ATC to Hold 2021 National Conference in Orlando

From June 27-30, 2021, Adult & Teen Challenge (ATC) will host the Forging Our Future National Conference in Orlando, Florida. The organization’s biennial conference is normally held during years opposite the Assemblies of God’s General Council but was rescheduled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Located at the Rosen Centre hotel, the conference is open to the public and will focus on the future of faith-based addiction recovery and engaging future generations on the topic of life-controlling issues.

The speaker lineup for plenary sessions includes several mental health and leadership experts, including John Maxwell, author of The New York Times bestseller The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership; John Townsend, business consultant and psychologist; Jim Bradford, former general secretary of the Assemblies of God; Anna Ramos, clinical director of Long Island Teen Challenge; and others.

In addition to the plenary sessions, ATC’s conference will also feature multiple daily breakout sessions on such topics as leadership development, program innovations, marketing techniques, donor relations, staff recruitment and retention, and fostering biblical unity. Attendees may tour an exhibition hall with various vendors and receive prayer from altar workers in an all-day prayer room. ATC has also planned numerous giveaways, including a $25,000 Speed the Light vehicle grant. ATC is an AG U.S. Missions ministry.

The Rosen Centre provides numerous COVID-19 safety protocols, including facial temperature scanners, electrostatic cleaning machines, and additional room space for social distancing. ATC will provide masks and sanitation stations for attendees.

At ATC’s recent informational town hall, Gary Wilkerson, son of ATC founder David Wilkerson, shared his excitement for the conference.

“I think Teen Challenge is positioned to be the key remedy to primary crises that are taking place in the United States,” Wilkerson said. “I look forward to being with you at the National Conference.”

Gary Blackard, ATC president and chief executive officer, expressed his belief that God will use the conference to prepare ATC for its future in the addiction recovery community.

“There is a growing anticipation within leadership,” Blackard said. “We really believe that the Lord is going to prepare our hearts for a harvest like we’ve never seen before, so come expectant and ready for the Holy Spirit to work.”

General admission to the conference is $399.10, and registration closes on June 22. Anyone interested in attending may find more information and the registration link by clicking here.