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REACH Conference 2026 – March 27th-29th

Our towns, schools, and even churches are full of young people being taught by society that the world is just a place to exist until the end of their days.  They are spending those days without hope or any sense of true purpose — completely unaware that ultimate hope through the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ is freely available!  Shouldn’t someone tell them?  We think so!

The purpose of REACH Conference is to help middle- and high-school students know who Jesus Christ is and what he has done for them.  We want students to grow deeper in their faith in Jesus Christ, beginning to grasp what this relationship we have with Jesus involves.  Lastly, we want students to own their faith enough to understand the need and the urgency of the Gospel and to be able to share it with others.

How Does It Work?

REACH Conference operates a bit like a weekend retreat — except you don’t have to leave town!  Students will be assigned to a host home from Providence Baptist Church with other students of their same age and gender.  At these homes they will engage in Bible-based discussions facilitated by leaders within the church and community; have down-time goofing off with their peers; have some home-cooked meals; and perhaps even a little bit of sleep at night!  Groups then come together at Providence for large-group worship (featuring live and exciting music) and Bible study sessions.

Choosing to stay overnight in a host home is strongly encouraged but is optional, and students can still participate in the weekend even if they do not feel comfortable staying in a host home.  

2026 Conference Theme:  ABOVE

This year, our goal is to help students reorient the way they think. Mental health continues to be an increasing struggle for many students, and we believe Scripture speaks directly to how our minds are formed and shaped. Rather than being consumed by the pressures, expectations, and distractions of this world, we want to help students discover what it means to shift their focus toward God.

Our theme is rooted in Colossians 3:1-2: “If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on things of this earth.” God calls us not to anchor our thoughts and affections to what is temporary and passing, but to fix our minds and hearts on what is eternal—on Christ, on heaven, and on life with Him.

Our hope for REACH this year is that students will be challenged to think rightly about God, Christ, and eternity, and that this renewed way of thinking will shape their attitudes, decisions, and actions. As their minds are set on things above, we pray they will grow in their love for God and His Word and live with purpose, hope, and clarity in a confusing world.

 

Weekend Speaker – Ian Montalto

 

Ian is the Cabarrus County and surrounding areas director of Youth Commission International (YCI), who coordinates the YCI clubs that meet in many of the local middle and high schools. Ian has a heart for students and equips them to live on mission and to make disciples. Ian has also served as a student pastor in Cabarrus County. Ian is married to his wife, Kaite and has two children, Luka and Stella. 

 

Weekend Playlist

Schedule

 

Friday, March 27

6:00pm – Check in/Dinner
7:00pm – Large Group 1
8:45pm – Breakout Group 1
9:15pm – Dismissal to Host Homes
10:00pm – Small Group 1

Midnight – Go to Bed!

Saturday, March 28

7:00am – Breakfast (Host Home)
8:00am – Small Group 2
9:30am – Large Group 2 
10:45am – Breakout Group 2
11:15am – Lunch at Providence
12:00pm — Walk for Water – Frank Liske Park – Barn
  2:00pm – Free Time with Small Group
                 — Pickleball Tournament (optional)
  6:00pm – Dinner at Providence
  7:00pm – Large Group 3
  8:30pm – Breakout Group 3 // Small Group 3
  9:30pm – REACH “Late Night”
11:30pm – Dismissed to Host Homes

Midnight – Go to Bed!

Sunday, March 29

9:00am – Grow Groups
10:30am – Worship Service

11:30am – Dismissal           

Saturday Afternoon Activity – Walk for Water

At Providence, we have a member of our congregation who has a non-profit ministry that helps build wells in West Africa, where he was born. He then uses the wells as an opportunity to share the gospel as point them to the True, Living Water, Jesus Christ. On Saturday, March 29th he is hosting a community fundraiser to raise support to build a new well for those in need of fresh drinking water. After the lunch on Saturday, we will all head to Frank Liske Park to participate in a 2 mile walk carrying a buckets water, to represent the walk that so many have to do in order to have clean drinking water. Our hope is this event will open students eyes to the reality of the need for clean water around the world and serve as an example of how meeting someone’s physical needs can open the door to meet ones spiritual needs. 

Pickleball Tournament – After Walk for Water – Optional

After our walk for water, students and their small groups can head down to the pickleball courts at Frank Liske for a pickleball tournament! The tournament will be double elimination, and have teams of 2. The teams can be anyone, including leaders(!), who are participating in REACH. You can sign your team up at registration on Friday the 27th. We want to encourage small groups to cheer on their friends and go all out! We will have prizes for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place teams. Plus, bonus prizes for best team costumes and team name! Gameplay rules and info will be discussed at the tournament. 

What to Bring

Here is what you need to bring for REACH Conference!

  • Bible
  • Pen and Journal
  • Clothes **Will need good walking shoes for Saturday afternoon**
  • Sleeping Bag and Pillow
  • Toiletries/Washcloths/Towel
  • Notarized 2026 PBC Medical Form (see below)
  • Snacks and a 2-liter Drink to Share at the Host Homes
  • … and an excited and positive attitude, expecting God to do great things this weekend!

Registration

Registration fees for this year’s conference have been set at $75.  At a price that low, what’s keeping you from registering online right now?! The registration deadline is Sunday, March 22nd. If finances are preventing you or your student from participating in REACH 2026 please contact Evan. We do not want anyone to miss out on the weekend due to finances. 

Below you can download all of the necessary forms for the weekend. The first is a conference schedule detailing the event and locations. The second is a Medical Release Form.  We require that students participating in off-campus activities have an annual Medical Release Form filed with the Church Office.  This form provides important medical information and serves to protect both your student and the church in the unlikely event of an emergency medical situation.  If the student is under 18 years of age, this form must be notarized. A notary will be available at the conference during check-in on Friday. If a student already has a form from other events this calendar year, they do not need to fill out another one. 

Weekend FAQs

Have some questions about the weekend? Check here to see if this helps! If not, feel free to reach out to Evan. 

 

Volunteer Opportunities

Parents, would you like to be a part of this weekend?  We need your help!  If you would like to volunteer to help, please sign up online.  We will need help with the following things:

  • registration Friday night
  • meal preparation and service on Friday and Saturday
  • general support flexing each session to fill in wherever needed.
  • Nurse on campus during events

If you have any questions about volunteering, please email Evan at evansmith@pbcharrisburg.org.