Why leaders Beth Wolff and Monté Dillard see their IYC roles as a sacred assignment for the Movement’s youth.

By Carl Stagner | Read Time: 5 minutes

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In anticipation of this summer’s International Youth Convention of the Church of God, youth groups and student ministries near and far are inching closer to their fundraising goals. For some already spotting the Cincinnati skyline on the horizon, though, the focus isn’t as much on car washes and candle sales as it is upon listening intently to God’s heartbeat for teenagers. Those slated to speak, for instance, are already doing everything they can to discern what the Spirit is saying—but also reflecting on the sacred opportunity they’ve been given to dispatch that divine message. Consider two of the IYC2026 speakers, Beth Wolff and Monté Dillard.

Though this is the first time Beth Wolff’s been on the roster of speakers for IYC, it’s not the first time the broader Movement has heard her preach the Word. Though this will be the first time the lead pastor of Clarksburg Church in Maryland has preached to this many teenagers all in one place at one time, it certainly won’t be her first IYC.

“As a pastor to students, I would bring my students to IYC every time,” Pastor Beth recollects. “It was a highlight for so many of my students.”

The Heart of IYC

Looking back, she remembers there was more to IYC than the flashy, exciting elements that so often characterize an event designed for teens. For students, it was something far deeper that made the difference.

“The event was great,” Beth continues, “but what made it truly impactful were the relationships that formed between the students, the leaders, and the Holy Spirit. These relationships were sustained and continued long past the four-day event, so that what began at IYC continued long after. As a result, chains broke by the power of the Holy Spirit at IYC. New life sprang up through the words spoken by the Creator at IYC. People took steps to follow Jesus that transformed the rest of their lives at IYC.”

Thus, she adds, “I am very excited to be ‘back’ at IYC, and part of the legacy of what God has been at IYC over decades; but this time in a new way—as a speaker.”

Always Room for Youth

Monté Dillard needs no introduction for most of the Church of God movement these days; his exemplary leadership in a relatively short amount of time as interim general director of Church of God Ministries speaks for itself. Though most pastors and lay leaders have come to recognize his leadership of adult ministers across the Church of God, it would an incomplete review of his role, as well as an incorrect assessment of his heart, to assume the younger generation would be relegated to the oversight of the IYC director alone.

Therefore, in spite of the many speaking engagements the interim general director gets asked to accept, the chance to address thousands of teenagers within the walls of an expansive ballroom is one thing Monté Dillard definitely could not pass up.

“Speaking at IYC this Summer is an item I have had highlighted on my calendar since being invited to speak,” he reflects. “This wonderful meeting of students, emerging leaders and the Church of God’s future is a vital gathering for us to share with them, learn from them and fellowship amongst them. I am thrilled be speaking to a room full of world-changers!”

Not the Future, But Today!

Indeed, these young men and women are world-changers—already! That’s because they’re an indispensable part of the body of Christ, the church, now—not just down the road. Pastor Beth expounds on this crucial observation.

“I have heard many say that youth are the future of the church,” she notes. “[This is a conclusion with] which I wholeheartedly disagree. I believe that youth are the church right now. They are not some sleeper-cells that will one day wake up and take over. They are the embodiment of the hands and feet of Jesus, right now in the places that they rest, study, and play. So, in that way, I am glad to be ‘back’ speaking at an experience that has the potential to empower and embolden the Church of God to go beyond their current limits and realities, and step forward to proclaim and demonstrate that the kingdom of God is on earth as it is in heaven.”