For six nights — October 17-19 and 22, 24-25, 2025 — West Edmonton Seventh-day Adventist Church became the headquarters of a youth-led spiritual movement. In partnership with North Seventh-day Adventist Church and Christ the Way Seventh-day Adventist Church, the congregation hosted the “Next Gen Disciples: Be the Light” Youth Evangelistic Series, a dynamic event intentionally designed to empower young people to step boldly into mission. The series was conducted as part of the Pentecost 2025 initiative, affirming the Alberta Conference’s vision to mobilize the next generation as preachers, leaders, and evangelists.

The theme, “Be the Light,” was prayerfully selected by the youth team — Samantha Parchment-Andrews, Jeronia Morrison, Grace Young, and Delano Thomas. They crafted a vision that called young people to rise above the noise of a distracted world and shine boldly for Christ. The focus? Restoring identity, rekindling prayer, and shining for Christ.

Instead of bringing in outside speakers or clergy, the organizers made a bold decision: every sermon would be preached by a young person.  Six youth speakers stepped forward and took responsibility for prayerfully preparing a message, studying Scripture, rehearsing, and delivering powerful presentations to their peers.  The topics covered were:

This youth-led structure (Speakers: Elizabeth Ndeze, Elizabeth Norine, Michael Campbell, Kayla Hawkins, Riona Morrison, and Kyle Johnson) created an authenticity and energy that resonated with attendees. West Edmonton pastors George Ali and Marc Leslie played a significant role behind the scenes — praying with the youth, guiding them through sermon preparation, and offering pastoral mentorship. The series reflected the Alberta Conference theme, “Go Younger.”

The groundwork for this series was extensive. Churches organized planning meetings, launched social media campaigns, distributed flyers, and challenged youth to invite friends. Prayer sessions saturated the weeks leading up to the event, ensuring that every detail was bathed in spiritual preparation.

Each night featured interactive icebreakers, faith-based games, and vibrant worship led by youth choirs and praise teams such as Kingdom Youth, Generation Praise, and Eternal Blessings. Visitors were welcomed with gift card giveaways, and testimony nights added a personal touch that drew hearts closer to Christ. The result was 220 attendees across six nights, with peak attendance reaching nearly 190-220 on Friday and Sabbaths.

One young person was baptized, and four others made decisions for future baptism even before taking their first Bible study. One testimony stood out — a young woman who confessed that before attending the series, she felt lost and disconnected.  But through the sermon “Identity Check,” she finally discovered who she was in Christ.

The churches are committed to ensuring these decisions grow into lifelong discipleship.  Everyone who chose baptism or expressed interest has been paired with an elder for ongoing Bible study and mentorship. Plans are underway for monthly youth Bible studies, as well as community service projects, to help new believers live out their faith in tangible ways.

Reflecting on the experience, Samantha offers heartfelt advice to any pastor considering a youth evangelistic series: “Do it. Give your youth the chance to lead. When young people preach, pray, sing, and testify, they don’t just change others — they’re transformed themselves. The Spirit moves powerfully when the next generation takes ownership of the gospel. Equip them, guide them, and then let them shine for Jesus.”