More than 10,000 students and volunteers gathered in Salt Lake City, Utah, for the Nazarene Youth Conference 2026 at the Salt Palace Convention Center from July 2 to July 5. The event centered on the theme “Wonder,” encouraging young people to reflect on faith, creation, and their roles within their communities.
“It really was an incredible week of worship, discipleship, and service in Salt Lake City as we lifted up Jesus and centered high school students,” said Justin Pickard, USA/Canada Region NYI youth coordinator. “The power and presence of God was evident as we witnessed lives transformed with thousands of students surrendering to become more like Christ and hundreds more responding to a call to ministry. Our theme verse NYC26 Wonder — Psalm 65:8 — really came to life.”
A unique aspect of this year’s conference was “The World’s Biggest Prayer Walk.” Teens organized into groups spread across 77 neighborhoods throughout Salt Lake City and nearby areas, praying over each neighborhood while covering an estimated total distance of 22,000 miles.
Seven speakers delivered messages during morning and evening sessions. Katie Rose Weissend led the NYC worship team. Gerald Fadayomi spoke Thursday morning on “Wonder,” while Gabriela Rodriguez addressed attendees Thursday night with a message titled “Ascend.” On Friday morning, Kelvin Crosby presented a demonstration about God as the Master Potter; Eric Samuel Timm spoke Friday night on “Awaken.” Alison Springer addressed belonging Saturday morning; General Superintendent Gustavo Crocker concluded Saturday night’s session by saying, "When the Holy Spirit takes control of you and me, he transforms the ordinary into extraordinary." Shane Lima closed Sunday morning with a sermon on "Imagine," urging students to consider their future: "The future is bright," Lima said, "because this generation belongs to the Lord."
Students participated in concerts each evening featuring artists Hulvey (Thursday), Josiah Queen (Friday), and Elevation Rhythm (Saturday). Additional activities included recreational opportunities in Rec Hall, guided prayer experiences through The Experience room, and participation in Ministry with Others—packing crisis care kits for missions projects.
Nazarene Youth Conference has been held every four years across North America but adopted a triennial schedule beginning in 2023 to avoid overlap with other major church events. The next conference is scheduled for Houston, Texas, in 2029.
