Historic Plugged-In Gathering Unites Four Adventist Conferences in Memphis

Four conferences made history on September 19–20, 2025, by uniting for Plugged-In, a first-of-its-kind youth event hosted at Word of Life Church, Tenn. The Arkansas-Louisiana, Gulf States, Kentucky-Tennessee, and South Central conferences came together under the vision of the North American Division (NAD) and with the support of the Southern Union. More than 250 students, Pathfinders, leaders, and church members participated in the weekend gathering, hosted by Pastor Deon Johnson and the South Central congregation.

The event coincided with the launch of the Adventist Public High School Network (APHSN), a new North American Division ministry designed to support Adventist students in public schools. The initiative also uplifts Adventist educators serving in public schools, colleges, and universities, positioning them as spiritual leaders on secular campuses. Responding to this vision, the Kentucky-Tennessee Conference identified more than 30 Adventist educators in public institutions and committed to sending them weekly devotionals throughout fall 2025, following a recommendation from teachers themselves.

Friday evening featured Plugged-In: A Night of Power, led by youth directors and energized by music from the Word of Life Youth Praise Band. The program spotlighted young preachers from each conference: Victor Reynoso (Kentucky-Tennessee), Isaiah Chinchurreta (Arkansas-Louisiana), and D.J. Love (South Central). In a symbolic gesture, students received phone chargers as reminders to stay “plugged into Jesus.”

On Sabbath, Plugged-In: Pathfinder Day highlighted youth leadership through Sabbath School, worship, and vespers led by each conference. Pathfinder clubs played a central role in the day’s success, contributing music, service, and energy. After lunch, attendees chose between two outreach projects: creating invitation cards for friends or joining a prayer drive-thru.

The Sabbath program also featured messages from Pastors Shelina Bonjour, Greg and Kim Taylor, and Vanden Griffin. Their sermons focused on resilience and spiritual grounding amid life’s challenges. Griffin concluded the weekend with a strong call to action and closing prayer.