THE HISTORY OF ALABAMA YOUTH CONGRESS
Alabama Youth Congress started as a burden in the heart of Bro. Steve Kilpatrick to challenge the young people of our churches in Alabama about church planting in Alabama. Bro. Kilpatrick was pastor of Gospel Light Baptist Church at that time and he believed that if God was going to call laborers into the harvest field of church planting in Alabama, it would be from the young people in our churches. After talking to several pastors about participating, Alabama Youth Congress was launched in July 2011. Pastor Gary Bohman and Gospel Light Baptist Church have continued to host AYC and are expecting great things from God here in Alabama.
Alabama Youth Congress has never tried to compete with Christian camps, but has always emphasized placing a burden in the heart of our young people for their own state. Bro Kilpatrick believed that we have a Biblical mandate to reach the counties and cities of our state with the gospel of Jesus Christ. AYC is a ministry of Gospel Light Baptist Church in Helena, Alabama and has always tried to be an arm of other local churches to encourage their young people to help their pastor reach their community for Christ.
Over the years Alabama Youth Congress has been used by God to influence many young people, youth leaders and pastors in our state. We have had many Spirit-filled preachers such as Evangelist Scott Pauley, Pastor Johnny Pope, Pastor Shane Lewis, Pastor Sam Davidson, Pastor Dean Miller, Evangelist Ed Loney and others.
Singing groups from fundamental Bible colleges are always a part of AYC that they can be used of God to challenge young people to give their life to Christ and surrender to go to good Bible College for training in the ministry.
The Youth Congress Choir began in 2011. We want young people to feel like they are not just attending Alabama Youth Congress, but are a great part of it. Young people are challenged by the dedicated and committed life of other young people.
