NEAR NORTH & NORTHERN ONTARIO
Dedicated leaders like you from across the Southern & Western Ontario regions come together for an uplifting summit focused on sustaining your fire for God’s work. Mark your calendar for February 06-07, 2026, at the Sudbury Seventh-day Adventist Church, as we build and refresh on practical leadership principles.
You’ll experience spiritual renewal that fuels lasting growth, advanced training in discipleship to equip you for real ministry, and deep networking for camaraderie and unity with fellow leaders. Celebrate regional youth ministry successes, reconnect with our conference-wide and regional vision, and leave inspired to lead with fresh purpose.
With keynote speaker Pastor John Echavez bringing dynamic insight, this isn’t just a summit—it’s a refreshing reset for your heart, your leadership and your ministry. Your calling matters; at Refresh, you’ll gain the support, skills, and connections to sustain your leadership and disciple the next generation with lasting influence for the kingdom of God.
Empowering Leaders to be Kingdom Ambassadors
Keynote Speaker:
Pastor John Echavez
Pastor John Echavez is a devoted shepherd whose life radiates unwavering faith and fearless service. With a Bachelor of Theology and a Master of Divinity from Andrews Theological Seminary, he brings deep biblical insight to his ministry. He began as Assistant Pastor at the First Filipino-Canadian SDA Church, fostering vibrant community ties, and now leads as Senior Pastor of the North Bay and South River SDA Churches, guiding congregations through life's storms with grace.
Married to his loving partner Heather, Pastor John is a proud father to three beautiful, joyful children who fill his home with laughter and light. His favourite verse, Psalm 121:5—"The Lord watches over you"—serves as a cornerstone of his message to young people: "There is no need to fear—God is in control." It's a rallying cry for stepping boldly into God's plan, trusting His sovereignty amid uncertainty.
At the Refresh Youth Leaders Summit, join Pastor Echavez for dynamic sessions that equip you to lead fearlessly and serve with purpose. His passion for empowering the next generation will inspire you to embrace your calling!
Workshops & Presenters
Presenter To Be Announced
Engaging & Communicating with the Next Generation
Presenter To Be Announced
Ministry Identity & Personal Calling
Presenter To Be Announced
Facilitating Digital Outreach & Evangelism
Presenter To Be Announced
Leadership in Community Outreach & Collaboration
Presenter To Be Announced
Ministry Innovation & Creativity Lab
Presenter To Be Announced
Essential Skills for Effective Youth Ministry Leadership
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5:30 pm–6:45 pm: Onsite Check-in
7:00 pm–7:25 pm: Opening Plenary Service
7:30 pm – 9:00 pm: Workshop Session #1
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9:30 am – 10:30 am: Plenary & Sabbath School
11:00 am – 12:30 pm: Divine Worship
12:30 pm – 1:45 pm: Lunch
2:00 pm – 3:45 pm: Workshop Session #2
4:00 pm – 5:00 pm: Closing Plenary Service
5:00 pm – 6pm: Thrive Cafe & AYO Pop-up Store
7:00pm: Social & Networking
Weekend Schedule
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Workshops offered in this session to be announced.
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Workshops offered to be announced.

