Conference Young Adult Retreat Returns After Six-Year Hiatus

After a six-year hiatus, more than 90 young adults from across the Kentucky-Tennessee Conference gathered at Indian Creek Camp from May 9–11 for a weekend of spiritual renewal, connection, and reflection at the young adult retreat, this year themed “Why Me?”.

The retreat had not taken place since 2019 following the COVID-19 pandemic and shifts in conference leadership. However, Nelson Silva, who was recently given the title of Youth Director for Young Adults, Public Campus Ministries and Children’s Ministries for the conference, said focus groups revealed that many young adults were seeking a place to connect.

“[The retreat] came straight from the young adults themselves,” Nelson said. “We started with a listening tour, just asking what they needed, and they said, ‘We want our retreat back.’ So, we brought it back with their ideas at the center.”

The “Why Me?” theme, inspired by Ephesians 2:10, was selected after young adults identified purpose, discipleship, and healing, particularly mental health, as their most pressing spiritual and personal concerns. These topics formed the foundation of the weekend’s programming. In addition to this, attendees participated in workshops and general sessions aligned with the three themes, along with recreational activities such as horseback riding, zip-lining, kayaking, and a scavenger hunt. The retreat also featured worship services and music coordinated entirely by local young adults.

“There’s a hunger for connection,” Nelson said. “So many of these young adults come from churches where they might be the only person their age. This retreat gives them the chance to meet others like them [and] to know they’re not alone.”

This year, the conference saw broad representation from across its territory, with more than 20 churches being represented – marking a shift from previous years, when attendance was largely concentrated in churches just around Nashville. Several churches helped subsidize costs for their young adults, while the conference stepped in to assist those without a home congregation or financial resources.

“Faith grows stronger in unity,” said Bryan Vasquez, a young adult from the Lebanon Hispanic Church and event attendee. “When events like this come up, they’re an opportunity to grow spiritually alongside other young adults who share your faith. This retreat helped me return home with a clearer understanding of God’s plans for my future, and I also made new friends and met some amazing people.”

According to Nelson, the retreat is part of a larger effort by the conference to reestablish and expand its young adult ministries. Future plans include supporting local young adult groups, building connections with public campus ministries, and continuing to listen to the needs of young adults through focus groups.

A follow-up training for young adult and campus ministry leaders is scheduled for July 26 at the conference office.