Teens Conference 2024
Juniors - March 11-12, 2024
Seniors - March 13-14, 2024
About Teens Conference
AFC's Teens Conference is an annual March Break Youth Conference to engage the next generation of students in Canada. Every year has brought over 400 middle to high school students from all across Ontario to experience and encounter the person and message of Jesus in our ever-changing world. Over the last 50 years, Teens Conference has inspired, mobilized, equipped and connected students and leaders alike to live out their calling in all aspects of their lives.
Our Mission and Vision
Since 1971, Ambassadors for Christ (AFC) in Canada has hosted Teens Conference (TC) in partnership with local Chinese churches across Ontario. Core to its mandate, TC challenges youth to integrate their faith with their everyday lives, not only as individuals but in the context of the community. Moreover, TC has served as a space for youth to invite their friends to encounter Christ for the first time. Through inspiring workshops, keynote speakers, and unique opportunities to serve, TC is a unique space of leadership development for young people. Fuelled by the passionate dedication and faithfulness of hundreds of volunteers spanning all generations, TC is a distinct space for youth to be mentored and stretched in their unique talents and gifts. Whether a participant or volunteer, it is our desire that each person who takes part in Teens Conference will personally experience and encounter our living God.
Our Core Values
"Come and See"
For unchurched youth, TC is an invitation to Come and See what Jesus is all about. For those with church experience, TC offers a broader picture of what walking, growing, and multiplying our faith could look like.
"Imitate us, as we imitate Christ"
For student volunteers, this is a unique opportunity to be mentored and discipled by older believers. Additionally, they will form lasting friendships and communities.
Kingdom Partnership
Core to AFC is our desire to partner with like-hearted Kingdom partners. From churches to other mission organizations, we work with others to cultivate God’s peace in this world.
Wonderfully Made
We believe that God has created us as Asian believers – in our bodies, in our context, with a distinct purpose. Collectively, we seek to help youth discover the call that God has given to us as bi-cultural Christians.
We live in Perilous Times.
Today, teens are living in a particularly troubling time in history — a global pandemic, a war in Ukraine, a mental health crisis, soaring rates of addiction, and a failing economy. Even within the church, there can be rampant division across generations, cultural lines, and political lines. It seems that every few months, there is another pastor who resigns due to their hidden sin or abuse. Does knowing Jesus really make a difference?
Now, more than ever, people are falling into despair. What hope is there for the future?
For a generation that is growing up in such turbulence, perhaps it is natural that studies show that Gen Z and Gen Alpha are very activistic, retain a strong sense of justice, and are determined to change the world. For this generation of young people, a gospel message that is only focused on eternity can seem irrelevant to the suffering, hardships, and injustices of today. Many are asking: “Does Jesus care about my suffering?” “What does God think about racism?” “Does God care about the destruction of our environment?” “Is the gospel only good news in eternity? Or does the gospel make a tangible difference in the world today?”
Do justice, love mercy and walk humbly with God
Micah 6:8
Teens Conference 2023
Your World Transformed
In Matthew 6:10, Jesus teaches his disciples to pray “Your kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.” He invites us to pray that his shalom would be a manifested reality, not only in heaven but also on earth. This is a compelling message and a picture that young people need to integrate and internalize today. This is the picture of the Kingdom of God, of shalom, of transformation. Shalom is more than the absence of conflict; rather, it is a picture of life being lived as God intended it. It is a picture of heaven and earth converging.
For 2023, our theme is "Your World Transformed". You will be challenged with questions like: “How does taking care of the earth express God’s shalom?” “How does removing the shame and stigma regarding mental health express God’s love and care?” “How is advocating for justice (serving at a soup kitchen, or participating in civil disobedience, or partnering with local justice organizations) an enactment of God’s Kingdom?” “How is caring for creation, cultivating the earth, and bringing forth beauty and caring for our land, an outflow of walking humbly with God?”
This year, let us experience and learn how knowing Jesus makes a difference in our lives and in the world. Be a part of a world transformed. Learn how you have an important role to play in engaging life as God intended it for our world today. Experience the transformation of God in your life, with other students and in the world around you.
What people say about Teens Conference
"It was an incredible experience for the first time. I definitely did not want to miss out on any of the content being displayed or being able to interact with people."
- TC 2021 Participant
"It was a friendly, safe and welcoming environment."
- TC 2021 Participant
"I am reminded that Jesus doesn’t care about what my future job might be or how many friends I have, but he continues to seek for my heart. I find our theme so timely right now, and there is no doubt in my mind that God is using this special experience to continue the Great Commission, in and outside of Teens Conference."
- REC Team Volunteer
Are you ready to be transformed?
For Grade 7, 8 & 9 students only
For Grade 9, 10, 11 & 12 students only
Thank You to Our Partners in 2023
