Encounter was created to provide youth (grades 6-12) with additional opportunities throughout the school year to come together. Worship, the Word, and Hanging out together will be the primary focuses of these events. Youth groups are invited, and students are encouraged to ask their friends to be a part of what we are calling, “A night of Breakaway!” or “A night of Camp!“. Anyone who has been a part of summer church camp knows, the night services are not something that you want to miss!
Towards the end of the service, we will have an altar call, in which 2 specific calls will be made: a call for Salvation, and call for Recommitment. We believe these altar call moments to be the most powerful opportunities for students to focus (or refocus) their life on our Savior, Jesus Christ. We enjoy coming together to hangout, but it is these moments that are truly the most important!
Encounter will be offered twice a year! Once in the Spring, and once in the Fall. This is all made possible by others partnering with us to spread the word about these events! Use the graphics provided on this site to promote these events in your church, or on social media!
Listen to the leader: All students are expected to cooperate and follow the direction of their group leaders, Encounter staff, and venue personnel. Failure to comply with directions given could result in the student losing their privilege to participate in Encounter.
Bathroom Use: Bathroom facilities are available at the event, but their use should be limited. Traveling to the bathroom in a large group (of no particular gender) should be avoided. We want you to use the bathroom, but we also want you to experience what God wants to do at this event. Please practice common sense in deciding when is, and is not, an appropriate time to use the bathroom.
House rules: You need to make sure that you follow and obey all the rules and policies of the venue. We are guests in their facility. Some of these rules may be, but are not limited to: Practicing common sense, treating others with respect, and using the brain that God gave you.
No “wandering” around: You are not allowed to explore all of the rooms in the venue. The rooms that are accessible to us will be clearly marked. Students caught wandering around the facility may lose their right to participate in the event.
The boy/girl thing: During Altar Call moments, boys should pray with boys, and girls should pray with girls. Exceptions can be made for youth leaders that want to pray with students in their youth group of the opposite gender. This principle should also be practiced during Worship as well. Leaders are encouraged to “step in” during moments where this rule is not being practiced.
Come with your Youth Group: Students are not permitted to attend this event on their own, or without their Youth Leader(s). If the Youth Leader cannot be present at the event, other adult Staff may attend in their place. Your group must have adequate supervision.
No smoking, vaping, alcohol, illegal drugs, tobacco, or weapons: These things are not permitted at Encounter. Students have the opportunity to turn these items in to their group leaders before entering the venue. If students are caught with any of these items, they will forfeit their right to be a part of the event.
You break it, you buy it: Damage to the venue and its property, equipment, band instruments, or property of Open Bible Central is not allowed and is the responsibility of those who cause the damage. Individuals/groups will be held responsible for the cost of repair or replacement of damaged items.
