This year’s DNOW comes with some exciting new changes! Our ministry strives to constantly rethink how we engage and minister to our students. While the truth of the gospel remains constant, the “how” behind the way we minister and connect with students shifts. DNOW is one of those events that we must rethink the “how.”
Disciple Now Weekend has historically been an overnight event for 6th - 12th graders led by college-aged leaders in homes around our local community. It is one of the most impactful and kingdom-minded events we offer for our students, attracting students from around the community. We take this event seriously because we know the eternal impact it can have on a teenager.
One thing we desire is for students to have access to this event when an overnight stay is not an option for them. This could be by conviction or the comfortability of staying overnight in a home unfamiliar to them. We also want to have the safety of all students in mind, understanding that an overnight stay gives opportunities for actions beyond our control. We want to take preventive measures so that nothing distracts from the main point of the weekend itself while keeping the uniqueness of the event intact.
That being said, here are the major changes to the weekend:
Junior High Students (6-8 grade) will not stay overnight during DNOW weekend.
They will take part in all DNOW weekend has to offer, with the exception of an overnight stay. Parents will drop off/pick up for the event at 4 designated times (Friday Night, Saturday Morning/Night, and Sunday Morning).
We are excited to offer a unique space for Junior High Students on the Saturday of DNOW weekend. There will be a special time of worship/teaching for Junior High students only, addressing needs specific to them.
They will still take part in all the “events” of the weekend, including small group, rec, games, and all other activities (Silent Disco, Giant inflatables, Dodgeball, etc.)
High School Students (9-12) will stay overnight in homes during the weekend with the option to exempt themselves from an overnight stay.
Like junior high, this will not exclude them from any “events” of the weekend, just overnight stay.
High School students will also have a unique space reserved for high school only to worship and address specific needs.
It is our hope to prioritize the gospel of Jesus Christ in all that we do. Giving teenagers a space to encounter Jesus as their Savior and Lord. These changes were made with that priority in mind while also seeking to maximize accessibility, safety, and engagement for any student who wishes to participate in DNOW weekend. We pray that these changes will lead to that end!