The 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.

The 53^rd 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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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 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)

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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

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.

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

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.