipleship journey.
The Bible studies focus on four areas of a student’s spiritual journey: belief, discipleship, servanthood and transformation. The “Winterfest Discipleship 103” books are provided free of charge, to every youth pastor that attends Winterfest. This Discipleship resource comes from the hearts of Gary Lewis, International Director, David Blair, International Assistant Director, Randall Parris, Discipleship & Leadership Development Coordinator and the National Youth Leaders Association. Every week, students can be discipled by being taught solid, Biblical, Pentecostal lessons on important doctrinal topics and successful Christian living.
Winterfest continues to be one of the strongest arms of ministry of Church of God Youth and Discipleship. Winterfest is changing lives… and making Disciples!
Visit winterfest2015.com or www.cogyouth.org or @COGYD to learn more.
Randall Parris serves as the Discipleship & Leadership Development Coordinator for Church of God Youth and Discipleship. rparris@churchofgod.org.
