October Snapshot: Helping Youth Move One Step Closer to Jesus

As the colours of fall begin to appear and ministries settle into a new season, there is much to celebrate and anticipate across CBOQ Youth.

Ascent 2027 Registration is Open

One of the biggest announcements this month is that registration for Ascent 2027 is now officially open. Churches can begin registering for any of the four regional retreats taking place throughout April and May 2027. While the retreats are organized by region, youth groups are welcome to attend whichever location works best for them.

  • April 2-4 – Silver Lake Wesleyan Camp (near Ottawa)
  • April 23-25 – Circle Square Ranch (Brantford)
  • April 30-May 2 – Camp Kwasind (Muskoka)
  • May 14-16 – Pearce Williams Camp (near London)

Along with registration details, churches will find promotional resources to help share information about the retreats with students, parents, and leaders. The goal of this year’s Ascent theme, Up Close: Moving One Step Closer to Him, is to help students deepen their relationship with Jesus through worship, discipleship, service, relationships, and meaningful conversations.

Empowering Young Leaders Through Student-Led Microgrants

Another key focus this month is the Student-Led Microgrant initiative. Applications are due on October 15, and grants of up to $1,000 are available to help launch ministry projects and outreach ideas led by students and young adults.

This program continues to be an exciting way to encourage young people to step out in faith, pursue creative ministry ideas, and make a difference within their churches and communities. As Alvin shared, we look forward to seeing the unique ways God is inspiring students to serve and lead.Student-Led Initiatives Micro-Grants

Next Gen Pastor Retreat

The Next Gen Pastors Retreat will take place October 19-21 at Camp Kwasind. This year’s retreat will feature Ken Castor, who will be helping ministry leaders explore what it means to build healthy student leadership teams.

Whether you serve in youth ministry, children’s ministry, or family ministry, the retreat provides an opportunity to connect with other leaders, learn together, and grow in your ability to develop young leaders within your church. Registration remains open Register Here

Listening and Learning Through the Next Steps Survey

For those that completed the Next Steps Survey this year and wanted Alvin to follow, he will be starting this later this month. Next Step survey is use to help understand what youth ministries need and want support it, this is our way to evaluate what is important for CBOQ Youth to do next. If someone has not complete the survey it is still open  at Next Steps Survey. 

Investing in the Future of Youth Ministry

Another encouraging development is the launch of a new Youth Ministry Certificate Training Program cohort. Four students will spend the next 18 months developing their ministry foundations, exploring current youth ministry challenges, and creating customized ministry handbooks that can guide their future leadership.

Please join us in praying for these emerging leaders as they continue to learn, grow, and follow God’s calling on their lives.

New Resources Coming Soon

Over the next several weeks, additional resources will be added to the 5:1 Church initiative. One upcoming resource highlighted in the video is the Individual Growth Plan, a practical tool designed to help student leaders, emerging leaders, and ministry leaders intentionally pursue growth and leadership development.

Looking Ahead

This fall also brings several valuable opportunities for ministry leaders:

  • Toronto Children’s Ministry Conference on November 7, helping leaders better understand the next generation and prepare for students entering youth ministry in the coming years
  • Camp Kwasind’s S’more N’More celebration on November 14, a chance to hear stories of what God is doing through camp ministry.