The much anticipated “first-ever” teen-led conference finally arrived on the weekend of October 16-17 in Boston, Massachusetts. Entitled, “Now Is The Time”, teens from up-and-down the east coast all the way from New Jersey to New Hampshire came out to worship and learn about God with great fanfare.
A cast from New York City and New Jersey joined together in planning with New England teens over 5 months to create a faith-filled weekend of teenagers talking to teenagers about doing great things for God during the teenage years. All of the teaching, preaching, selecting of conference theme and speakers, leading of the worship music, planning of the dance performance, decorating, ushering, and planning of fellowship activities was done by high school students working hard to bring glory to God.
The Saturday schedule began with registration – over 400 teens registered for this event – and kicked off around 1pm with a welcome video (created by the Hartford teens), a dance performance, powerful singing. Sophomore Adam Roscoe proved that just because you’re not old enough to have your learner’s permit to drive, that shouldn’t stop you from preaching the Word! Adam challenged everyone to Stop and put all distractions aside; Look and see how incredible God really is; and Listen for God’s voice to speak during the conference. After the welcome portion, teens were able to go off to their breakout classes where a number of teens, both male and female, led classes ranging from obedience to purity to having an intimate relationship with God. After these first set of breakout classes, a second set followed with even more teaching on godly dating relationships, serving, and the urgency of David. It was incredible to see the teens preach the Word with conviction, vulnerability, and passion! Finally, Cam McCormick a senior from the Boston church closed out the afternoon with his powerful message entitled, "Now is the Time to Make a Decision". Dinner and a dance with a NYC DJ, and tons of fellowship followed the breakout classes well into the evening.
On Sunday, the conference saw an attendance of well over 850 people! Parents, young-teens, and visitors came from all over to pack the auditorium at Kennedy Middle school. There were so many people that the messages were “simulcasted” via video and audio feed in another larger room next to the auditorium. The worship team comprised of New England teens that rocked their singing with a live band, and the NYC teens also led the song portion in powerful acapella.
During the service, there was a brief dedication to a teen that just recently was diagnosed with brain cancer, the welcome video & dance performance were shown again, and the Communion speeches/sharing were led by 2 teens from the NYC church, Chris Sackes & Kendall Baldwin. Hartford teen, Drew Cline, shared his thoughts on Contribution, while the sermons were powerfully preached 
by senior Mike Hidalgo from the NYC church and junior David Hines from the Boston church. Both convicting and inspiring, their speeches challenged teens and parents in the audience to “not hesitate” on living for God, “go and grow” in their love for Him, and to “Go” and make disciples wherever they go because NOW IS THE TIME! 2 Corinthians 6:2.
We also want to thank all the parents and households in Boston who hosted over nearly 200 teens and teen workers from outside Boston in their homes. Without their hospitality and support this event would have been impossible to hold.
See the amazing Welcome video below: