Hello Friends!
What an incredible blessing to be in Ocean City at IGNITE 2026. Our IGNITE Team has been working hard behind the scenes for months now and we are so excited to be here with you!
We pray that this weekend provides you space to pray, worship, listen, learn, serve and cultivate lifelong memories with friends. We pray that you would hear and receive that you belong at IGNITE 2026!
This digital magazine will provide you with easy access to the schedule, breakout sessions, artist & speaker information and ads from our awesome vendors. Reference back here if you need a reminder of where to go or what’s next. If you have any questions, just find someone in an “Event Staff” shirt and they can help answer your questions.
We are so excited to be here with you at IGNITE 2026.
-The IGNITE Team
FRIDAY, MARCH 20
5:00 PM >> DOORS OPEN
8:00 PM >> OPENING SESSION //
Hype: Jamil "Face" Johnson
Welcome: Bishop LaTrelle Easterling
Worship: The Young Escape
Speaker: Kris Sledge
Concert: Rai Jackson - The R&B Pastor
10:30 PM >> ADJOURN
SATURDAY, MARCH 21
9:00 AM >> YOUTH LEADERS MEETING // DOCKSIDE
10:00 AM >> AM SESSION //
Artist Spotlight: Rai Jackson - The R&B Pastor
Worship: The Young Escape
Speaker: Nicole Caldwell-Gross
Offering: Retreat & Camping Ministries
11:45 AM >> WORKSHOP 1
PAC: Conversation on Belonging with Bishop Easterling
Dockside: Building Belonging in Youth Ministry, Youth Leader Workshop with Kris Sledge
2nd Floor: Stand Up, Speak Out: Aligning Faith, Feelings, and Actions with the Advocacy & Action Team
Exhibit Hall C: Organized Group Games
LUNCH | On your Own
3:00 PM >> MISSION PROJECT & MORE
Exhibit Hall C: Hearts Ablaze Kit Packing Mission Project, Organized Group Games with Retreat & Camping Ministries and Open Mic
DINNER | On your Own
6:30 PM >> WORKSHOP 2
PAC: Sound & Spirit: Discovering Belonging Through Giftings with Rai Jackson
Dockside: More than Just a Brand: Storytelling with Impact with Kimberly Bolden and Myca Jones
2nd Floor: Thriving and Belonging: Coping through Art & Motion
Exhibit Hall C: Organized Group Games
8:00 PM >> PM SESSION //
Hype: Jamil "Face" Johnson
Worship: The Young Escape
Speaker: Nicole Caldwell-Gross
Altar Call/Prayer Time/Response
9:00 PM >> ADJOURN
SUNDAY, MARCH 22
10:00 AM >> AM SESSION + COMMUNION / ANNOINTING //
Worship: The Young Escape
Speaker: Bishop LaTrelle Easterling
Communion
Highlight Video and 2027
Sending Forth
12:00 PM >> ADJOURN
VENUE INFO
Roland E. Powell Convention Center
4001 Coastal Highway
Ocean City, MD
LOCATION GUIDE
Exhibit Hall A-B: Main stage
Exhibit Hall C: Vendors, Games, Mission Project, Open Mic
PAC/Performing Arts Center: Workshops, Prayer Room in PAC Lobby
Kris Sledge // Speaker
Kris Sledge is the lead and founding pastor of The Journey Church, a vibrant United Methodist congregation planted in 2019 in the heart of urban Harrisburg, PA. The Journey is a diverse and inclusive faith community with a bold vision: to create a space where all people can experience the liberative and transformative spirit of Jesus. Approximately 65% of the congregation is under the age of 40, and the church’s multi-ethnic makeup (55% white, 45% people of color) reflects its commitment to justice, inclusion, and radical belonging. He recently co-authored Followers Under 40: The Journey Away from Church for Millennials, Gen Z, and Gen Alpha with Rachel Gilmore. The book explores the challenges facing the church today -- declining trust, aging congregations, and dwindling attendance -- and offers a hopeful path forward for churches ready to foster belonging, curiosity, and safety for younger generations.
Kris was born and raised in central Pennsylvania, where a local church became a surrogate family, saved his life, and instilled a love for God and people. That nurturing foundation laid the groundwork for his call to ministry and continues to shape his leadership today.
Outside of ministry, Kris loves spending time with his wife, Hannah, and their daughter, Lydia -- traveling together, discovering new breakfast spots, kayaking in the summer, or sledding in the winter.
Nicole Caldwell-Gross // Speaker
Rev. Nicole T. Caldwell-Gross is an ordained minister, visionary pastor, author, and sought-after preacher shaping the future of church and community. She currently serves as Lead Pastor at Noblesville First UMC—breaking the stained glass ceiling as the first woman and person of color in this role.
Her ministry has spanned youth leadership, nonprofit communications, and directing mission and community development for 550 congregations across New Jersey. At St. Luke’s UMC in Indianapolis, she spearheaded groundbreaking initiatives including a minority business incubator, Afghan refugee resettlement, Northside’s first Freedom School, and citywide anti-racism training. Her advocacy for education and equity earned her the Washington Township Superintendent’s Service Award—twice.
A digital innovator, Nicole founded The Well, a virtual women’s community that grew to 500 members in just 90 days, and now hosts the God Bless This Holy Mess podcast, exploring the intersection of faith and family. She has developed resources for Amplify Media and Abingdon Press, and co-authored two books: Justice or Just Us? (2020) and The Big Picture: Seeing God’s Dream for Your Life (2022).
Her preaching and teaching have taken her to Dubai, India, South Africa, Cuba, and Israel—but her most meaningful mission field is at home in Noblesville, where she and her partner in marriage and ministry, Rev. Dr. Jevon Caldwell-Gross, are outnumbered by their three children: Joshua Alexander, Olivia Grace, and Isabella Joy.
Rev. Nicole T. Caldwell-Gross is an ordained minister, author, and podcast host serving as Lead Pastor at Noblesville First UMC—breaking the stained glass ceiling as the first woman and person of color in this role. She’s led everything from refugee resettlement and minority business incubators to launching Freedom Schools and digital faith communities. At home, she and her husband, Rev. Dr. Jevon Caldwell-Gross, are joyfully outnumbered by their three kids.
Bishop LaTrelle Easterling // Speaker
Bishop LaTrelle Easterling is the episcopal leader of the Baltimore-Washington and Peninsula-Delaware area, making history as the first woman to lead the Baltimore-Washington Conference in 2016. Before her election as bishop, she served as superintendent of the Boston Metro District in the New England Conference and was Dean of the Cabinet.
A native of Indianapolis, Indiana, Bishop Easterling holds a Bachelor’s degree, a Doctor of Jurisprudence, and a Master of Divinity from Boston University School of Theology, where she graduated summa cum laude. She is known for her commitment to justice, servant leadership, and transformative ministry.
In addition to her pastoral work, Bishop Easterling serves on multiple boards and committees, including chairing The Council of Bishop’s Anti-racism Leadership Team. She is also the founder of the Seeds of Security ministry, supporting those escaping abusive relationships. Bishop Easterling is married to Rev. Marion Easterling Jr., and they have two grown sons.
The Young Escape // Artist
The four siblings known as The Young Escape started their musical journey together as teens and pre-teens in Riverside, CA. They booked their own tours up and down the California coast before making their first recordings while still teens. The results were number one radio hits like the anthem Good Life and the declaration Love Me Like You that led to touring across the country on tours with artists like Crowder and Big Daddy Weave.
Ryan Johns (lead guitar), McKenna Johns (lead vocals, keys, guitar), Kyrsten Johns (bass), and Luke Johns (drums), create music that speaks from a deeper place, with live performances that resonate with heart, joy, and energy, all focused on pointing the spotlight toward the One who brings life, the One who calls us to escape from whatever is holding us down, and to find the child within us born to follow Him.
Rai Jackson // Artist
Rai Jackson, affectionately known as ‘The R&B Pastor,’ is a DMV-based unorthodox entertainer, award-winning songwriter and pianist, and smooth baritone vocalist. Trained in classical, jazz, and gospel from age 4, Rai’s music blends R&B, Gospel, Neo-Soul, Jazz, and Pop. A versatile artist and leader, Rai founded The Well, a creative faith community.”
WORKSHOP 1 // SATURDAY MARCH 21 // 11:45 AM to 12:45 PM
PAC: Conversation on Belonging with Bishop Easterling
Explore the power of belonging through an inspiring and interactive panel featuring youth voices from across the Episcopal Area in conversation with Bishop LaTrelle Easterling. This workshop invites bold questions and meaningful dialogue around identity, inclusion, and connection. Youth will have the opportunity to share personal experiences and engage directly with Bishop Easterling, fostering deeper connections and a sense of belonging.
Dockside: Building Belonging in Youth Ministry, Youth Leader Workshop with Kris Sledge
A thriving youth ministry begins with a deep sense of belonging. Join Kris Sledge to learn practical strategies and how to create a welcoming and transformational youth ministry. Come explore how belonging fuels spiritual growth, leadership, and authentic relationships so youth feel seen, heard, valued, and connected.
2nd Floor: Stand Up, Speak Out: Aligning Faith, Feelings, and Actions with the Advocacy & Action Team
Utilizing United Methodist Social Principles as guide for advocacy and action, this workshop invites youth into meaningful activities and honest conversations that help align faith and feelings. This session explores how feelings of concern and urgency can be transformed into acts of compassion and justice. Youth will discover how beliefs, voices, and emotions can be a powerful part of a spiritual journey towards a beloved community.
// SATURDAY Afternoon // 3 PM // [Exhibit Hall C]
Organized Group Games
Retreat & Camping Ministries and Open Mic
Exhibit Hall C: Hearts Ablaze Kit Packing Mission Project
Calling all youth to join the movement, sparking change with this hands-on mission opportunity as a powerful way to live out faith, build community, and be the flame that lights the way for others across the Episcopal Area.
WORKSHOP 2 // SATURDAY MARCH 21 // 6:30 to 7:30 PM
PAC: Sound & Spirit: Discovering Belonging Through Giftings with Rai Jackson
Hear firsthand how Rai and his band uncover their spiritual gifts and use them to create powerful, purpose-driven opportunities through live demonstrations and interactive reflection. Youth are invited to consider how passions and gifts can lead to finding a place in the Church and the world.
Dockside: More than Just a Brand: Storytelling with Impact with the Communications Team
In this hands-on workshop, youth will learn how to craft and share compelling stories across various platforms—from leading worship and advocating in their communities to posting on social media. Using practical strategies adapted from the Toastmasters storytelling formula, participants will gain tools to communicate clearly, confidently, and authentically. This session will empower youth to embody the spiritual practice of belonging through thoughtful and effective communication that leaves a lasting impression on any audience.
2nd Floor: Thriving and Belonging: Coping through Art & Motion with Rachel Luna and Elijah Ferebee
Explore creative ways to manage stress, express emotions, and build resilience through illustrated art and body movements. From painting and journaling to stretching and mindful motion, youth will learn practical coping skills that can be used anytime, anywhere. This is a space to breathe, reflect, and reconnect with yourself and others while discovering how creativity and movement can be powerful tools for healing and growth.
Exhibit Hall C: Organized Group Games
THANK YOU, YOUTH LEADERS
Youth Leaders Are Incredibly Important
Without youth leaders, there would be no program, no space, no place for teenagers to come and hear the Gospel in a way that speaks to their life stage.
Small Groups Provide A Support System Like No Other
Without small groups, students would not have a safe space or safe people to share their journeys through adolescence.
Presence, Patience and Approachability Go a Long Way
Without a Christ-like model, our teenagers would not have a living example of how to navigate life in community.
Start with prayer and then read the scripture together: 1 Corinthians 3:23
Some Discussion Questions you can use throughout IGNITE:
Belonging to God:
1. What did you hear about God's love today? How does it make you feel?
2. What performance or proving do you still need to release?
3. When did you feel held or loved by God this morning? What was that like?
4. Where are you still struggling to believe you're enough?
Belonging to Self:
5. When did you feel most real today?
6. When did you feel like you were not being yourself?
7. What gift or calling did you hear named that resonates with you?
8. What truth about yourself did someone help you see?
Belonging to Others:
9. Who did you encounter today who was different from you?
10. What did you learn?
11. Where have you seen walls coming down? Where do walls still exist?
12. Who needs you to notice them? Who needs you to make room for them?
One thing to carry forward: ______________________________________________________________
Remember: These questions are just a starting point. Feel free to adapt them to fit the needs and interests of your small group. The most important thing is to create a space for meaningful conversation and exploration of the Great Commission.
The IGNITE 2026 Small Group Guides
These resources are designed to help youth grow in faith, reflect on their journey, and engage in meaningful conversations.
Here’s How to Use the Resources:
Before each session: Glance at "What to Listen For"
After each session: Jot down one thing that stuck with you
At night: Spend 5-10 minutes with the reflection questions
Anytime: Try the practices sprinkled throughout
The guide is meant to spark real conversations and help youth live out their faith beyond IGNITE. Dive in, be open, and see how God moves!