Current Conferences
2009 The Blaze: A Formative Gathering for Leaders of Youth
January 11-14, 2009
Thanks to all who attended the 2009 Blaze Conference at Montreat! Check out resources…
The Blaze is a time for all who work with youth – as mentors, youth directors, associate pastors for youth, back home leaders and small group leaders – to consider youth ministry afresh and alongside others who share your passion. The Blaze will challenge you to pioneer new trails in youth ministry, help you be nourished and shaped through that ministry, and send you home inspired in your own call to work with youth.
Sponsored by Montreat Conference Center and Project Burning Bush, a youth ministry initiative of Union-PSCE.
Watch the promotional video for the 2009 conference!
Keynote Speaker
Mark Yaconelli holds an MA in Christian Spirituality from the Graduate Theological Union and received a Graduate Diploma in the Art of Spiritual Direction from San Francisco Theological Seminary. Mark has spent the past 15 years working with young people in congregational, camp, and conference settings. He is the founder and director of Sabbath, a weeklong contemplative retreat for youth workers, held in three locations each year. Mark’s books include the recent Contemplative Youth Ministry: Practicing the Presence of Jesus. For more information on his ministry, visit www.ymsp.org.
Worship Leaders
Aimee and Bill Buchanan are two of the pastors at Grace Covenant Presbyterian Church, Asheville, NC. Bill works with youth and mission while Aimee works pastoral care, new members, and children’s ministry. One of their favorite things to do is hang out with youth and people who love youth, like you! And because they live so close to Montreat, they can do that on a regular basis! Besides this, while Bill is making barbeque or playing guitar, Aimee can be found writing or hanging out on their cool backporch. They also love being outside, laughing, and exploring life with their two kids—Elli (11) and Taylor (8) while Tanner their crazy yellow lab bounces all around them!
Concert Artist
Christine Kane is blazing a trail that explodes the boundaries of the typical singer-songwriter track. She has headlined at top music festivals, her music has been used to choreograph ballets for the North Carolina Dance Theatre and the Charleston Ballet Theatre, and her songs have been recorded by several popular artists, including Kathy Mattea. Her recent DVD release, “Live at the Diana Wortham Theatre,” won a 2007 Telly Award for Best Entertainment Program.
Tentative Schedule
SUNDAY, January 11
- 3:00 pm – room check-in
- 3:30-5:30 – registration
- 5:30-6:30 – dinner
- 6:45-8:00 – welcome and opening worship
- 8:00-9:30 – recreation options
MONDAY, January 12
- 7:30-8:30 – breakfast
- 8:45 – announcements
- 9:00-11:00 – keynote
- 11:00-1:00 – workshop or group spiritual direction
- 1:00-2:00 – lunch
- 2:00-4:00 – workshop
- 4:00-5:30 – free
- 5:30-6:30 – dinner
- 6:45-7:30 – worship
- 7:45-9:15 – information sessions, recreation options, or individual spiritual direction
TUESDAY, January 13
- 7:30-8:30 – breakfast
- 8:45 – announcements
- 9:00-11:00 – keynote
- 11:00-1:00 – workshop or group spiritual direction
- 1:00-2:00 – lunch
- 2:00-4:00 – small group discussions
- 4:00-5:30 – free
- 5:30-6:30 – dinner
- 6:45-7:30 – worship
- 7:30-8:30 – individual spiritual direction
- 8:30 – Christine Kane concert
WEDNESDAY, January 14
- 7:30-8:30 – breakfast
- 9:00-11:00 – book signing
- 11:00 – checkout time
Program Fee
- Comprehensive Fee: $90, includes registration, double occupancy housing and meals in Assembly Inn.
- Additional $90 for single room
Registration/Child Care Information
Room check-in begins at 3 pm Sunday, January 11. First meal is Sunday dinner; last meal is Wednesday breakfast, January 14.
Childcare will be available for this conference. If children are accompanied by two parents, then no housing charge will apply. If children are accompanied by only one parent, then the parent will be charged for a single room (extra $90). Meals for children 5-11 are $38.75 for the entire conference. Children 4 and under eat for free. Childcare rates are as follows: First Child: $45; Additional Child: $30; Family Maximum: $100
- Register online now
- Download registration information
Questions? Contact the registrar at 800-572-2257, ext. 335 or email susieb[at]montreat.org. If you would like conference information mailed to you via U.S. mail, please email carolo[at]montreat.org.
Cancellation policy
$50 of the registration fee is non-refundable; after December 11, 2008, no refunds will be issued.
Additional Resources for the Blaze
Check out other opportunities for youth and young adults offered by the Center for Youth & Young Adult Ministry