At WYS 2026, we’ll lean into what it means to be truly KNOWN—seen, loved, and called by God. Grounded in John 15:12–17, our theme reminds us that Jesus doesn’t call us strangers or servants but friends, inviting us to live fully in God’s love. Across the weekend we’ll worship, dive into missions, share in fellowship, and make space for plenty of joy and laughter. Come ready to be seen, known, and transformed. We’re thrilled to again join hands with Alabama CBF and CBF Tennessee in bringing this incredible gathering to life!
CLICK HERE to REGISTER or find out more.
Ben Winder
For the last three years, Ben Winder has served as the Pastor of First Baptist Church of St. Petersburg, Florida. Before this role, he spent 16 years in youth ministry roles in CBF partner churches in Tennessee, Texas, and Alabama. Ben still has a passion for connecting students to the Gospel and helping them grow to be all God is calling them to become. He is a graduate of Baylor University’s Truett Seminary. He and his wife, Laura Beth, have two sons, Levi (8) and Luke (4).
Mission House
Born in 2015 out of a community of friends gathered in living rooms and basements, Mission House is the creative delta formed by artists Jess Ray and Taylor Leonhardt. Aside from being the only female duo in the modern worship space, Mission House are set apart from other artists and groups by how they’ve been building songs that truly thrive in gatherings. Both Jess and Taylor are phenomenal storytellers, drawing people to who they and the community they are building not only through their songs, but also on stage and screen.