Things the Church Leaders and Parents Want to Know:

Our focus is to reach people for Jesus Christ. But...

Our goal is to reach the churched. That's right, the "churched", no "un" attached to it.

The last few decades have been a struggle for the church at large. People are leaving churches. The freedom of living in Christ isn't viewed as freedom. Injustice is thriving and the church as a whole is declining.

So, in 2008, we decided to change our focus from evangelism to something different; focusing on the people who are already in the church. Focusing on helping them discover a passion and purpose for their faith beyond ourselves and living in a way that impacts their loved ones, communities and the world.

We challenge, create a tangible processing of the way of Christ and empower students to go into the world for the lost. We're very intentional not to lose students who aren't churched, it's just more of a crash course than for those students who are in the church; followers of Christ or not.

Learn more about our history, ministry style and core values on the about us page.

 

Group Focus

That Thing is designed to build upon and return home within an existing faith community. That does not mean we don't program well for students who aren't coming with a church (jump to the next section to discover about our intentional individual programming). There are just more long term benefits for students who come as part of a student ministry and can grow, learn, be challenged and transformed together. When the week begins, they already have a good sense of where their friends are spiritually. When they go home, they've shared a life-changing experience together; accountability is built in and the charge and enthusiasm is shared, brighter, stronger and more resilient.

As well, a student's pastor tends to have a good grip on really understanding exactly what is essential for that next big step in the student's spiritual life. As such, we've built That Thing to be a customizable conference. We provide the major programming: overall spiritual context, worship bands, creative tangible encounters, fun activities, small group opportunities, curriculum option, and such that leaders can tailor to develop the most relevant moments, events, discussions and activities for their group. Most of the program will work well for most groups.

• The intercampus small groups are a great example...a group may be ramping up for a big launch in the fall and having the students together is a much larger benefit than them meeting new people.
• Another example is in experiencing communion. We believe communion is an important experience to be done in a communal setting. During the worship session, we will build towards communion, but will dismiss the session at that point for the groups to experience and prepare communion as they prefer. We'll provide all the necessary supplies and resources, but put control in the groups hands.
• We call this a conference event instead of a camp because of the added freedom. If a group wants to leave site for a service project or an opportunity to go out to eat...there's no need to ask permission; just do it. The leaders in charge of each group are truly in charge.

Individual Focus

We create intentional spaces and opportunities for students who are coming to That Thing without a group; we call it the Campus House. These lodges are for students (roommate requests are available) who enjoy meeting lots of new people. Everyone in the cabin will probably only know 1 -3 other people. There is no concern about how food/snacks are done, everything is taken care of.

That Thing's Campus House Counselors plan development time for students to connect, get to know one another and open up throughout the week. The experience is about connecting them with each other so that as a created community they can support, encourage and challenge one another in Christ.

Students in the Campus Houses experience everything That Thing has to offer. There is still individual freedom in the day like at the 1 O'Clock to 5 O'Clock Free Block where they can pick and choose activities and experiences perfect for their likes and styles.

 

Scholarships

It is our desire that no one should ever find themselves without an opportunity to attend That Thing because of finances. Scholarships are available based on financial need and a variety of other situations.

The application process is the same whether a student attends with a group pruchasing a lodge or as an individual. The student/family needs to fill out and return the application pdf download (mail to: 8580 E. Wesley Ln, North Webster IN 46555 or fax to: 574.834.7806). (An online application will be available December 1).

• Individuals will receive an iCash code to use during registration which will serve as a form of payment (it's much like a gift card).
• For students staying with a church/group buying a lodge...the student will be notified of the awarded amount and code. The student then needs to contact the church so the scholarship can be applied to the church's balance due.

 

Location/Times

Where:

Epworth Forest Conference Center is located in North Webster, Indiana along the shore of Lake Webster. Map

The launch of That Thing coincided with a $22 million dollar capital campaign to restructure the campus of EFCC to more effectively program to Sr. High students and reach the next generation for Jesus Christ. New housing, an auditorium, and activities are all part of the fundraising focus. Groundbreaking on the first new lodge was September 20, 2009; the buildings will come in phases over the coming years. Learn more at www.rightfuture.org.

 

Start/End Times:

Group Times:

• Check In - 4:00-5:00 pm Sunday
• Check Out - Available from Thursday night's closing session through Friday at 10:00 am

Individual Times:

• Check In - 6:00-6:30 pm Sunday
• Check Out - 9:00-9:30 am Friday

 

How Far Is It?:

• Indianapolis, IN– 160 miles, 2 hours, 45 minutes
  
• South Bend, IN– 55 miles, 1 hour, 15 minutes
  
• Ft. Wayne, IN– 45 miles, 55 minutes
  
• Lafayette, IN– 115 miles, 2 hours, 35 minutes
  
• Muncie, IN– 120 miles, 2 hours, 10 minutes
  
• Chicago, IL– 135 miles, 2 hours, 40 minutes
  
• Cincinnati, OH– 225 miles, 4 hours
  
• Lansing, MI– 145 miles, 2 hours, 30 minutes

 

Learn More

The best place to keep up with all of the current information would be on our leader blog. Check it out thatthing.typepad.com