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Thank you for experiencing life change with us in San Antonio!

INTERNATIONAL YOUTH CONVENTION

SPEAKERS & SPECIAL GUESTS

Hosanna Wong

Hosanna Wong is an international speaker, author, and spoken word artist sharing captivating stories of a powerful God with churches, conferences, prisons, & other events around the world. She is passionate about empowering this generation to know who they are, boldly live out their purpose, and reveal God’s love to the people right next to them.

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Born & raised on the streets of San Francisco, her sermons, books & spoken word pieces share her first-hand experiences with loss, hope, & redemption, & her innermost desires to see lives healed and restored by the power of Jesus.

Hosanna is the Teaching Pastor at EastLake Church in the San Diego area and an itinerant speaker at churches around the country. She is also the Executive Director of Calvary Street Ministries, an outreach on the streets of San Francisco. She has released two spoken word albums and is the author of I Have a New Name & Superadded. Her best-selling book How (Not) to Save the World was released in August 2021.

North Point Worship

North Point Worship is a musical expression of worship from North Point Community Church in Atlanta, GA. The group originally formed out of the church’s high school ministry, InsideOut, purposing to help give students everyday language to express their gratitude, dependence, and reverence for their Heavenly Father who loves them. In addition, they write with the hope that every person who hears their music…

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will be encouraged to follow Jesus more wholeheartedly, and that those who feel far from God will personally experience the nearness of His grace.

With the widespread popularity of their song “Death Was Arrested”, North Point Worship signed with Centricity Music in 2016. Soon after, they released “Nothing Ordinary—Live” in 2017, and in 2018 a self-titled EP, and the Christmas project “Ring the Bells”. In 2018, the band’s music was streamed 57.6 million times worldwide on all platforms, even earning placement on Spotify’s mainstream playlist, New Music Friday. This significant growth marks a new opportunity for the group to serve beyond their local church and to make an impact globally, with the desire to see as many people as possible encounter the life-changing Gospel of Jesus.

Gretchen Dedina

Gretchen Dedina serves as the students pastor at Willow Creek Church in Chicago, Illinois. Unofficially her title is the “director of confetti cannons!” She loves making her messages personal for students so they can experience the life-changing love of Jesus. She is passionate about helping students pursue their God-given purpose now and leveraging their influence to help change their world.

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Gretchen is known for her sugar cookie skills and her energetic personality. You’ll find her right in the mix of all the fun, never wanting to be too far from students and leaders, or a good, themed party. Gretchen and her husband Bradley love to travel, enjoy a good campfire, and have recently become foster parents.

Hulvey

Hulvey, a twenty-two-year-old Brunswick, Georgia, native, went from dropping out of college and scrubbing toilets at Publix, to becoming Reach Records latest breakout hip hop artist. His label debut EP, BRKNHRT dropped in 2020 and immediately garnered him national acclaim. Pandora named him “Christian Artist to Watch in 2020.” His tracks “Higher” and “Real Love” from Hulvey Vol. 1 and Hulvey Vol. 2 were featured on VH1’s Love and Hip Hop Atlanta in 2020 and “Cold Blooded” was featured on ABC’s hit show The Rookie.

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Shortly after BRKNHRT released, the world shut down, entering into a global pandemic. Having to put hopes of touring and performing on hold, Hulvey, like the rest of the world, found himself in his bedroom, secluded from his friends and family, where he was forced to face his insecurities and fears and surrender them to God. It was then that his debut album was born.

“I started breaking free of all my anxiousness, so many anxious thoughts and worries that I have struggled with for years, and so I wrote about it,” shares Hulvey. “As dark as 2020 was for people, for me personally, I found beauty and peace within it.”

Pushing musical influences aside, the new music pouring out of Hulvey, lyrically and sonically, reveals his true authentic self; embracing his hip hop background, and venturing even to pop and soul. The infectious sounds and styles show Hulvey as a musical chameleon, one who can reflect any genre with excellence and seamless flow.

Geremy Dixon

Pastor Geremy has served as an associate and now Lead Pastor for over 18 years at Center of Hope LA in Inglewood, CA. Known for his approachable demeanor, and common sense approach to Kingdom living he has the unique ability to connect with individuals from all walks of life. Pastor Geremy’s particular blend of humor, inspiration and…

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individuals from all walks of life. Pastor Geremy’s particular blend of humor, inspiration and sound biblical grounding has opened doors for him to be a guest facilitator and a sought after speaker for churches, conferences, and conventions both nationally and internationally. Articulate, passionate, and driven; Geremy is one of the emerging voices proclaiming God’s desire to establish His Kingdom in the market place.
Married to Adrienne Dixon, they have the joy of parenting four wonderful children, Kennedy, Micah, Roman and Jordyn.

Chip Taylor

Chip Taylor is a captivating speaker with a contagious love for Jesus and a huge heart for young people. He is passionate about empowering leaders, caring for hurting students, and impacting the world. Chip enjoys sports, house projects, coaching, and date nights with his wife. He is a graduate of Mid-America Christian University and a 25-year veteran in student ministry, currently serving as…

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the student pastor at McDowell Church in Scottsdale, Arizona. He is also the director of the Intern Academy, a non-profit group building a pipeline of leaders through a network of ministry internships. He is the proud father of Leah and Caleb and resides in Fountain Hills, AZ with his wife Lori.

John Michael Hinton

Using no sorcery at all, John Michael Hinton performs captivating illusions that make people doubt their senses, question their reality, and search for answers. He fakes the supernatural to cause people to desire the Real Supernatural! In his words, “My goal is simply to be a tool that God can use to spread his incredible gospel.

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If my illusions earn me the right to be heard, awesome! But it’s the heart of God that I want you to truly walk away remembering.” For more information, and to see him in action, please visit www.JohnIsMyFriend.com.

FEATURED VIDEOS

faqs
The History of IYC

iyc_2012_denver_worshipThe International Youth Convention of the Church of God, better known as IYC, was launched in 1924 as a youth day. In 1930, the first three-day, biennial youth convention was held. Over the years that have followed, International Youth Conventions have been held in all regions of the United States—as well as in three Canadian provinces. In the late 1990s, the Youth Ministry Team developed an overall purpose statement for IYC: to create a moment for life change. This purpose drives everything that happens at the convention. Because of IYC, thousands of young men and women have made life-changing decisions. Hundreds have decided to go into full-time vocational ministry or missions, and hundreds more have indicated they are serious about living as Christ-centered leaders. Since 1992, participants have given back to each host city with an estimated $850,000 worth of total volunteer service hours. Still, the giving goes beyond the IYC host cities. Since 1998, nearly 4,200 attendees have participated in IYC-related mission experiences in eleven countries. Over 40,000 students and leaders have attended IYC since 2002. IYC wants to make a lasting difference. Since 2006, IYC has partnered with churches in communities where the event has been held to help plant churches and serve in various ways with existing churches. IYC also helps to nurture a giving heart and a lifetime focus on others. Collectively, students have given hundreds of thousands of dollars to Spread the Word, allowing young people to purchase practical tools and resources for evangelism worldwide.

IYC welcomes all churches and leaders from any Bible-believing church group or denomination.

Who?

Seventh-grade graduates to high school seniors (class of 2022) and adult leaders.

IYC is designed for the age group above. You as the leader of your group may make exceptions to this guideline as needed based on the maturity level of your students.

Can I bring my child to the convention?

All individuals attending IYC2022 must be registered in order to participate. This is a junior and senior high school event; therefore, we discourage you from bringing younger children. If it is absolutely necessary to bring a younger child to the convention, the child must be registered, regardless of age. Anyone six years old and under are free.

Do I bring the kids in my group who are not very committed to the Lord?

Absolutely!  Bring the whole group, regardless of spiritual commitment. You will find that this experience is all about life change, whether it is a memory made, a small change to become more like Christ, a major decision to accept Jesus as Savior or pursue ministry, or something you haven’t even yet dreamed of! God works in mighty ways and in small ways through IYC.

I am a student, but don’t have a youth leader or my group isn’t coming. Can I still come? 

For your safety, we do not allow unchaperoned students and insist that you must be a part of a youth group to come to IYC. You might want to check with other Churches of God in your area to see if you can connect with one of their youth groups. We have found that groups are usually very willing to accept others as long as you follow their guidelines, meet their deadlines for payments, and attend meetings as part of their group in preparation for IYC.

I am an adult who is not bringing students, but I just want to experience the convention. Can I still come? 

For the safety of our students and the intent of the convention, our policy is that adults must be a leader of students in order to come to IYC  (exceptions would be specially invited guests, speakers, exhibitors, etc.)  The Church of God offers adult conferences that you can be a part of in the future. We encourage you to check them out at jesusisthesubject.org.

What, When, & Where?

The 53rd International Youth Convention of the Church of God to be held in San Antonio, Texas.

Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center
900 E. Market Street
San Antonio, TX 78205

IYC is a four-day biennial gathering of junior and senior high school students and their adult leaders.

The convention will be held Thursday, June 30 – Sunday, July 3, 2022.

How are the dates for IYC decided?

Rates of hotels and city availability play into what dates we choose.  Often, we find the week of July 4 offers some of the best hotel rates, which is why we have had IYC over the holiday in recent years. In addition to this, the holiday allows some adult leaders to participate in IYC while using fewer vacation days to cover their time away from work.  Also, many school systems declare a “moratorium” during this week of July, which means student athletes are more likely to be able to participate in IYC without missing events or practices.

Why?

IYC is an opportunity for life change.

You will find that this experience is unique for each participant.  God does some amazing things at IYC and brings about life change in both great and small ways.  It may be a challenge to change, growth in relationships in a youth group, a first step toward salvation, or a calling to vocational ministry.  How will God work in your life and in the lives of your students?  Here are some stories from people who experienced life change at a previous IYC.

Theme

The theme for IYC2022 is UPGRADE.

Based off Isaiah 43:14-21, we will be focusing on what it looks like to surrender, discover the new thing God wants to do in your life, learn what to do when things get difficult, and declare the new thing God has done within you.

Isaiah: 43:18-19

18“Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past.
19See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?
I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.

Transportation

All attendees are responsible for arranging their own transportation to IYC. For those flying into San Antonio, we recommend the San Antonio International Airport (SAT). The airport is about 10-15 minutes from the IYC Convention Center & Hotels. The hotels DO NOT offer airport shuttle service.  Uber, shuttles, and taxies typically cost around $20-$30, one-way. You might want to consider thinking outside the box – looking at a limo service or private van service, for example.

For groups without transportation wishing to spend a day at a water park or theme park before or after the convention, there are various transportation companies in the San Antonio area available to take you to/from those locations.

Waiver

NEW for IYC2022:  ALL WAIVERS MUST BE SUBMITTED ELECTRONICALLY.  WAIVERS ARE ONLY REQUIRED FOR STUDENTS WHO WILL BE UNDER THE AGE OF 18 AT THE BEGINNING OF IYC – JUNE 30, 2022.

Give this link to students/parents.  There is a place at the bottom of the waiver where parents may enter an email address to receive a copy of the signed waiver. Group leaders may want to consider giving parents their own email address to use, so that leaders can receive and track waivers as they are submitted.  We recommend texting this to parents during an IYC informational meeting, so they can sign and submit on the spot, using their smart phones.  Laptops, iPads, tablets, etc. may also be used. At least one parent must sign for each minor child attending IYC2021. The updated waiver is available here: https://cgm.formstack.com/forms/iyc_waiver_copy

Dress Code

Is there a dress code for IYC?

Yes, we have modesty suggestions for IYC.  We ask all students to avoid displaying gang signs, drug symbols, profanity, or alcohol-related images or slogans on clothing. In addition, we ask females and males to avoid the following:

  • Females are asked to avoid:
    • Shorts that are shorter than your fingertips when holding your arms at your side
    • Shirts that show back, belly, or cleavage
    • Spaghetti-strap tank tops – Straps should be at least two fingers wide and cover bra straps
    • Two-piece swimsuits – Bring only modest one-piece swimsuits, or wear a t-shirt over a two-piece suit
  • Males are asked to avoid:
    • Sagging pants that show your underwear
    • Speedos
What to Pack

What should I pack for IYC?

Not sure exactly what to pack for your time with us in San Antonio? Below is a sample packing list to help you get started.

  • Bible, notebook, and a pen
  • Clothes for 7 days (shorts, t-shirts, etc.)
  • Sweatshirt or a light jacket (the AC keeps it cold inside the convention center)
  • Sneakers and/or closed-toed shoes
  • Toiletries (deodorant, toothbrush/toothpaste, soap, shampoo, etc.)
  • Medications (original containers placed inside a clear zip lock bag with the student’s name)
  • Swimsuit (modest)
  • Towel
  • Sunscreen/Sunblock
  • Small bag/fanny pack or book bag
  • Sunglasses
  • Water bottle (reusable)
  • Snacks
  • Photo I.D. (Required to fly if you are 18 years or older)
  • Spending Money
    • $20-$30 for Spread The Word offering
    • IYC Merchandise (t-shirts will range from $15-$17 with 4 options to choose from)
    • Merchandise from IYC artists (Hulvey, Hosanna Wong, Northpoint Worship, and John Michael Hinton)
    • Snacks (ice cream or treats nearby the hotel)
COVID-19 Protocols
We ask all attendees to follow local guidelines at the time of the event. The IYC team will communicate those guidelines in advance as the event gets closer. Currently, the city of San Antonio recommends that everyone wear a mask when indoors at city facilities. Hand sanitization sites will be readily available around the convention center and each hotel has its own protocols which IYC will also communicate closer to the event. A lot can change in 5 months, but we will continue to monitor all protocols concerning our time in San Antonio during the convention.
Meal Planning

There are numerous restaurants available within walking distance of each hotel and the convention center. Here are some tips for you:

    • Breakfast—Consider bringing easy breakfast items with you, such as granola bars, dry cereal, instant oatmeal, etc. and/or plan a trip to a local grocery store to buy these items and keep them in your room during the convention. There is a mini-fridge in every hotel room for cold items. Don’t have transportation? Consider doing an online order for your group with a grocery store, schedule a designated pick-up time, then take a taxi or Uber to pick up all your food at once. We’re sure your students would be happy to meet you in the lobby to unload all the goodies!
    • Convention Center—NO OUTSIDE FOOD OR DRINK IS ALLOWED INSIDE THE CONVENTION CENTER. Please follow this guideline that they have given us.
    • Outside the hotel—There are a lot of options outside the hotel for those with AND without transportation. The San Antonio Riverwalk is full of restaurants and shops. If you plan to eat at a restaurant, we recommend calling ahead to see if they take reservations or call ahead seating.
Missions & Spread the Word

Is there a mission experience before or after IYC that I can be involved with?

We are not offering a group missions experience in conjunction with IYC2022, but you are welcome to pursue your own options for a pre/post-IYC mission experience.

Will there be a Spread the Word Offering at IYC?

Yes, there will be two opportunities for students to give the Spread the Word, and those funds will be used to continue providing tools for evangelism around the world. Our focus projects will be church planting in Amazonia and home churches in France. Our goal is for each person to give at least $25 in the offering.  If we do that, we can raise over $55,000 at IYC2022.

Service Projects for Impact

What is Impact San Antonio?

Impact San Antonio is an opportunity for groups to serve the IYC host city. We are currently working on options for Impact Projects. Updated projects will be posted in early 2022.

High School Band

The IYC High School Band consists of students who are current 8th-12th grade students, selected from CHOG congregations from around North America, under the direction of Jake Seaton. To audition for the IYC High School Band, click here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/IYC2022HSB

Student Leadership Team

IYC is a convention that is FOR teenagers primarily planned BY teenagers! The IYC Student Leadership Team consists of students selected from around North America that have been nominated by their Youth Pastor/Senior Pastor. These students meet several times to establish the IYC theme, specific speakers and artists, as well as the breakout sessions and other components of IYC. To nominate a student for the IYC2024 Student Leadership Team, click here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/IYC2024SLTNomination

5K

Once again, we are having a 5K at IYC2022! 

Freedom comes in many different forms. This year’s run/walk will be joining with Children of Promise to help free children from the bondage of extreme poverty. Check out their mission at www.childrenofpromise.global

Whether you’re a runner or not, you can still make a difference by lacing up and heading to the Riverwalk. This is an untimed 5K so plan to come out and just enjoy a run before the San Antonio heat really sets in.

Where Do We Meet?
Look for the signs at the corner of Alamo/Market Street in front of the Convention Center.

What Time?
6:30 AM – Registration and packet pickup
7:00 AM – Runners Released
7:05 AM – Walkers Released

How Much?
The cost of registration is $22. Pre-registrations will come with some guaranteed SWAG. On-site
will be based upon availability. Register Today: https://bit.ly/5KIYC2022

Tax Exempt Information

Churches may apply for tax exemption in Texas and, if eligible, save a portion of the sales tax from your hotel rooms.

Click here for more information:   https://comptroller.texas.gov/taxes/exempt/forms/

Click here for the HOTEL OCCUPANCY TAX FORMS: https://comptroller.texas.gov/taxes/hotel/forms/

Churches will need to apply as religious institutions with an established physical place for worship and provide the following documents, as listed on the required form:

  • A copy of the church’s Articles of Organization or Articles of Incorporation
  • Documentation that the church maintains a physical place for worship (for example, a utility bill, lease or mortgage agreement, insurance policy, etc.).
  • A copy of a schedule of services and activities regularly conducted at the church (for example, a church bulletin or newsletter).

Once you have received your tax exemption paperwork, make copies and bring it with you to San Antonio. Turn in a copy at the hotel desk upon check-in to save a portion of the sales tax off your rooms. You might be able to use the additional copy at various restaurants and for activities, etc. – it never hurts to ask! Remember that in order to use tax exemption, payment must be made with a church credit card or check.

Miscellaneous

What type of seating will there be for the main sessions at IYC2022? We will all be in one arena at IYC2022. There will be staggered admission by geographical region, based on the color of attendee wristband.

Will there be an offering time at IYC2022? Yes, we are asking everyone to set a goal to bring $15 or more for the Spread the Word offering. STW funds are used for evangelism around the world!

What is the pre-convention prayer service? This is a focused time of prayer and worship that anyone may attend. You do not have to be checked in or wear your wristband/lanyard to get in.

What do you recommend for tipping during IYC? As you plan your trip to IYC, include tip money in your budget. A tip shows our appreciation, and we want to represent IYC by showing others the generosity that Christ has shown to us. Let’s be a blessing to the people of San Antonio! Here are some general tipping guidelines:

    • Restaurant and coffee shop servers: 17% minimum, 20% recommended
    • Baggage handlers at airport, hotel: $1-$2 per bag
    • Airport limo, van, and shuttle drivers: $1-$2 per bag
    • Taxi drivers: 10%-15%, minimum of $1
    • Parking valets: $2 minimum
    • Room service: Check your bill to see if service fee is included. If not, tip 17%-20%.
    • Tour guides: $1-$2 per person
    • Hotel housekeepers: $1-$2 per person, per day
Have you ever wondered how IYC comes together?

Planning begins four to five years in advance. The Church of God Ministries & IYC leaders visit the convention city to contract with the convention center and the hotels.

Several years ago, the Youth Ministry Team (YMT) decided on a sequence of four rotating cities (San Antonio, Texas; Orlando, Florida; Denver, Colorado; and Nashville, Tennessee) with the option of a fifth wildcard city. These cities provide different types of experiences for students from all areas of the country.

Once the city is confirmed, the Student Leadership Team (SLT) meets with the YMT in the convention city around eighteen months before the upcoming convention. Together, through much prayer and discussion, they set the theme, schedule, and decide on artists and speakers. They come back together around one year prior to the convention to complete the student conference schedule and select the leaders of those conferences.

The CGM & IYC key staff members make numerous trips during the two-year period between conventions to make sure that things are in order for you to have a great experience. Everything we do is driven by one question: “Does this create a moment for life change?” We never seek to do anything at IYC that doesn’t set attendees up for that powerful connection to God and the Holy Spirit.

Additionally, we believe that prayer unleashes God’s power; therefore, hundreds of prayer partners start to pray for the convention months before it starts; a prayer guide goes out to all churches in the early months of the convention year; the name of every preregistered attendee is sent to a prayer counselor to pray over before the convention; the day before the event our on-site staff and team of prayer intercessors are praying for IYC participants.

As IYC2022 approaches, begin to pray with us for that moment of life change for all who attend.

IYC2022 Registration Rates

Rate Description Cost per registration Start date End date
Early Bird Rate $155.00 October 4, 2021 January 24, 2022
Life Change Rate $165.00 January 25, 2022 March 21, 2022
Regular Registration $175.00 March 22, 2022 May 16, 2022
Late/At-the-door $190.00 May 17, 2022 June 30, 2022

Cancellations: There is a $50 cancellation fee for any cancellation made ON or BEFORE May 16, 2022. Cancellations after this date will NOT be refunded.

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Lodging & Parking

Register first to receive your group rate promo code.

Specific access to the room reservation platform will be available to you in your registration confirmation. Included at that time will be the hotel code that will give you access to our special reduced convention rates. This will allow you to reserve your group’s rooms. You will also have instructions on how you might save on taxes for your group.

Special Lodging Rates for IYC Participants from Great Hotels.

$140 per night
current tax rate 18%

Check your registration confirmation for a promo code.

Parking

Multiple downtown parking options from $12-$24 per day

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IYC2022 Schedule

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See you in Orlando!

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