FAQ

Lead THE Cause is a one-week mission trip to large urban cities where your students are also trained to be “on mission” for life. They’ll come home passionate for God and others and armed with a strategy and plan to build God’s Kingdom within their community. Your teens will gain confidence in their faith, know how to start and engage others in gospel conversations, and be lit on fire to see everyone in their world know Jesus.

Lead THE Cause is put on by Dare 2 Share. The mission of Dare 2 Share is energizing the Church to Mobilize youth to Gospelize their world! For more about Dare 2 Share, click here.

Dare 2 Share has also partnered with Sonlife and Colorado Christian University to make Lead THE Cause a reality.

CHICAGO, IL
June 18-22, 2018
Wheaton College

AUSTIN, TX
June 25-29, 2018
Huston-Tillotson University

DENVER, CO
July 9-13, 2018
Colorado Christian University

WASHINGTON, D.C.
July 23-27, 2018
McLean Bible Church

LOS ANGELES, CA
July 30 – Aug. 3, 2018
Vanguard University

Greg Stier — Greg is the Founder & CEO of Dare 2 Share. He has impacted the lives of tens of thousands of Christian teenagers through Dare 2 Share events books, and resources. Greg’s commitment to mobilizing teenagers to reach their generation for Christ is rooted in the transforming power of the gospel Raised in a violent, inner-city family of body-builders, he never had a dad and never felt like he measured up because his biceps weren’t big enough! But one by one, he saw his tough, urban family of “thugs” come to know Christ. And that ignited a passion in Greg to see all lost people come to know Jesus. Greg will be speaking at LTC in Chicago, Austin, Denver, and Los Angeles.

Zane Black — Zane Black has always lived life on the edge, looking for all the crazy excitement and adventure life has to offer. He just ended up “going all in” for the wrong things. And it almost cost him his life. But after years of living for cheap thrills and temporary highs, Zane experienced a radical encounter with Jesus that changed his life forever. As a speaker and author, Zane tours with Dare 2 Share and serves with Torchbearers International, challenging students around the world to “go all in” for Jesus. Zane will be speaking at LTC in Chicago and Los Angeles.

Doug Holliday — Doug’s speaking, disciple-making training, leadership coaching and movement multiplication efforts over the past fourteen years have taken him across North America, the Caribbean, Africa and Southeast Asia in partnership with GYI, CRU and Dare2Share. Prior to that, he served in the local church for twelve years as a youth pastor, teaching pastor and church planter. As Sonlife’s Executive Director, Doug champions Jesus’ passion, priorities and practices… rallying and mobilizing the Church to Christ’s cause of building movements of disciples who make disciples. Doug will be speaking at LTC in Chicago and Washington, D.C.

Andy McGowan — Andy McGowan has been youth pastor and director of Revolution Kenosha for over 7 years, and has worked in youth ministry for 14 years. His heart is to see this generation of middle and high school students transform this country through the power of the Gospel, by the grace of Jesus Christ. Andy is also involved with the Allies of Kenosha gospel network. He received a BA in Biblical Studies from Trinity International University and Master of Divinity from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. Andy will be speaking at LTC in Austin and Denver.

Gustavo Gonzalez — Gustavo is now the youth pastor at Second Union Church of San Juan, in Puerto Rico. Saved as an adult from a life of “cultural Christianity,” God has given him the gift of teaching both in English and Spanish. His favorite topic is how to share the Gospel and making disciples. He is passionate about seeing believers go, as they move from casual church-goers into disciple makers. Gustavo will be speaking at LTC in Los Angeles.

Aaron Bolduc — Aaron experienced a profound life change when he met Jesus and was saved from a life of substance abuse. Because of this he is insanely passionate about the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and has dedicated his life to proclaim the true gospel that “Jesus Christ came to Earth to save sinners” (1 Timothy 1:15). Aaron is an evangelist at heart and wants to see churches mobilized with the saving message that JESUS IS LORD! Aaron is the Associate Pastor of Outreach and Evangelism at Wellspring Community Church in Hudsonville, MI. Aaron will be speaking at LTC in Denver. 

LTC is designed for youth leaders and their students who want to leverage their talents and abilities to advance THE Cause of Christ. We encourage you to bring every student in your youth group that you would take on a mission trip. Training is geared toward students between 9th and 12th grade, but middle school students and college freshmen are invited at the discretion of their youth leader.

The mission and training week dives into principles that will inspire and equip your students to take their faith to the next level and sets them up to understand and model discipleship. Participants will be actively learning, praying, witnessing, and strategizing. They’ll leave LTC motivated and equipped with a specific, customized plan for impacting their world for Christ and His Cause.

Three mornings at LTC will feature a breakout session called “Core Training.” All attendees will go through this “basic training” to learn the skills and approaches to effectively and confidently sharing their faith in a relational and conversational manner. Core 101 is for all students unless they are alumni or are recommended for a higher track by their youth leader. 2nd year attendees may be eligible to be in the Core 201 track and 3rd year and higher attendees may be eligible for The Next Level (TNL) training track—see the question below for more information on tracks for returning students.

Core 101 will feature the following topics:

Ask, Admire, Admit
The key to effectively sharing your faith is by having a conversation, not giving a presentation. People are more open to discussing their spiritual views when they know that you genuinely care about them and want to know what they believe and why. This session goes over our proven approach that allows you to start a spiritual conversation in non-offensive, genuine way.

GOSPEL
The Gospel is an overview of the entire story of the Bible. In this session you will drill down into each letter of our GOSPEL acrostic so that you have a thorough understanding of what the good news is and so that you can remember it in the midst of your conversation. A great tool for you that will increase your confidence in being able to really share Christ and God’s plan with your friends, family, teammates and neighbors.

Now What?
The point of sharing the gospel is for the person to understand what God has done for them and that He desires a relationship with them. Bringing them to a point where they understand that they need to decide what they are going to do about Jesus is a critical component of sharing the gospel, but many of us have a hard time when it comes to bringing them to a decision. Now What? Helps students with this crucial skill and provides approaches that will enable them to give the listener a chance to respond to God’s love.

For those students who are returning to Lead THE Cause, we have created a second year and third year track to take your students deeper into their faith, their ability to share their faith and to grow as a disciple-maker and leader. Core 201 is a separate Core Training track for 2nd year attendees, while The Next Level (TNL) is for 3rd year (and up) attendees. TNL will meet every morning (8:00 – 8:45) where students will be challenged in their walk with the Lord and equipped with key leadership principles by one of the main stage speakers.

Core 201 – 2nd year attendees
This session occurs at the same time as Core 101 and is for returning students who are recommended for a higher track by their youth leader. A bit more intense, students will be pushed in the areas of personal renewal, apologetics and disciple-making.

The Next Level (TNL) – 3rd year and up attendees
This is a leadership training course for 3rd year and higher attendees who are recommended for a higher level by their youth leaders.

Mornings include worship and leadership and evangelism training. Afternoons provide practical application including two days of outreach to the community. Evenings provide worship, motivational teaching, small group time, strategic planning and collaboration.

Specific detailed schedules for each city will be posted soon.

Registration is now open! Click here to register

Please refer to our Lead THE Cause registration page for registration details, deadlines and forms.

Full price of the event is $525. Registration payments must be paid in full to secure a place for each person in your group. However, the earlier you register, the less you and your students have to pay. Here are the registration rates and deadlines:

1. Super Early Bird (pay by January 21, 2018) – $415
2. Early Bird (pay 3 months before LTC) – $485
3. Full Price (pay 1 month before LTC) – $525
4. Late Fee (pay less than 1 month before LTC) – $625

Registration includes: room, board, all training activities, transportation, and materials during the week. Transportation to and from the event is NOT included in the price – it is the responsibility of each group and is not included in this fee.

Payments can be made by credit card online here, by phone at 866-448-0270, or by a check made payable to Dare 2 Share. Spots for LTC will not be reserved until full payment is made, so be sure to buy registration as soon as possible to reserve your spots! If you are mailing a check, please call us beforehand to let us know that it is on its way.

Round trip transportation costs to/from your location to (Chicago; Austin; Denver; Los Angeles; Washington, DC). Any overnight lodging and meals required before or after the event. Transportation to/from event venue. Souvenirs or sight-seeing costs if applicable.

If you pay after the final payment deadline for your city, a $100 late fee will apply.

Cancellations may be arranged up to 30 days prior to the event, but no refunds will be given for cancellations after the 30 day deadline. Registration can also be transferred to other students instead of making a cancellation.

Please note that you and your group must submit all of the required forms at the time you pay the final balance on your registration fees.

Required forms include:
LTC Adult over 18 Registration Form
LTC Student Under 18 Registration Form
(Forms can also be found at http://leadthecause.org/register/)

All adults over 18 must also complete a background check. All forms must be submitted electronically. Please find instructions on registration at leadthecause.org/register/ or call 1-866-448-0270 with questions.

There is parking provided at each location. If needed, parking passes will be provided at check-in.

Austin Event – Housing is at Huston-Tillotson University. We will be using the suites which will each accommodate up to four attendees with 2 beds per room. Each suite also has one restroom and a common space between the rooms. Because of our anticipated attendance for this year’s event, odd numbers from a group in a specific gender will be lodging with someone from another group. We will do our best to keep your group together on the same floor, but it may be necessary to split your group between 2 floors. Any splits will have a leader from your group on each floor.

Chicago Event – Housing is at Wheaton College. There will be 2 per room with a community bathroom on each floor. Because of our anticipated attendance for this year’s event, odd numbers from a group in a specific gender will be lodging with someone from another group. We will do our best to keep your group together on the same floor, but it may be necessary to split your group between 2 floors. Any splits will have a leader from your group on each floor.

Denver Event – Housing is at Colorado Christian University. There will be 2 per room with between 4-6 sharing an apartment style dormitory.

Washington, D.C. Event – Attendees will be staying at a hotel near the event location, McLean Bible Church. Transportation between the hotel and McLean Bible Church will be provided for the duration of the week. However, transportation will not be provided before the event begins or after it ends.

Los Angeles Event – Housing is at Vanguard University. Attendees will stay in individual dorm rooms with 2-3 beds per room and a private bathroom. Each bed will come with a linen pack that includes:

• Face towel
• XL bath towel
• Flat sheet
• Fitted sheet
• Pillow Case
• Thermal blanket

 

Rooming is decided by the Lead THE Cause team based on the attendee list provided by individual application forms. If there are special circumstances that require you to room with a specific individual, please communicate that need with your group leader.

Because the offsite housing required for the WDC event, rooming is a bit more of a challenge.

The cost for the event is built on 4 people per room – sleeping in 2 double beds. This means that all attendees will most likely need to share a bed for the week at the standard price.

Also, if your group does not have enough for 4 people per room, there is a possibility that you could have other students sharing the room/beds.
We acknowledge that this may not be desirable to everyone, so we have the option to secure the whole room for your group for an additional fee, even if you have less than 4 people to fill it. Below is the breakout of the extra costs you would incur for the week (per room) if you want less than 4 people in the room, or do not have enough people to fill it and don’t want to share it with others.

If you have more questions, please call 303-565-2496 to speak to a Dare 2 Share representative.

Refer to the Leader Resources on each individual city page for pre-event information. Additional details and information needed for preparation for the LTC event will also be emailed to the group leader after your online group registration and deposits have been submitted. You can also call 1-866-448-0270 if you have more questions.

You’ll need to maintain a minimum 1:5 leader/student ratio and provide adult leaders of both genders if you are bringing a coed group.

Bedding is provided for those attending LTC in Chicago, Denver, and Washington, D.C., but you are welcome to bring your own bedding if you’d prefer.

For those attending the Austin event, attendees will need to bring their own sheets or sleeping bags, pillows, blankets, and towels.

All clothing should be appropriately modest and appropriate for the activities students will be participating in during the event.

All students are required to complete this medical release form listing their group leaders as their personal representatives in case of an emergency. If parents cannot be reached, group leaders will have the authority to approve necessary treatment. Additionally, if students have required medication or treatments that need to be managed during LTC, the responsibility is on the student and group leaders.

We will also provide a list of local urgent care facilities and hospitals when you check in should a medical emergency happen in your group.

Each campus has different Wi-Fi availability and policies, so instructions will be provided at check-in.

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