GCG 2023, Gulf Coast Getaway

January 13-15, 2023

GCG 2023

Gulf Coast Getaway2023

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About GCG 2023

Gulf Coast Getaway is a gathering of over 1,000 college students from dozens of college ministries across the United States. The years at college are such a crucial time for faith. Some choose to walk away and abandon their faith. Others remain complacent. But many use their college years to lean into their faith, becoming more firmly rooted in God and more focused on His mission. Gulf Coast Getaway exists to help students lean into their faith, being encouraged and equipped for a life of faith on their campuses and communities.

Worship

Five sessions full of uplifting worship, let by Chris Shields and his praise team.

Keynotes

Keynote lessons by Dean Barham and Buddy Bell.

Breakout Classes

Breakout classes are offered on Saturday and Sunday.

Free Time

Plenty of free time to hang out with your friends!

“Feeling God’s presence made me feel more fulfilled than ever in my life.”

GCG 2023 Speakers

Dean Barham

Lead Minister

A&M Church of Christ

Dean Barham serves as Lead Minister, joining the team in 2022. Dean has served in a variety of ministry roles from campus minister, spiritual life minister to senior minister for churches in Texas, Tennessee, and Virginia, as well an adjunct professor at Lipscomb and Lubbock Christian Universities. Dean is also a leadership consultant and has served as a chaplain for law enforcement officers, and before that was an attorney in estate planning, litigation, and constitutional law. Most importantly, Dean has been married for thirty years to his wife, Melanie, who is a teacher, phenomenal storyteller, and amateur artist. They have three wonderful children: Christine, David, and Luke. Dean and Melanie enjoy anything outdoors, reading, art, movies and music. Dean is also a sports fanatic and a die-hard fan of a certain NFL football team in Dallas.

Buddy Bell

Lead Minister

Landmark Church

Buddy is a native of Montgomery and served Landmark early in his ministry career as youth minister. After working in campus and preaching ministry at churches in Alabama and Florida, Buddy returned to Landmark in 1996. As Senior Minister, Buddy leads Landmark through preaching and overseeing our small groups ministry. He leads the staff, and with the Elders, casts vision for the church. He is married to Stephanie and they have four children and two son-in-laws; Laura (Charlie), Lindsey (Ben), two daughter-in-laws; Luke (Rachel), Lincoln (Emmanuelle)…AND he is the proud Grandbuddy to 8 precious grandchildren.

GCG 2023 Schedule

Friday

6:00 pm: Registration Check-In
9:00-10:30 pm: Main Session #1

Saturday

9:30-11:00 am: Main Session #2
2:00-3:00 pm: Breakout Classes
8:00-9:30 pm: Main Session #3

Sunday

9:30-11:00 am: Main Session #4
2:00-3:00 pm: Breakout Classes
8:00-9:30 pm: Main Session #5

Breakout Classes

Saturday Classes (2 PM)

Instrumental Worship (Grand Ballroom)

Jimmy Gilford: Instagram Theology (Palm East/West)

Buddy Bell: Christianity 101 (Sago Palm)

Mission Spotlight: Big House (Royal Palm)

Sunday Classes (2 PM)

Contemplative Worship (Grand Ballroom)

Jimmy Gilford: Instagram Theology (Palm East/West)

Buddy Bell: Christianity 101 (Sago Palm)

Kal McAlexander: Clear Consciences (Royal Palm)

GCG 2023 Venue

Edgewater Beach & Golf Resort

Venue Details

GCG 2023 Registration

Registration opens on November 1, 2022!

Early Bird Rate (Nov. 1-30): $65/person
Full Rate (Dec. 1 and after): $75/person

In addition to registering for GCG 2023, you will also need to secure lodging. See below (GCG 2023 Lodging) for more information.

GCG 2023 Lodging

While the conference is at the Edgewater Beach & Golf Resort, there is no room block at the Edgewater. The Edgewater is enforcing a policy that there must be at least 1 person in each suite who is 25 years of age or older. We know that most of you will not be able to place a 25+ year old in each room you reserve.

So, there is a room block at the neighboring Holiday Inn Resort (11127 Front Beach Rd, Panama City Beach, FL 32407). These rooms are standard hotel rooms, which means there is no kitchen as you might be used to at the Edgewater. The rooms at the Holiday Inn Resort are $149 per night (plus a 1% lodging tax). Attendees who stay there will still be able to park at the Edgewater Conference Center parking; it is also close enough to walk to the conference. If you need to reserve one room only, then you can reserve rooms by calling 800.633.0266. Mention that you are with Gulf Coast Getaway to get the $149/night rate. If you need to reserve two or more rooms, then please email Connie Miller at connie.miller@paradisefound.com. Please tell her you’re with the Gulf Coast Getaway Conference and how many rooms you need to reserve. She’ll book your rooms and give you instructions on how to pay.

You can still reserve rooms at the Edgewater or the Majestic, but you’ll have to put someone 25 years old or older in each suite. The Majestic requires someone 21 years or older in each suite. We do not have a group rate at either the Edgewater or the Majestic. You can reserve rooms at the Edgewater at this link; you can reserve rooms at the Majestic at this link.