SOUTHERN & WESTERN 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 January 30-31, 2026, at the Kitchener-Waterloo 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 Ivan Uriegas 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 Ivan Uriegas
Pastor Ivan Uriegas is a vibrant young adult whose love for Jesus fuels a life of melody, ministry, and mission. A musical prodigy playing 27 instruments (and counting), he pursued undergraduate studies in Music in Mexico before earning his Master of Divinity at Andrews Theological Seminary. Starting as a Bible worker, Ivan's first pastoral assignment took him to the remote Timmins and Haileybury SDA Churches in Northern Ontario, where he shepherded a 400+ km district for six years, building community amid vast wilderness.
Ordained in June 2023, he now serves as Senior Pastor of the Simcoe and Six Nations SDA Churches, inspiring congregations with his heartfelt preaching and relational approach. Married to his sweetheart, Laura, the couple eagerly awaits their first child in February 2026. Ivan's passions include fishing, immersing in nature, and fostering deep community bonds amongst young adults.
Deeply committed to the Great Commission, Pastor Ivan is driven by a God-given desire to disciple others into authentic, loving relationships with Jesus. He is passionate about cultivating God-centered and God-fearing communities where people—especially young adults—can find true belonging and grow together in faith. At the Refresh Youth Leaders' Summit, experience Pastor Uriegas’ dynamic vision for building resilient, Christ-centred communities that ignite a lifelong passion for service.
Workshops & Presenters
Presenter To Be Announced
Answering Difficult Questions from Your Youth
Presenter To Be Announced
Program Planning: Ideas on How to Develop and Deliver an Inspiring Program
Presenter To Be Announced
Discovering Creative Ways to Make an Impact in the Community
Presenter To Be Announced
Leading with Confidence; Honouring Your Commitment
Presenter To Be Announced
Supporting Young People Going Through Life Transitions
Presenter To Be Announced
Training the Next Generation of Youth Leaders
Presenter To Be Announced
Succession Planning: Passing the Torch
Presenter To Be Announced
Leading with Confidence; Honouring Your Commitment
-
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
-
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
Weekend Schedule
-
Workshops offered in this session to be announced.
-
Workshops offered to be announced.

