Youth EnCounter

	Thomas Brown Thomas is the Pastor of Worship at New Century Community Church in Roanoke, VA. Thomas has shared his walk of life with many incredible friends and musicians, and those who will help and encourage him. His favorite verse is Philippians 1:21: “For me to live is Christ and to die is gain.” Find out more about Thomas.
	Randy Cooksey Associate Pastor Mathews Baptist Church Mathews, VA
	Chris Folmsbee Chris Folmsbee is the Chief Ministry Officer of Youthfront Ministries in Shawnee Mission, KS; and the author of A New Kind of Youth Ministry, which introduces the concept of “reculturing” – the act of changing the way things are done or simply creating a culture of change. Far from the fly-by-night, change-for-the-sake-of-change concept, reculturing is about altering our paradigms for the sake of life change. Imagine your students’ spiritual growth if you recultured your design for evangelism…for discipleship… for leadership… for missions… for programming… even for life itself. Join this special time with Chris on this journey toward the future of youth ministry. You’ll find as you step back and look at your ministry through a new lens the possibilities on the horizon are limitless. Find out additional information about Chris and his ministry at Youthfront.
	Seth Franco In the seventh grade Seth Franco wrote an essay stating that he wanted to be a professional basketball player and a preacher one day. He has been living that dream. In October of 2003, Seth became the first Caucasian Harlem Globetrotter since 1942!
	Brent Gambrell Brent is certainly one of the most unique men you will ever meet. Although he was saved at the age of nine, he walked away from his commitment and pursued a lifestyle of popularity, power, and wealth.In addition to the money, alcohol, drugs, and sexuality were very much a part of the lifestyle Brent was leading. However, now Brent’s life is a testimony of what God can do in a life that is surrendered. Passionately teaching, his animated style combines laughter and truth to bring God’s grace to life using humor to break down walls, allowing God to speak to your heart. Since 1990, he has been traveling full-time, ministering to students, singles groups, and churches across this country.
	Ben Glenn ("Messy Preacher") Ben Glenn (formerly known as "The Chalk Guy") is now known as the "Messy Preacher." He is a powerful and entertaining speaker, but he is also much more than that. Part of his struggle with traditional learning led him to discover a love of art. A love that he has turned into a dynamic, not-to-be-missed, live art demonstration which wows and astonishes audiences, sweeping them up in an exciting and memorable experience that crowns his message as he literally whips together a beautiful drawing in less time than it takes to eat a sandwich! Importantly, no matter where he is and who he is addressing, Ben always finds a way to tie his message in with the drawing. This integration of both spoken and visual, firmly stamps the presentation and its message into the hearts and minds of all his audiences making him one of the most unique, but also relevant speakers to students today.
	The Jonathan Project The Jonathan Project teams up with Craig Tackett to lead students in worship and allow their hearts to grow closer to God through music and praise.
	Skyline Drive Passionate, Emotional, and Driven. These characteristics describe more than just the musical experience new Christian artists Skyline Drive bring to the stage. The words also describe the style of worship and the individuals that make up the band. Touted as a new positive alternative group, Skyline Drive offers more than just musical innovation and energetic audience interaction; they offer a complete—and completely different—worship experience. Check out Skyline Drive on YouTube.
	Craig Tackett Craig Tackett…captivating speaker, passionate lover of Christ and dedicated to seeing students come to know Christ personally. Not only does Craig understand the needs of teenagers today, but he also has an unusual ability to bring the Bible to life in a way that students can understand and put into practice. His mission is for students to be confronted with the realities of God’s call on every one of his followers and to help them live out that calling to enlarge the Kingdom of God.
	Virginia Tech Praise Band The BCM at VT praise band is passionate about God and pointing people to Him in worship. They lead services on campus weekly and are enjoying opportunities to share their gifts around the state as well.