Students stand together during a worship song at the Youth Evangelism Conference. The 2025 YEC will once again be hosted at three regional sites, allowing students from East, West and Middle Tennessee to find a location to attend the event.
FRANKLIN — Despite some recent adjustments to the format, the ultimate goal of the Youth Evangelism Conference (YEC) has not changed.
“It’s all about leading students to Christ,” said Jay Barbier, Harvest Field Three team leader and former youth ministry specialist for the Tennessee Baptist Mission Board. “Seeing professions of faith, and seeing students be strengthened in their walk with Jesus, is the top priority. That’s why we do it. Period.”
Established in 1969, YEC is one of the longest-running faith-based youth events in the state. The yearly rally was traditionally held at one central location — normally a venue in downtown Nashville, including historic Memorial Gym (on the campus of Vanderbilt University) and Municipal Auditorium — until TBMB leadership elected in 2022 to move YEC to three regional sites across the state.
This year’s rallies will be held at LifePoint Church in Smyrna on March 7-8; Union University in Jackson on March 14-15; and Black Oak Heights Baptist Church in Knoxville on March 28-29.
The list of featured guests will include worship leader Micah Christopher, comedian Shama Merma, and speakers Ryan Young, Shane Pruitt (East/Middle Tenn. only) and Shaq Hardy (West Tenn. only).
“I’m really excited for our lineup this year,” said Barbier. “We have three of the absolute best evangelists joining us and an incredible worship leader. I’ve been able to work alongside of each of these incredible leaders for years and I consider them great friends and partners in the gospel.”
Barbier noted, however, that the real “special guests” are the students themselves, both the first-timers and the returnees.
“One of the most exciting details for me is seeing the new students that join us and just watching their enthusiasm about being here,” he said. “And, of course, we are encouraged and happy when we see students who have been before and are back again.”
Last March, the three regional YECs drew approximately 2,550 students and leaders — representing 204 churches — from across the state. There were 80 salvation decisions and 35 individuals called to ministry.
Through the years, the conference has hosted more than one million attendees, and brought in some big-name guests. Legendary comedian Jerry Clower was among the main attractions in the early years of the event, along with renowned evangelist Jim Wilson and his long-time musical sidekick, Larry McFadden.
In the years since, YEC has continued to bring in award-winning musical guests and top speakers. But Barbier said he believes youth leaders are eager to bring their students to YEC because of the conference’s “no-bones-about-it” approach to evangelism.
“I believe what keeps people coming back year after year is the consistency of our focus on Jesus and offering opportunities for attendees to respond to salvation, repentance, and the call to ministry,” said Barbier.
Roc Collins, evangelism team leader and special assistant to the executive director at TBMB, said the longevity of YEC is a testament to the conference’s commitment to evangelism.
“The YEC has been — and continues to be — used by our Lord in amazing ways,” Collins said.
Barbier said he believes this year’s YEC has a great blend of personalities that will help make the conference both memorable and enjoyable for the students and youth leaders.
“We have a stellar crew that will lead well in worship, along with allowing the students to have some fun through comedy and songs,” he said. “But above all will be a laser focus on preaching the grace of Jesus Christ. Each individual will be challenged to know Christ and make Him known.”
Barbier said he hopes YEC will remain relevant in the years ahead. He said the only way that will happen, however, is if Jesus remains the main attraction.
“This conference has been a vital heartbeat for Tennessee Baptists to make known the name of Jesus for so many years,” he said. “Our prayer is that will continue for years to come.” B&R
2025 YOUTH EVANGELISM CONFERENCE:
March 7-8: LifePoint Church, Smyrna, Tenn.
March 14-15: Union University, Jackson, Tenn.
March 28-29: Black Oak Heights, Knoxville, Tenn.
For information and registration, visit tnbaptist.org/yec
