Gary Garcia has dedicated decades of his life to reaching the next generation and helping students discover the life-changing power of Jesus. Serving as the Next Gen Director and Network Youth Director for the SoCal Network of the Assemblies of God, Gary brings a deep passion for the local church, a heart for youth pastors, and a conviction that the next generation is not just the future of the Church, but a vital part of the Church today.

With extensive experience in both youth ministry and pastoral leadership, Gary understands the joys, challenges, and calling that come with investing in the lives of students. He is passionate about developing leaders, strengthening local churches, and equipping youth pastors to lead with purpose, authenticity, and spiritual passion. His heart is to see leaders encouraged, students discipled, and churches become places where the next generation can encounter God and grow into everything He has called them to be.

Gary’s ministry is rooted in a simple but powerful conviction: when we invest in the next generation, we are investing in the future of the Church and the advancement of the Gospel. We’re excited to welcome Gary as our main speaker and look forward to the wisdom, encouragement, and challenge he will bring to our Youth Pastors Retreat.

Eliot Bland serves as the Associate Next Gen Director and Youth Alive Missionary for the SoCal Network of the Assemblies of God. He has a deep passion for reaching the next generation with the life-changing message of Jesus and equipping leaders to make a lasting impact in the lives of students. Eliot is passionate about encouraging, supporting, and resourcing youth pastors and ministry leaders, helping them feel strengthened, equipped, and inspired in the calling God has placed on their lives. He believes in the power of healthy leaders, connected teams, and churches working together to reach students with the Gospel. Through his work with Youth Alive, Eliot is also passionate about empowering students to live out their faith beyond the walls of the church and become a light in their schools and communities. His heart is to see youth pastors and leaders thrive, students encounter Jesus, and a generation rise up to boldly follow Him.