HISTORY

Back in 2005, a group of urban youth leaders were praying and asking God how to create something real for their students. Big-name conferences were expensive, suburban-focused, and didn’t connect with the culture or diversity of their youth ministries. That’s when the Holy Spirit gave them a new vision: let the teens lead. If young people could help shape a Christ-centered conference, it would break down walls between churches and give space for students to truly meet Jesus. Out of that vision, the Where U At? Urban Youth Conference was born—and the first event kicked off in spring 2006.

Since then, God has moved in powerful ways. Over 1,400 students from Grand Rapids, Holland, Muskegon, Kalamazoo, Chicago, St. Louis, and Detroit have experienced transformation through WUA. More than 50 churches, schools, and ministries have come together, and lives have been changed—students finding freedom, discovering purpose, and saying yes to Jesus. Many who first came as participants now come back to serve—running worship, leading drama, working behind the scenes, or welcoming others with the love of Christ.

The name Where U At? comes straight from Genesis 3:1–8. When Adam and Eve sinned, they tried to hide from God. We often do the same—covering up, running away, or pretending we’re okay. But God still calls out, “Where are you?”Every conference is a chance for students to honestly ask themselves that same question: “Where am I at with Christ?”Our hope is that teens don’t just answer it, but also take bold next steps to grow closer to Him.

With the support of Youth Unlimited in the early years, WUA gained momentum and quickly became a movement that broke through barriers of race, denomination, and neighborhood. At its core, this conference has always been about one thing: lifting up Jesus as King and making space for youth to encounter Him together.

FUTURE

We believe God’s not done. The vision for Where U At? is to keep growing, shifting, and meeting the real needs of today’s youth. We want to see more churches, schools, and organizations come together so more students can find their identity in Christ and live it out boldly. This isn’t just an event—it’s a legacy God is writing through young people who rise up to declare Jesus as King in their lives and in their cities. And you’re invited to be part of it.