Every summer, thousands of young people travel to Montreat, NC and Maryville, TN to experience worship, recreation, music, and meaningful connection during Montreat Youth Conference and Montreat Middle School Conference. What many participants don’t know is that these events have been years in the making, directed by passionate groups of volunteers serving on conference Planning Teams. Montreat Youth Conference and Montreat Middle School Conference would not be possible without them!
Planning Teams are made up of youth and adults who work together to shape nearly every aspect of the conference including selecting the theme and designing worship services, recreation events, keynote experiences, and small group activities. Organized approximately two years before each conference takes place, Planning Team members collaborate through virtual meetings, an in-person retreat, and ongoing planning sessions, building lasting friendships along the way.
Applications are now open for the 2028 Planning Teams for both Montreat Youth Conference and Montreat Middle School Conference. If you have not already, we would like to invite you to submit an application for consideration. Participation from both youth and adult Planning Team members is vital in order to make these events possible. When you serve on a Planning Team, you gain new skills, enrich your spiritual life, and build relationships with other individuals who love Montreat!
When serving on a Planning Team, individuals have an opportunity to make a meaningful impact while developing valuable leadership skills. Members learn to collaborate, solve problems creatively, communicate effectively, and lead with confidence. For students preparing for college or entering the workforce, the experience offers practical skills that extend far beyond the conference itself. Just as importantly, it provides a chance to deepen your faith while serving the wider church community.
For many volunteers, the relationships formed during the planning process become one of the most rewarding parts of the experience. Planning Team members are encouraged to bring their ideas together to create an experience that is both meaningful and relevant. This close collaboration often leads to lasting friendships, grounded in shared memories and lessons learned.
Although the work requires commitment and creativity, Planning Team members consistently describe it as deeply rewarding. Volunteers are encouraged to think outside the box, share their perspectives, and contribute ideas that truly matter. Every voice plays an important role in shaping the conference experience.
Whether you’re passionate about worship, recreation, small groups, or keynote programming, serving on a Planning Team offers an opportunity to give back to a place that has shaped so many lives. You’ll gain new skills, enrich your spiritual life, and help create an unforgettable conference experience for future participants.
If Montreat has ever felt like a place where your faith has grown, this is your opportunity to help create that same experience for someone else. Take the leap of faith and apply to serve on a 2028 Montreat Youth Conference or Middle School Conference Planning Team. Learn more or submit your application now using the link below!
This article was originally published in the July 2026 edition of Montreat Conference Center’s email newsletter Experiencing Connection which highlights opportunities for youth and young adults at Montreat. Sign up to receive Experiencing Connection directly in your inbox by clicking here.