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North American Youth Congress
NAYC 2023 during the Thursday evening service on July 27, 2023, at The Dome at America's Center in St. Louis, MO.
NicknameNAYC
StatusActive
GenreChristian conference
FrequencyBiennially
VenueFootball stadiums
Location(s)Various,  United States
Established1979; 45 years ago (1979)
Most recentJuly 26—28, 2023 (St. Louis, MO)
Next eventJuly 23—25, 2025 (Indianapolis, IN)
ParticipantsYouth and young adults
Attendance33,741 (2023)
LeaderD.J. Hill (Youth Ministries President),[1] David K. Bernard (UPCI General Superintendent)
Organized byUnited Pentecostal Church International
SponsorUPCI Youth Ministries
Websitenorthamericanyouthcongress.com

North American Youth Congress (commonly abbreviated NAYC) is a biennial event held by the Youth Ministries division of the United Pentecostal Church International, occurring every other year since 1979. The event has been described as one of the largest gatherings of Christian youth in the U.S. and is held in different cities around the country each year. In 2019, there was a record attendance of over 36,000 youth and young adults.[2]

Overview

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Being the largest event hosted by the United Pentecostal Church International, NAYC is considered the "premier youth conference" of the UPCI.[3] It is intended mainly for youth and young adults, aimed at people ages 12 to 25.[4][5][6] At the event, students attend various breakout sessions and nightly services, as well as participate in networking, fellowship, and community service over the course of three days.[2][7]

SERVE Day

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During NAYC, attendees may also participate in a program known as SERVE Day (formerly Project 22:39[4]) where students help serve the nearby communities.[8][9] SERVE is held as a collaboration between UPCI Youth Ministries and Reach Out America, the disaster relief arm of the United Pentecostal Church International.[10] SERVE draws inspiration from Matthew 22:39, where Jesus says, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”[11]

History

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NAYC was launched in 1979 and has traveled to various cities around the U.S. every year, starting in Memphis, TN, and the most recent being in St. Louis, MO. The event has grown over recent years, with the 2019 and 2023 editions being described by multiple outlets as one of the largest Christian youth events in North America.[12][13][14]

Locations[15][16][17][18]
Year Location
1979 Memphis, TN
1981 Shreveport, LA
1983 Indianapolis, IN
1985 Tulsa, OK
1987 Cincinnati, OH
1989 Memphis, TN
1991 Kansas City, MO
1993 Indianapolis, IN
1995 Little Rock, AR
1997 Nashville, TN
1999 Indianapolis, IN
2001 Atlanta, GA
2003 Nashville, TN
2005 Columbus, OH
2007 Charlotte, NC
2009 Nashville, TN
2011 Columbus, OH
2013 Louisville, KY
2015 Oklahoma City, OK
2017 Indianapolis, IN
2019 St. Louis, MO
2021 Online (COVID-19)
2023 St. Louis, MO
2025 Indianapolis, IN

2013

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NAYC 2013 was held at the KFC Yum! Center in Louisville, KY, from August 7 to August 9, 2013, with a theme of "Gravity."[19] Registration was at 12,000 for the event.[20] The event's SERVE Project (Project 22:39 at the time) involved students landscaping, painting, and engaging in general cleanup of nearby neighborhoods.[21]

2015

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In 2015, NAYC was held at Chesapeake Energy Arena in Oklahoma City, OK, under the theme "Anthem" from August 5 to August 7.[22][23] It drew over 22,000 young people and was the first to be sold out in NAYC history with 18,000 registrants in 14 hours, requiring overflow seating to be provided in the neighboring Cox Convention Center with a live stream of the service from across the street.[9][20][24] The event brought an estimated $6 million in sales to the city.[23]

2017

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Avatar of UPCI Youth Ministries
Avatar of UPCI Youth Ministries
 UPCI Youth Ministries
@UPCIYouthMin
 Twitter logo, a stylized blue bird

NAYC 2017 announces the need for the first time of a football stadium - Lucas Oil Stadium - Indianapolis, IN!! #NSYC15 #NAYC17

7 August 2015[25]

NAYC 2017 was held at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, IN, with a theme of “This is That" from July 26 to July 28.[26][27][28] This was the first year that NAYC had been held in a football stadium, and the event was attended by over 34,000 youth and young adults.[8][29] During the Friday evening service, a letter to the attendees from the vice president of the United States, Mike Pence, was read by Youth President Michael Ensey.[27][30] The event also featured "The Great Pitch," a competition offering young entrepreneurs aged 12–35 over $100,000 in prizes, investment, and coaching for ventures focused on creating meaningful social impact.[31]

2019

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NAYC in 2019 was held at the Dome at America's Center and America's Center in St. Louis, MO, from July 31 to August 3,[32] under the theme, "Kingdom Come."[33] NAYC 2019 was the largest NAYC to date with around 37,000 young people attending.[2][13] During the event's SERVE Day, attendees filled 2,000 buckets worth $75 each to assist with disaster relief in the area,[4] with buckets and supplies provided by Lowe's and Feed the Children.[34]

2021

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In 2021, NAYC, with the theme of "Ascend,"[35] was once again scheduled to be held at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, IN, from July 28 to July 30.[36] However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it was canceled as an in-person event on March 29, 2021,[37][36][38] instead being rescheduled as a special live streamed event on July 30, 2021, promoted using the hashtag #ScatteredToGather.[39] As of October 2024, the live stream of the online event has gained over 28,000 views on YouTube and 80,000 views on Facebook.[40][41]

2023

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The logo of NAYC 2023, referencing Haggai 2:9.

NAYC 2023, under the theme of "Glory,"[3] was held in St. Louis, MO, at The Dome at America's Center with split sessions at the St. Louis Convention Center from July 26 to July 28.[42] In a statement, the UPCI announced that over 30,000 people had registered for the event since March 10,[3] with the final registration being placed at 33,000.[43][44] Final event attendance was 33,741 attendees.[45] NAYC 2023's SERVE Day involved over 1,500 students[45] preparing 3,000 disaster relief buckets containing items such as toothbrushes, toothpaste, soap, and other hygiene products and cleaning supplies.[14][46][11] The Daily Wire, a conservative news outlet, published an article covering the event.[47] The article interviewed UPCI Superintendent Dr. David K. Bernard, the then-UPCI Youth President Michael Thomas, and several attendees.

See also

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References

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  1. ^ UPCI Communications (20 September 2023). "UPCI Ministers Choose New Global Missions Director, Youth President". UPCI. Archived from the original on 13 October 2023. Retrieved 13 October 2023.
  2. ^ a b c Parke, Caleb (16 August 2019). "Over 36,000 Christian students help serve disaster victims at youth conference". Fox News. Archived from the original on 31 January 2023. Retrieved 31 January 2023.
  3. ^ a b c UPCI Communications (3 April 2023). "More than 30,000 already registered for NAYC 2023". UPCI. Archived from the original on 10 August 2023. Retrieved 21 April 2023.
  4. ^ a b c Lea, Jessica (2 August 2019). "37,000 People at NAYC Help with Disaster Relief". Church Leaders. Archived from the original on 10 August 2023. Retrieved 3 February 2023.
  5. ^ "North American Youth Congress". UPCI Youth Ministries. UPCI. Archived from the original on 10 August 2023. Retrieved 31 January 2023.
  6. ^ "North American Youth Congress". North American Youth Congress. UPCI Youth Ministries. Archived from the original on 10 August 2023. Retrieved 31 January 2023.
  7. ^ "Hometown Hero Josh Carson". Explore St. Louis. Archived from the original on 10 August 2023. Retrieved 31 January 2023.
  8. ^ a b "Pentecostal students to pack America's Center, disaster relief supplies". St. Louis Post-Dispatch. 24 July 2019. Archived from the original on 10 August 2023. Retrieved 31 January 2023.
  9. ^ a b Staff Reports (1 August 2015). "Pentecostal youth congress expected to draw more than 22K to downtown Oklahoma City". The Oklahoman. Archived from the original on 10 August 2023. Retrieved 31 January 2023.
  10. ^ "About Us". Reach Out America. Archived from the original on 10 August 2023. Retrieved 10 August 2023.
  11. ^ a b UPCI Communications (17 July 2023). "NAYC features opportunity for students to SERVE". UPCI. Archived from the original on 10 August 2023. Retrieved 10 August 2023.
  12. ^ Warren, Steve (2 August 2019). "Here's How One of the Largest Christian Youth Events in the US is Celebrating 'Serve Day'". CBN News. The Christian Broadcasting Network. Archived from the original on 10 August 2023. Retrieved 31 January 2023.
  13. ^ a b Faust, Vic (1 August 2019). "Large Christian youth conference leaving behind something good for St. Louis". Fox 2 Now. Nexstar Media Inc. Archived from the original on 31 January 2023. Retrieved 31 January 2023.
  14. ^ a b Lee, Reggie (26 July 2023). "America's Center hosting 'North American Youth Congress' event Wednesday". FOX 2. Archived from the original on 31 July 2023. Retrieved 29 July 2023.
  15. ^ 1979-2019: "North American Youth Congress 2019 Frequently Asked Questions" (PDF). North American Youth Congress. UPCI Youth Ministries. Archived (PDF) from the original on 31 January 2023. Retrieved 31 January 2023.
  16. ^ 2021: Liles, Jordan (28 August 2021). "Viral 'NAYC21' Facebook Post About Christian Event Lacked Context". Snopes. Archived from the original on 31 January 2023. Retrieved 31 January 2023. And in 2021, the in-person portion of the gathering was canceled due to the continuing COVID-19 pandemic.
  17. ^ 2023: "#NAYC23 FAQ's". North American Youth Congress. UPCI Youth Ministries. 30 November 2022. Archived from the original on 10 April 2023. Retrieved 3 February 2023.
  18. ^ 2025: "North American Youth Congress". North American Youth Congress. UPCI Youth Ministries. Archived from the original on 3 September 2024. Retrieved 3 September 2024.
  19. ^ "Welcome". North American Youth Congress. UPCI. Archived from the original on 26 July 2013. Retrieved 26 September 2024.
  20. ^ a b "FAQ". North American Youth Congress. UPCI. Archived from the original on 16 May 2015. Retrieved 26 September 2024.
  21. ^ "Project 22:39". North American Youth Congress. UPCI. Archived from the original on 26 July 2013. Retrieved 26 September 2024.
  22. ^ Hudspeth, Sarah (7 August 2015). "North American Youth Congress, Friday Morning". InsideOut Magazine. UPCI Youth Ministries. Archived from the original on 7 July 2023. Retrieved 1 July 2023.
  23. ^ a b Knoernschild, Kaelynn (28 July 2015). "Pentecostal youths to descend on OKC". The Journal Record. Archived from the original on 2 July 2023. Retrieved 1 July 2023.
  24. ^ Journal Record Staff (27 July 2015). "22,000 to attend NAYC in OKC". The Journal Record. Archived from the original on 31 January 2023. Retrieved 31 January 2023.
  25. ^ UPCI Youth Ministries [@UPCIYouthMin] (7 August 2015). "NAYC 2017 announces the need for the first time of a football stadium - Lucas Oil Stadium - Indianapolis, IN!! #NSYC15 #NAYC17" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  26. ^ Harry, L.J. (27 January 2017). "Interview With NAYC Speakers: Michael Ensey". InsideOut Magazine. UPCI Youth Ministries. Archived from the original on 9 June 2023. Retrieved 3 February 2023.
  27. ^ a b Skirvin, Rachel (2 August 2017). "North American Youth Congress, Friday Night". InsideOut Magazine. UPCI Youth Ministries. Archived from the original on 1 July 2023. Retrieved 1 July 2023.
  28. ^ "North American Youth Congress (NAYC)". Calvary Apostolic Church. 28 June 2020. Archived from the original on 13 October 2023. Retrieved 13 October 2023.
  29. ^ Holiman, K.C. (27 November 2017). "#NAYC17 Memories". InsideOut Magazine. UPCI Youth Ministries. Archived from the original on 9 June 2023. Retrieved 13 October 2023.
  30. ^ You can see an image of the letter posted by the UPCI Youth Ministries Facebook page here: "Pence Letter". Facebook. UPCI Youth Ministries. 28 July 2017. Archived from the original on 10 August 2023. Retrieved 1 July 2023.
  31. ^ "The Great Pitch". North American Youth Congress. UPCI. Archived from the original on 14 May 2017. Retrieved 26 September 2024.
  32. ^ Skirvin, Rachel (26 July 2019). "NAYC 2019 Information". InsideOut Magazine. UPCI Youth Ministries. Archived from the original on 25 March 2023. Retrieved 13 October 2023.
  33. ^ Admin (31 July 2019). "NAYC 2019 Wednesday Night". InsideOut Magazine. UPCI Youth Ministries. Archived from the original on 2 July 2023. Retrieved 1 July 2023.
  34. ^ Mohr, Jonathan (25 July 2019). "Students prepare to serve at NAYC". UPCI. Archived from the original on 15 August 2020. Retrieved 26 September 2024.
  35. ^ Admin (3 August 2021). "NAYC 2021 Recap #ScatteredToGather". InsideOut Magazine. UPCI Youth Ministries. Archived from the original on 7 July 2023. Retrieved 1 July 2023.
  36. ^ a b "COVID-19". North American Youth Congress. UPCI Youth Ministries. 29 March 2021. Archived from the original on 10 June 2021. Retrieved 10 August 2023.
  37. ^ Liles, Jordan (28 August 2021). "Viral 'NAYC21' Facebook Post About Christian Event Lacked Context". Snopes. Archived from the original on 31 January 2023. Retrieved 31 January 2023. And in 2021, the in-person portion of the gathering was canceled due to the continuing COVID-19 pandemic.
  38. ^ Admin (2 August 2019). "NAYC 2019 Friday Night Service". InsideOut Magazine. UPCI Youth Ministries. Archived from the original on 30 May 2023. Retrieved 3 February 2023.
  39. ^ "NAYC21 Online Experience Template" (PDF). North American Youth Congress. UPCI. Archived (PDF) from the original on 10 June 2021. Retrieved 26 September 2024.
  40. ^ UPCI Youth Ministries (30 July 2021). "NAYC21 Online Service". YouTube. Retrieved 21 April 2023.
  41. ^ UPCI Youth Ministries (30 July 2021). "NAYC21 Online Service". Facebook. Retrieved 16 May 2023.
  42. ^ "#NAYC23 FAQ's". North American Youth Congress. UPCI Youth Ministries. 30 November 2022. Archived from the original on 10 April 2023. Retrieved 3 February 2023.
  43. ^ "Christian youth conference expected to draw more than 30,000 students to downtown St. Louis". St. Louis Post-Dispatch. 21 July 2023. Archived from the original on 29 July 2023. Retrieved 10 August 2023.
  44. ^ Communications, UPCI (24 July 2023). "NAYC 2023 set to begin in downtown St. Louis". UPCI. Archived from the original on 30 July 2023. Retrieved 29 July 2023.
  45. ^ a b Buford, P. Daniel; Johnston, Robin, eds. (October 2023). "Living Epistles". Pentecostal Life. 6 (10). St. Charles, MO: UPCI: 25. Archived from the original on 1 November 2023. Retrieved 1 November 2023.
  46. ^ "The SERVE Event". Reach Out America. Archived from the original on 10 August 2023. Retrieved 10 August 2023.
  47. ^ "36,000 Young Christians Gather In St. Louis To Find 'Purpose & Identity … In God's Word'". www.dailywire.com. Retrieved 2024-11-16.
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