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A two-day event where we'll learn to LEAD MENTOR MINISTER together.

September

12-13, 2025

La Sierra University | Riverside CA

Connect.

Equip.

Inspire.

Join hundreds of MINISTRY CHILDREN'S CLUB YOUTH YOUNG ADULT leaders like you!

ANdrea

King

Dr. Andrea has pastored for over 20 years in the Southeastern California Conference (SECC). She is a community activist and currently serves as the Director for Black Ministries for SECC. She is married to her partner in life, love and service, Dr. Kurt King. Together, they have two children.

Lead.

Mentor.

Minister.

"This Fall, come take your place at The Open Table"

Pricing

Golden Ticket Registration*

$35

June 23 – July 4

Regular Registration

$59

July 5 – August 19

Late Registration

$90

August 19+

Golden Ticket Registration

This year’s event will feature a two-part registration process. The first part is to reserve your spot, with a general admission cost of $59. In August, all attendees will complete a second registration to select their breakout sessions. For a limited time, we are offering a special Golden Ticket for $35, available until July 4. Golden Ticket holders will receive priority access and be among the first to choose their breakouts starting August 1. Please note that Golden Tickets are non-refundable and only for ministry leaders in a SECC church.

Hotel Information

The Ayres Hotel in Corona

2260 Griffin Way, Corona, CA 92879

(951) 734-2140

*2024 special rate if you book a reservation under “SECC Youth Sept 2024″

*Discount ends August 23. Check-in begins Friday, September 13 and check-out begins Saturday, September 14. Only 12 rooms are available at the special rate for this event. Reservations can only be made via phone. Mention “SECC Youth”

Breakout Sessions

Growing Together

The Growing Together Vision

What if Sabbath School could spark a movement in your church? Growing Together isn’t just curriculum; it’s a game-changer for how churches disciple kids, support families, and equip volunteers. Discover how one weekly Bible story can unite the generations, fuel faith at home, and bring your whole church into one powerful rhythm of spiritual growth.

Digital Fluency and Intention: Using Content to Connect

We can’t avoid it; digital media is shaping how we live and believe. Learn how to ask the right questions, stay on mission, repurpose church content effectively, and teach families to engage with media.

Growing a Volunteer Dream Team

Struggling to find and keep volunteers? You’re not alone. Join us for a real conversation about what’s not working, what’s actually helping, and how to create a sustainable system for growing a strong, reliable team.

Supporting Parents as Spiritual Leaders

How can churches empower parents to lead with confidence in their children’s spiritual journey? This breakout explores the impact of spiritual community, practical tools from the Parent Sabbath School curriculum, and simple ways to cultivate meaningful family worship at home.

A Shared Sabbath: Connecting All Ages in Worship

Discover simple, practical ways to create a unified Sabbath worship experience across all ages, from the sermon to the children’s story to children’s church. See how Growing Together can bring your church family into one shared journey of faith each week.

Family & CHildren's Ministry

Beyond Burnout: Architecting a Thriving Kids' Ministry Culture

Discover the different reasons YOUR team is serving (or not) and how to use that understanding to create a thriving “counter culture” within your children’s ministry. Become a culture architect for your team, bridging the gap between your ideal volunteer vision and the real dynamics of today’s ministry.

If We Can Do It: Embracing AI in Your Ministry

Artificial Intelligence isn’t just for tech experts—it’s a tool anyone can learn to use for greater creativity, connection, and impact in ministry. Whether you’re leading Sabbath School, children’s church, Pathfinders, or youth programs, this session will introduce simple and practical ways to start using AI that align with Adventist Christian values. Are you unsure of where to start or even if you should? Let’s start the conversation.

Family Discipleship Media Worship

Discover meaningful habits and daily rhythms that bring peace and purpose to the busyness of family life—creating a home where both parents and kids learn to love God deeply and love others well.

Family Sabbath School

What would it look like to create a discipleship model that the whole family can enjoy during a time the whole family is available? Join us as we explore a new way of fostering and empowering families to grow, create, learn alongside their kiddos.

Setting the Table: How to Stop Doing Ministry Alone.

When you’re called to lead, it’s easy to end up doing everything yourself. But God’s vision for Children’s Ministry includes a team—diverse, passionate, and committed. In this session, we’ll uncover practical ways to find, equip, and keep volunteers, building a ministry that reflects heaven’s open table and shared purpose.

Pathfinders

Stronger Together: Team Building for Pathfinders and Youth ages 10-16

This interactive seminar is designed to help young people ages 10–16 build strong teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills through fun, age-appropriate activities and group challenges. Participants will engage in hands-on exercises that promote trust, cooperation, and leadership while learning how to navigate group dynamics in positive and respectful ways. The seminar creates a supportive environment where youth can build confidence, form new connections, and develop the essential social skills needed for success in Pathfinders, school, and everyday life

In, Not Out: Jesus’ Way

How did Jesus connect so powerfully with people during His ministry? In this breakout session, we’ll explore the relational and restorative methods Jesus used to reach hearts. Youth leaders will gain practical tools to teach and lead in ways that emphasize inclusion, healing, and compassion—focusing on restoration rather than exclusion.

How to Reach Your Potential as a Pathfinder Club: The SECC Pathfinder Club Yearly Point System

What is the yearly point system, and why are some clubs recognized with awards at the end of the year? In this breakout session, we’ll dive into the SECC Pathfinder Point System—what it is, how it works, and why it matters. You’ll discover the benefits of the system and learn practical tips to help your club reach its full potential and qualify for top honors.

The Why of Master Guide

Whether you’re on the path to becoming a Master Guide or you already are one, this breakout session will refocus your attention on the heart of the ministry. We’ll explore why the Master Guide ministry is vital to youth leadership—not just as a title, but as a calling to serve with purpose, passion, and commitment. Discover (or rediscover) the “why” behind being a Master Guide.

Committed to serving the people of our time

How can we serve our communities safely, effectively, and meaningfully—while actively involving our Pathfinders? This breakout session will explore creative and practical ways to engage youth in service that fosters leadership, builds compassion, and makes a lasting impact. Come discover how service can become a powerful tool for growth and community transformation.

Adventurers

"I’m the only one left” - Addressing Club Burnout

It happens to the best of us—we start the club year full of energy, but as the months go on, the responsibilities can become overwhelming. By the end, you may find yourself wondering why you took on the role in the first place. In this breakout session, we’ll address leadership fatigue and burnout—why it matters, how to recognize it, and practical ways to stay refreshed, motivated, and spiritually energized throughout the club year.

Adventurers Curriculum 101

The journey of Club Ministry starts with our Adventurers—so it’s essential to build a strong foundation. This breakout session is designed for both new and experienced Adventurer leaders. We’ll focus on the basics of planning and leading effective class sessions, teaching Adventurer awards, and creating a fun, faith-filled learning environment. Come refresh your skills and refocus on what makes Adventurer Club successful.

Rise and Shine: The Importance of Mentorship

What is mentorship, and why does it matter for your Adventurer Club? In this breakout session, we’ll explore the true meaning of mentorship and how it supports the sharing of knowledge, experiences, and feedback. You’ll learn how effective mentorship can guide others through challenges, develop their skills, and help them reach their personal and leadership goals

Inside/Outside Education: Incorporating a Balanced Learning Environment

When we think of children’s education, we often picture a traditional classroom—but meaningful learning can also happen outdoors. In this breakout session, we’ll explore the benefits of both indoor and outdoor instruction. You’ll learn how to create engaging learning environments that use the best of both worlds to enhance Adventurer and children’s programming.

Adventurer Budgeting and Programming Ideas: Creating an affordable and Creative programs for your Adventurer

Adventurer Clubs often face the challenge of creating engaging, creative programs that capture kids’ attention—without breaking the budget. In this breakout session, we’ll explore practical budgeting methods (both fixed and flexible) to help directors and staff manage their funds effectively. We’ll also share fun, low-cost programming ideas and activities you can easily implement in your club.”

Youth & Young Adults

Leading a Community of Authentic Worship

Authenticity in worship isn’t just a preference—it’s a necessity. In a world drawn to polish and performance, real transformation happens not through production, but through lives aligned with what we sing, genuine connection with those we lead, and an honest embrace of who we are. Discover how authenticity can set the stage for the Holy Spirit to move in powerful, lasting ways.

Starting Healthy Conversations About Sex with Youth and Young Adults

In this session, we’ll explore a thoughtful framework for navigating conversations about sexual health with the young people in our lives, so they can build the knowledge, confidence, and skills to care for their sexual well-being with intention and clarity.

Creating Intentionally in Your Ministry

Design is less of an attraction model and more of a communication device. We are able to tell the Gospel as well and as beautifully as we can so that people know Jesus. Join a conversation about the value of sharing the Gospel with passion and excellence using design.

Building a Relevant Collegiate Ministry

This workshop empowers church leaders to create ministries that truly connect with college-aged young adults. Discover fresh approaches and practical tools to spark engagement, build authentic community, and help students become rooted in Jesus.

Shaping Youth Ministry with Purpose

Discover key principles for creating meaningful, lasting youth ministry. Through reflection, discussion, and shared experiences, this interactive session will help you develop a ministry that connects deeply and grows with your community. Includes time for Q&A.

Rest.

Retreat.

Reroot.

Convention Speaker

Aren

Rennacker

Aren Rennacker serves as Youth Director for the Southeastern California Conference. Before that he served as youth and young adult pastor at two churches in Southern California. Aren graduated from PUC in 2011 with his Bachelors in PR/Journalism, and completed his Masters in Theological Studies from La Sierra University in 2017. Aren’s passion is to empower both youth and youth leaders to experience the Gospel in new and relevant ways. Aside from ministry, Aren also enjoys basketball, a good story, and a fresh bowl of oatmeal. He married his lovely wife Paige in 2020.

Convention Speaker

Meshach

Soli

Meshach Soli was born and raised in Southern California and currently resides in sunny San Diego. He has a powerful testimony of God’s saving grace transforming his life of destruction into a life of love and service for the building of God’s Kingdom. He has served as a pastor in the SECC for over 12 years and leads our conference Club Ministries. Pastor Meshach enjoys paddle boarding, low riders, traveling, and trying new international eats. As passionate as he is about these things and ministry his greatest call and love is being the father to his five sons and a husband to his High School sweetheart Linda Soli. 

Your Leadership Matters.

We know being a leader isn’t always easy. You don’t have to do it alone. Join hundreds of other Adventist youth ministry leaders like you for a two-day event as we learn to lead, minister, and mentor. 

Worship led by

Jo & Laia Amaya

Manny

Arteaga

Pastor Manny serves as the founding and lead pastor at Kalēo Seventh-day Adventist Church in the Southern California Conference. A graduate of La Sierra University, Pastor Manny is currently working on a doctorate in Urban Ministry from Fuller Seminary. He and his wife Keren are the proud parents of three children.

Sebastian

Lafo

Sebastian Lafo is a spoken word artist from Compton, CA. He has been writing poetry for ten years and performing since 2017. He holds a Bachelors in Behavioral Science and is currently studying to receive his Masters in Marriage and Family Therapy from Loma Linda University. Sebastian will be sharing his spoken word piece “Polynesian Men.”

Worship led by

Jo & Laia Amaya

Your Leadership Matters.

We know being a leader isn’t always easy. You don’t have to do it alone. Join hundreds of other Adventist youth ministry leaders like you for a two-day event as we learn to lead, minister, and mentor. 

Our conference Youth Ministries is one representation of God’s movement within our territory. Learn more about what we are doing in youth ministries through our annual report. 

Join hundreds of MINISTRY CHILDREN'S CLUB YOUTH YOUNG ADULT leaders like you

We know being a leader isn’t always easy. You don’t have to do it alone. Join hundreds of other youth ministry leaders just like you as we learn to lead, minister, and mentor. 

Select your breakout sessions

Browse through a list of available breakout sessions taught by ministry leaders and professionals in their fields. 

Bill

Henson

President of Posture Shift Ministries, Inc. Bill is North America’s leading consultant for churches and ministry leaders on becoming loving caretakers for LGBT+ youth and their families. He has partnered with the North American Division to deliver a helpful and valuable resource: “Adventist Edition: Guiding Families of LGBT+ Loved Ones.” Through his ministry, Bill shares his passion for loving all people unconditionally and reaching them for Jesus. It is out of that same passion we hold as youth leaders that we hope to learn how we can best serve and care for each family and child in the SECC and beyond.

SECC Youth Leadership Convention

September 17-19

Pine Springs Ranch

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Isaac Kim

Interim Youth Director / Associate Director, Family and Children's

Pastor Isaac Kim grew up in Atlanta, Georgia but has lived in SoCal and worked in SECC at Calimesa SDA for 20 years. He attended Atlanta Adventist Academy where his chaplain/bible teacher made a huge impact in his life where he discovered he wanted to do the same. While at the Calimesa church, Isaac served in various capacities including Children and Family Ministries for 12 years. He likes to work collaboratively with ministry teams, cheerleading ministry leaders, and creating space for people to share life together. Isaac and his two boys enjoy sports, both playing and watching. They are Falcons, Warriors, and Braves fans. Isaac strives to be the best dad that he can be by modeling the love of Jesus and believes that the message of the Gospel shows up in different ways along our journey. The most recent time the gospel was real to him was during his wife’s health journey.

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Judi Jeffreys

Office Manager

Judi Jeffreys has been a part of the SECC Youth Ministries for 20+ years serving as the office manager and working alongside the team to keep youth ministries thriving in SECC. Judi uses her positive attitude and tireless energy to encourage others and is inspired daily by those with whom she serves.The gospel message became real to her as a young adult when she accepted the Adventist message and truly grasped the love of God. Judi’s motto is, "Change brings growth, growth brings growing pains, and growing pains brings change." Originally born in Colorado, Judi was raised a Southern California girl and loves all types of foods, but her taste buds fancy Asian foods, especially Thai and Indonesian. Judi married her high school sweetheart, Greg, and is proud of their adult children, Leigh, Mark, and Megan. When not working, Judi can be found riding a motorcycle, scuba diving, relaxing with yoga, taking long walks, or just spending time with her family.

Aren Rennacker

Youth Director

Aren Rennacker was born and raised in Sacramento, CA. He became an Adventist as a teenager thanks to the incredible influence of his church and academy. After graduating from Pacific Union College with a degree in Journalism, he served as a youth and young adult pastor at two wonderful SECC churches, Calimesa and Oceanside, while completing his Masters of Theological Studies from La Sierra University. In 2019, Aren became Director of Youth Ministries for the SECC, a position he cherishes. Aren loves connecting with pastors, speaking to young people, and serving the youth ministries leaders of our conference. His greatest passion is to empower youth and young adults to live the Gospel in new and relevant ways. Aside from ministry, Aren also enjoys basketball, stories, and a fresh bowl of oatmeal. He and his lovely wife Paige were married in 2020.