We were not designed to merely survive but to THRIVE in this life. THRIVE means to grow or develop well or vigorously, to prosper, and to flourish. When we encounter Jesus, we believe it changes everything.
Thrive Conference is designed for youth and young adults. Our prayer is that it’s not just another weekend but the beginning of a movement in the lives of everyone who attends. There’ll be intentional times of worship, powerful messages from world-renowned speakers, creative elements, special musical performances, a house party, and ridiculous amounts of fun.
Details
Cost
Super Early Bird Rate
Individual – $79
Group (10+) – $69
Early Bird Rate
Individual – $99
Group (10+) – $79
Regular Rate
Individual – $129
Group (10+) – $109
Register Now
Featuring
Dr. Jeremy DeWeerdt
Senior Pastor // City First Church
Jeremy DeWeerdt serves as the Senior Pastor of City First Church, a church focused on introducing everyone to Jesus and teaching them to follow Him. Jeremy, along with his wife, Jen, were placed in leadership of the church in April of 2007. Previously, they had been on staff at City First Church for 16 years in the role of Student Ministries Pastor and Founder/Director of the post-high school ministry, Rockford Master’s Commission (now City First Leadership College). Jeremy holds a M.A. in Ministerial Leadership from Southeastern University and a DMin in Semiotics, Church, and Culture from Portland Seminary at George Fox University.
Elyse Murphy-Mahan
Author, Speaker, & Thought Leader
Cameron Henderson
Young Adult Pastor // City First Church
Pastor Cameron Henderson is a dedicated Young Adult pastor based in Rockford, IL. With a passion for inspiring and empowering individuals to live their best lives, he brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to his role. Pastor Henderson studied as an intern for two years at City First Church and continued his education at City First Leadership College for four years. During this time, he honed his leadership skills and developed a deep understanding of the principles of effective ministry. Now, as a Young Adult pastor, he is committed to creating a supportive and inclusive community where people can grow in their faith and achieve their full potential. With his infectious energy and unwavering dedication, Pastor Henderson is a true inspiration to those around him.
Jarrod Metcalfe
Youth Pastor // City First Church
Lisa Seaton
Senior Executive Pastor // City First Church
Lisa Seaton serves as the Senior Executive Pastor of Staff & Ministry Development at City First Church. Lisa’s primary role is to oversee the ministry of the church’s weekend services. She has a passion to see every person who attends City First Church encounter a welcoming worship environment where God’s love is clearly communicated.
Lisa married her husband, Adam, in August of 2012 and have 2 boys, Nash and Ryder.
Lance Vistine
Executive Pastor of Leadership Development // City First Church
Lance Vistine is currently serving as the Executive Director of City First Leadership College. He also holds the Executive Pastor of Family Ministries position on the City First Church executive team. With over 20 years of experience in ministry, including 17 years in leadership colleges and 10 years serving as a youth pastor, Lance brings a wealth of knowledge and passion to our college. Lance holds a bachelor's degree from Southeastern University in Lakeland, Florida, and is an ordained minister. His dedication to developing future leaders and his hands-on approach to family ministry continue to inspire and impact those around him. Beyond his professional accomplishments, Lance is a devoted family man, married to his wife Beth for 24 years, with three children: Mekayla (20), Dylan (18), and Ethan (16).
Page Flock
Executive Pastor of Family Ministries // City First Church
Page Flock was born and raised in Rockford, IL, where her journey in youth ministry began over two decades ago. As the City First Youth Pastor, she is dedicated to nurturing and empowering the next generation within her community.
Her passion lies in cultivating leadership qualities among leaders and creating environments where individuals can thrive and grow together in their relationship with Jesus. She is excited to see students use their gifts and talents to make a difference in their families, schools, and communities.
City First Worship
Tickets Prices
Super Early Bird
Expired
Individual - $79
Group (10+) - $69
Early Bird
Expires 09/30/25
Individual - $99
Group (10+) - $79
Regular
Begins 10/01/25
Individual - $129
Group (10+) - $109
Schedule
This schedule is subject to change.
| Friday, November 8 | |
|---|---|
| 5:00pm | Registration Opens |
| 6:30pm | Doors Opens |
| 7:00pm | Session 1 |
| 9:00pm | After Party |
| 10:00pm | Dismissal |
| Saturday, November 9 | |
|---|---|
| 8:30am | Doors Opens |
| 9:00am | Session 2 |
| 10:15am | Break |
| 10:45am | Session 3 |
| 12:00pm | Lunch |
| 1:00pm | Breakout Overview |
| 1:30pm | Breakout Session 1 |
| 2:20pm | Breakout Session 2 |
| 3:00pm | Free Time |
| 5:00pm | Dinner |
| 6:00pm | Session 4 |
| 7:30pm | Dismissal |
| 9:00pm | Campus Closed |
FAQs
WHAT IS THE THRIVE YOUTH & YOUNG ADULT CONFERENCE?
Thrive Conference, hosted by City First Church, sees over 1,000 youth and young adults gather each year. Our purpose is to equip young people, from middle school to young adults (18-30), to discover life to the fullest through Jesus Christ! We were not designed to merely survive but to THRIVE in this life. THRIVE means to grow or develop well or vigorously, to prosper, and to flourish. When we encounter Jesus, we believe it changes everything. Our prayer is that Thrive Conference is not just a weekend but the beginning of a movement in the lives of those that attend.
There’ll be intentional times of worship, powerful messages from world-renowned speakers, creative elements, special musical performances, a house party, and ridiculous amounts of fun.
WE COME TO YOU!
If you are interested in having a member of our Thrive Team visit in person for a Thrive Night – we would love to accommodate a free experience for your ministry! Email us at thrive@cityfirst.church to select a date.
WHAT ARE THE BEST HOTELS IN THE AREA?
We’d love to help you find the best options for your group. If you’d like help in that area please email us at thrive@cityfirst.church and we’ll have a team member assist you.
WHAT ARE THE BEST OPTIONS FOR MEALS?
We will have food and activities available on campus Friday and Saturday so you can hang with us the whole time!
WHEN SHOULD I REGISTER FOR THRIVE 2025?
Due to the rapid growth and high demand for Thrive Conference, we advise to register as soon as possible to ensure the best experience possible. And it won’t be the same without you!
HOW MANY PEOPLE ATTENDED THIS EVENT?
Thrive Conference 2025 is projected to have 1,000 – 1,500 attendees.
WHAT IF I AM NEW OR HAVE NEVER BEEN TO THRIVE BEFORE?
If you’re new to City First Church and are planning on attending Thrive 2025, then we highly suggest attending some of our services before Thrive and allow our staff and leaders to introduce you to people!
If you’re a Pastor or Leader that is interested in bringing a group to Thrive, we’d love to set you up on a phone call with our Conference Leader to explain basic details and the heart of Thrive! And obviously, answer any questions you may have!
WILL THERE BE A NURSE AVAILABLE AT THRIVE?
We will have a trained team ready to provide basic first aid if needed!
WHAT KIND OF FOOD WILL THEY HAVE AT THRIVE?
Thrive will be providing certain meals that are included in the registration price. We will have Stuarts Coffee Co. + concession areas open to purchase snacks and drinks. The concession area will have food and drinks that range from water to soda, to granola bars to candy.
WHAT’S A TYPICAL “MESSAGE” LIKE?
We generally speak out of the NIV, NLT, or Message Translations of the Bible. The communications will be roughly 35 minutes in length and will be highly relatable, easy to understand, humorous, and creative.
ONCE AT THRIVE DO THE STUDENTS STAY AT THE CHURCH?
Yes. Everything we do when it comes to Thrive is done on the church grounds, from our services to our dance parties, everything we do is located in one central area. We do not permit students to leave without their parents or a leader accompanying them and we strongly encourage all attendees to stay on location during the duration of the conference.
HOW MANY ADULTS WILL BE AT THRIVE?
On average we have at least 1 adult leader to every 10 students. Every adult volunteer is a member of our church and has a state-filed background check to ensure that we have a safe and intentional environment. We will have close to 100+ adult staff and volunteers.
IS THERE A NUMBER I CAN CALL IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY?
Yes, call our offices at 815.877.8000
Youth Nights Services (6-12 grade)
Wednesday Nights from 7:00pm – 8:30pm
City First Church – Sunday Morning Services (Open to all)
As youth students, we think it is vital to attend Sunday morning services with our families and friends. Services are 8:30AM & 10AM & 11:30AM at 5950 Spring Creek Rd, Rockford, IL 61114.
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