Merge Conference
We get it. Teenagers are busier than ever, and so are you. You may feel the tug-of-war in your own ministry or household—balancing schedules, planning your next mission trip, fitting in youth pastor training, and choosing between the long list of available summer activities. But, what if you could attend one event that covers nearly every aspect of your youth ministry?
Merge Conference is not your traditional conference. Merge Conference is a 4-day (Monday through Friday) gathering of 500+ teenagers with a unique blend of student leadership training, separate training for adult leaders and volunteers, powerful worship, and meaningful service opportunities that involve home repair and community service. This transformational hands-on experience will refresh, challenge, and leave you, your students, and your volunteers in awe of how great our God is.
Merge Conference is powered by the partnership of three of the most respected youth ministry organizations: Group Mission Trips, Ministry Architects, and Grow/Stuff You Can Use.
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Download the Merge Conference "Recruiting Success Kit"
Complete with informative handouts for youth leaders, parents, and teenagers, a printable poster, and Instagram and Facebook social posts
Download the Merge Conference "Info Kit"
Complete with informative handouts for youth leaders, parents, and teenagers.
Is Merge Conference a Mission Trip or Youth Conference?
The answer is YES!
Merge Conference is both conference and mission trip. Merge Conference offers both student and adult leader training and Scripture-based teaching with a meaningful 4-day mission trip component that allows junior and senior high students to step into another’s story and serve their needs though well-organized community service projects.
What's Unique About Merge Conference?
- Students will receive a leadership certificate after 6 hours of training
- Students will also receive a community service certificate after 25 hours of service
- Engage in powerful teaching and worship
- Learn key strategies to strengthen your youth ministry
- Your choice of lodging and dining (not included in registration fee); Lunches are provided Tuesday - Friday
Lodging & Venue
Lodging
Lodging is not provided at Merge Conference. Similar to most conferences, you will choose and book your own lodging accommodations. Visit the specific Merge Conference location you’re interested in and search for accommodations within close proximity to the venue. For lodging options, you could search nearby hotels, or look into local church accommodations or camping options in the area to create a fun experience with your youth.
Venue
We have partnered with churches in each city to provide a comfortable and safe environment for Merge Conference participants. The church host location is a place for participants to gather every morning for worship and training and to return to for a powerful and high-energy night of music, celebration, and teaching after our day of service. Visit the Merge Conference location you’re interested in to get specific details on each venue.
Please do not contact the host church directly. If you have any questions please contact us.
Why Us?
At Group Mission Trips, our team is made of experienced mission trip and program developers who have worked closely with communities to develop high-quality, well-organized service project experiences since 1990. We’ve built partnerships in each conference location to provide meaningful service opportunities for all Merge Conference participants that have sustainable, long-term impact in the communities we serve.
After three decades of working with teens, we’ve seen how engaging teens in service projects shifts their focus from an inward, anxiety/pressure-driven mindset and deepens their relationship with Jesus and others. We believe the next generation is made up of influencers, difference-makers, and powerful leaders and there’s no better time than NOW to invest in our youth.
This service experience—combined with the student and adult leadership training, evening programs with worship and Scripture-based teaching from well-trained professionals in the trenches of youth ministry—make the Merge Conference the ultimate all-in-one event.
Who Do You Partner With in Each Location?
We’re partnered with churches in each location, churches who are already embedded in the heart of each community, providing the knowledge and the insight to the needs in their own community. This keeps tasks and service projects focused to the true needs of the community members.
Student Leadership Training
In partnership with Kenny & Elle Campbell, co-founders of Grow Curriculum, your students will be challenged to be passionate servant leaders in their schools, churches, and world. Student leadership training will cover topics such as:
- DAY 1: Godly leaders are bold. LEADERSHIP SKILLS: Identifying your unique design and personal values.
- DAY 2: Godly leaders choose integrity. LEADERSHIP SKILLS: Choosing excellence, setting priorities, managing time.
- DAY 3: Godly leaders are grateful. LEADERSHIP SKILLS: Exploring how having a perspective of gratitude affects our habits and choices.
- DAY 4: Godly leaders are servants. LEADERSHIP SKILLS: Discovering your gifts, identifying the needs of others.
Students will receive a leadership certificate after 6 hours of training.
Adult Leader Training
We know you care about the team of leaders within your ministry. In partnership with Ministry Architects, your adult leaders will learn key strategies through teaching topics such as:
- What Makes an Awesome Leader
- What's Happening in Youth Ministry Today
- How to Thrive (Not Just Survive) in Youth Ministry
- What Volunteers/Staff Need Most
Types of Work
How You'll Serve
Projects might include:
- Assisting a feeding ministry that serves meals to the homeless and families in need
- Visiting a senior center to engage in relationship with residents and help with tasks
- Working with local nonprofits to sort food and clothing for support and distribution
- Providing basic home repairs to low-income, elderly, disabled, or veteran residents
- Leading a day camp for kids
- Tutoring struggling children from low-income families
Students will receive a community service certificate after 25 hours of service.
Typical Day
Program
An Experience Like No Other
Every year, the Group Mission Trips team dedicates extensive time and energy to create a new Jesus-centered program intentionally designed so that you don't just look to a stage, but look to Jesus. This program theme is led by guest speakers and woven into morning and evening programs.
The church host location is a place for participants to gather every morning for worship and training and to return to for a powerful and high-energy night of music, celebration, and teaching after our day of service. As you engage in high-energy worship and teachings, students and leaders alike will be inspired and encouraged to build the kingdom of God in their school, community, church, and world.
In a world where many teens grapple with anxiety, worry, and stress, this year's theme, "Equipped," highlights how God provides us with the tools for a fulfilling Christian life. Drawing from 2 Corinthians 9:8, the focus is on embracing how God enables us to approach fully living out our faith with confidence. From spiritual readiness to engaging in God's mission, it's about more than going through the motions; it's living out faith in practical ways through love, kindness, and action.