Students in 7th – 12th grade are invited to the Baptist Resource Network’s newest conference, Amplify. This event, to be held February 21-23, 2025, at Camp Hebron in Halifax, Pa., is the annual Next Gen gathering for PA/SJ congregations. This event is intended to help students take the NEXT STEP in what it means for the presence of Christ Jesus as Savior and Lord to be AMPLIFIED in their lives.
Baptist Resource Network
AMPLIFY Conference
Friday, February 21, 2025, 6 p.m.,
to Sunday, February 23, 2025, 12 p.m.
at Camp Hebron, 957 Camp Hebron Rd, Halifax, PA 17032
Cost: $125 per person
In John 20:21, Jesus states that as “the Father has sent me, so SEND I YOU.” The vision for this event is to accomplish the very NEXT STEP of each young person answering the call to be SENT – from answering the initial summons to salvation, all the way through to the ultimate summons to sacrificial service on BOLD Mission!
Amplify Required Forms:
The following forms are required for any church group attending Amplify:
- Amplify Group Roster: All students and adults must be listed on your church’s roster. Participants Lists are due February 7, 2025, two weeks prior to the Amplify Conference.
- Medical Release and Participant Release Form: Required for every individual student and adult attending the event. Due at check-in.
- Statement of Compliance: Steps must be taken by your church to complete this form prior to your arrival at camp. Due at check-in.
- Payment: Click the button below to fill out the online payment form to pay for registrations.
CAMP PASTOR Tony Banks
Tony Banks serves as pastor of the Agape Bible Fellowship Church in Richton Park, Illinois, where he has served since 2001. From 2001 to 2021, he was bivocational, serving as pastor of Agape, and as a full-time teacher in the public school system, and then as a principal, until he retired from public education in 2021. He was appointed as a home missionary in 1995 to serve as a campus minister on the campus of Chicago State University, working on staff with the Chicago Metro Baptist Association. He served as regional director of campus ministry in the Chicago area on staff with the Illinois Baptist State Association. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in education from Illinois State University; a Master of Arts degree in Educational Administration from Governors State University; and a Master of Divinity degree from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School in Deerfield, Illinois. He and his wife, Pierangelis, have been married for 43 years and have two adult children and six grandchildren.
Worship led by THINK OF 3
Think of 3 is located in the suburbs of Pottstown, Pa. Their music is a blend of alternative rock with hints of pop in the vein of David Crowder, Michael Knott, and Third Day. Currently, they’re about to release two new CD projects, The Allegra Sessions (producer John Ray Bolles) and Damaged Joy (Dome Recording Studios) featuring original songs as well. They playi in various locations (coffeehouses, outdoor music festivals, churches, etc.) at least once or twice a month.
The Band’s Objective:
By His power and with a love for God the Father, The Son Jesus Christ and The Holy Spirit (i.e., Think of 3), the band’s desire is to minister and proclaim The Good News via the message of the songs and their testimonies that they’ve been given which will hopefully touch and minister to the lives of those who hear them.
The Story always begins somewhere:
Born and raised in Downingtown, Pa., music was always a huge part of Frontman James Harvey’s life. From the time he could remember, James sang along to the songs that his parents listened to on the record player. At age 10, he started playing the saxophone and singing in the school choir and then at 15, James turned his attention to the guitar. Then at age 18, an act of God’s grace changed James’ life forever! It’s exactly like the song Amazing Grace–“I once was blind but now I see…” –a sinner saved by grace and given the gift of faith. Raised in an abusive home riddled with alcohol and violence, James turned to drugs, sex, and rock-n-roll to ease the pain… but nothing helped until that one fateful day when he was given a choice between life and death / good or evil. Thankfully, James chose God instead of the devil, the world, and its ways.
He hopes some of his songs, inspired by the joys of salvation and the pains and struggles of life, will touch the lives of those who hear them and that their messages will encourage you to seek the only one, Jesus Christ through the power of the Holy Spirit, who can save!
The Story continues…
James Harvey released his first solo Christian CD, Dawn of A New Day, in 2000 and has been leading Think of 3 for years with various members until about three years ago when he met Shane Hess at a local Open Mic. James felt God prompted him to ask Shane to join the band and thus began a newly revised version of Think of 3. Since then they’ve played various shows, opened up for Shane & Shane at Teen Challenge, released a CD in 2015 called Light My Way, received airplay on various radio stations, and continues to write new songs. Learn more at Think of 3’s website.
JARED CARLINE, NEXT GEN PASTOR, WRIGHTSDALE BAPTIST CHURCH
Jared Carline is passionate about helping the next generation accept their call in the Great Commission. Jared grew up in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania ,and currently lives in Southern Lancaster County. He is the NextGen Pastor at Wrightsdale Baptist Church, where he teaches both youth and young adults. God is doing great things there!
Jared is a recent graduate of Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, receiving his master of arts degree in Christian studies. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in biblical studies from Boston Baptist College. Jared has served in ministry in a variety of places, both domestic and internationally.
Jared has been married to his wife Emily for five years. They are blessed parents to Noelle (5) and Jameson (3). In his spare time, Jared enjoys playing golf, watching the Premier League, and laughing with his family.
Kimberly Houston
Kimberly is committed to God and His Kingdom agenda on earth. She is blessed to be a mother of daughter, Ciani Houston-Shockley. In addition to her service with the BRN’s Woven Women’s Ministry, Kimberly serves as a worship leader, teaches spiritual gifts , leads evangelism training, conducts outreaches, aids in the audio and visual department and is a project manager of the marketing department at Macedonia Baptist Church in Norristown, Pa. Kimberly enjoys spending time with her family, vacations to tropical islands, and encouraging the church body to go forth and spread the Good News of Jesus Christ with boldness! One of her favorite scriptures is Matthew 28:19-20.
CONFERENCE DIRECTOR: Stan Williams Director, Next Gen, Baptist Resource Network
STANLEY WILLIAMS, BRN’s Next Gen Director, oversees our convention’s ministries to the Next Generation (youth and young adults) with a principle focus on the collegiate ministry. He has served as a collegiate missionary for the North American Mission Board since 2001.
Stanley’s background in collegiate ministry dates back to his college years where, as an undergraduate at Howard University (Class of 1987) he grew deeper and stronger in Christian faith and spiritual disciplines. “Had it not been for the pivotal role of Rev. Eugene Burrell and the Navigator’s Christian Fellowship of Howard University, I do not know where I would be or how I would have avoided a mediocre experience as a Christian and an undergraduate,” he said.
Stanley has an abiding visceral sense of calling to engage the next generation. For the course of over 35 years of vocational Christian ministry, he has served campus ministries and congregations in Alaska, Texas, Illinois, Pennsylvania and New Jersey.
Stanley, who holds a Master of Divinity degree in Great Commission Studies from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, says his ministry passions are impacting lostness and multiplying apostolic leaders for the sake of Kingdom advancement. He and his wife Trina have four adult children, and a host of adopted grandchildren from the several years of being integrally involved in the lives of former students in an extended family capacity.
Breakout Sessions
God Chasers
Passionate followers of the Lord Jesus Christ
Truth Tellers
Persuasive communicators of Christ’s claims
Peace Makers
Proponents of Christ’s Mission to reconcile people to God and each other
Justice Seekers
Perspicuously principled pursuers and practitioners of God’s justice
World Changers
Pain-moving, problem-engaging, Power-of-God stewarding persons whose presence always makes a difference in their world
JUSTICE SEEKERS: Perspicuously principled pursuers and practitioners of God’s justice
D. KYLE CANTY D.Min. was born and raised in North Philadelphia and now resides in the West Oak Lane section of the city of Philadelphia. He and his wife, Pam, have been married for 23 years and have three children; a 20-year-old son, Micah, a 19-year-old daughter, Karis, and a 10-year-old daughter, Shiloh. Kyle received a bachelors of science degree in Bible and pastoral ministry and a master of science degree in Christian counseling from Cairn University (formerly Philadelphia Biblical University). He also has a master of divinity degree in urban missional leadership and a doctor of ministry degree with a focus on urban missiology from Missio Seminary (formerly Biblical Seminary). He has over 38 years of ministry experience, most recently as assistant pastor at Great Commission Church in the West Oak Lane section of Philadelphia where he has served for over 21 years. He also co-authored a book in 2019 with Dr. Larry L. Anderson, “Ask Me Why I’m Not In Church: A Call for the Church To Get Out of the Building.” He currently works for the North American Mission Board as the Send City Missionary for the city of Philadelphia. He oversees church planting efforts in the region. Kyle has a love for incarnational urban ministry among marginalized communities. His passion includes seeing individuals discover and follow God’s calling for their lives.
WORLD CHANGERS: Pain-moving, problem-engaging, Power-of-God stewarding persons whose presence always makes a difference in their world
With a passion to reach people with the gospel of Jesus Christ and the missional goal to build relationships that would inspire others to grow in their faith and understanding of Jesus, Pastor Buff McNickle became a church planter of Grace Falls Church in the Atlantic County region of southern New Jersey in 2013.
During the seven-month journey of this new ministry, he has used his Alabama accent and passion for people to his advantage. As a representative of Jesus Christ, he wants to make a memorable impression so that strangers will feel comfortable to get to know him and possibly, build a friendship of trust that will eventually allow any apprehension to dissolve.
During the infancy of this new church plant, he and his core team have been able to interact with those who suffer from substance abuse and homelessness, begin a ministry of care and compassion so dancers in the local adult entertainment industry, provide afterschool homework help to school children at a local community center for low-income families, build relationships with the workers at a local soup kitchen, and for a small group of believers, encourage them to break out of their traditions of being mere pew-fillers to be inspired and prepared to carry the gospel into their circle of influence.
Pastor Buff was born and raised in Mobile, Alabama. He has served in full-time ministry since 1992. He started off as a student pastor for 12 years and then transitioned to family pastor in another church. He then went on to serve at the University of Mobile as a Director of Student Leadership and Involvement where he helped build and develop leadership among the students throughout various organization’s on campus. From 2008-2013, he served as Minister to Singles and Young Adults at Idlewild Baptist Church in Lutz, Florida.
Because they have both been humbled that God would adopt them into His eternal family, Buff and his wife Cissy are blessed to be the parents of three beautiful children, twin boys, Jedidiah and Judah, and Arabella. They live in Absecon, N.J.
KINGDOM QUEST
ARE YOU READY TO COMPETE?
Welcome to the Kingdom Quest, where adventure meets intellect, agility intertwines with strategy, and physical prowess is put to the test! Get ready to unleash your intellect in mind-bending challenges that will test your problem-solving skills, creativity, and critical thinking.
But that’s not all – agility takes center stage as participants navigate through obstacle courses that demand quick thinking, nimble movements, and teamwork. The thrill of conquering physical challenges will keep the adrenaline pumping as you sprint, jump, and climb your way to victory.
For those seeking an extra dose of adrenaline, the physical competitions will push participants to their limits. Whether it’s a high-energy relay race or a challenging ropes course, there’s no shortage of opportunities to showcase strength, endurance, and determination.
Kingdom Quest isn’t just about individual accomplishments – it’s about fostering teamwork and camaraderie. You will form bonds with your fellow campers as you collaborate to overcome obstacles, solve problems, and conquer each challenge together.
Who will receive the Golden Bone?
Conference Schedule
FRIDAY
| 5:00 PM | Registration | Mountainside Haven |
| 6:00 PM | Dinner | Mountainside Haven |
| 7:00 PM | Worship & Plenary #1: “The Quest: I AM…” | Mountainside Haven |
| 9:00 PM | Kingdom Quest: Duel #1 | Hemlock Center |
| 10:00 PM | Free Time | |
| 11:00 PM | Lights Out |
SATURDAY
| 7:00 AM | Breakfast | Sylvan |
| 8:00 AM | Worship & Plenary #2: “The Quest: I SAY…” | Mountainside Haven |
| 9:30 AM | Breakout Sessions [God Chasers/Truth Tellers/Peacemakers] | See Program |
| 11:30 AM | Lunch | Sylvan |
| 12:30 PM | Breakout Sessions [Justice Seekers/World Changers] | See Program |
| 2:30 PM | Kingdom Quest: Duel #2 | Rec. Field |
| 3:30 PM | Free Time | |
| 6:00 PM | Dinner | Sylvan |
| 7:00 PM | Worship, Plenary #3 & Missions Emphasis: “The Quest: I CAME…” | Mountainside Haven |
| 9:00 PM | Kingdom Quest: Duel #3 | Hemlock Center |
| 10:00 PM | Intercessory Prayer & Campus Time | |
| 11:00 PM | Lights Out |
SUNDAY
| 7:00 AM | Breakfast | Sylvan |
| 8:00 AM | Worship & Plenary #4: “The Quest: I MUST…” | Mountainside Haven |
| 9:30 AM | Postlude & Evaluation | Mountainside Haven |
| 10:00 AM | Clean, Pack & Exit |
PROMOTIONAL RESOURCES
