Congreso 2026 Workshops
All student workshops are available at all three schedule workshop times.
Friday, April 17, 2026
First Workshop | 9:00 AM
Defenders of the Faith
Presented by Eric Hernandez
Focus: Evangelism / Apologetics — 1 Peter 3:15 Defenders protect the goal—and believers must be ready to defend their faith. This workshop helps students confidently respond to questions about Christianity and explain why they believe in Jesus.
Location: The Chapel
Obedience: Trust the Coach
Presented by Eduardo "Eddie" Melendez
Focus: OBEY — John 14:15 In soccer, ignoring the coach leads to chaos on the field. In our faith, Jesus calls us to follow His commands. This session explores how obedience to Christ shapes our character, decisions, and witness to others.
Location: Room 200
Locker Room Leadership
Presented by Jordan Villanueva
Focus: Leadership — Proverbs 27:17 Some of the most influential moments happen in the locker room. This session explores how students can influence their teams, friend groups, and communities through encouragement, accountability, and Christ-like leadership.
Location: Room 201
The Global Match: God's Heart for the Nations
Presented by Rebeka Retta
Focus: PURPOSE — 2 Timothy 4:7–8 Every match ends with a final whistle. Life will too. This workshop challenges students to live with eternity in mind and pursue the mission Jesus gave us with everything we have.
Location: Room 204
The Final Whistle: Living for the Eternal Trophy
Presented by Luis Juarez
Focus: PURPOSE — 2 Timothy 4:7–8 Every match ends with a final whistle. Life will too. This workshop challenges students to live with eternity in mind and pursue the mission Jesus gave us with everything we have.
Location: Room 205
Training for the Championship
Presented by Kurt Krodle
Focus: DISCIPLESHIP — 1 Corinthians 9:24–27 Athletes train hard to win trophies that fade. Christians train for an eternal reward. This workshop explores spiritual disciplines that help students grow stronger in their faith.
Location: Room 206
The Post-Game Interview: Answering Tough Questions
Presented by Robert E. Purvey
Scripture: 1 Peter 3:15 Athletes often face tough questions after the game—and Christians do too. This workshop helps students practice responding to common questions about faith, such as “Why does God allow suffering?” or “Why should I believe the Bible?” Students will learn to answer with both truth and grace.
Location: Room 207
Red Card: Avoiding Spiritual Fouls
Presented by Ricky Cotto
Focus: HOLINESS — 1 Peter 1:15–16 A red card can remove a player from the game. Sin can damage our witness and impact our influence. Learn how to recognize temptation and live a life that honors Christ.
Location: Room 208
Kickoff: Living Your Faith Out Loud
Presented by Josue Muniz & Roy Suarez
Focus: GO — Mark 16:15 Every soccer match starts with a kickoff—and so does your mission. This session challenges students to step onto the field of everyday life ready to share their faith at school, online, and with friends. Learn practical ways to start conversations about Jesus and live boldly for Christ.
Location: Room 209
Rookie to Captain
Presented by Gabriel Cortes
Focus: Leadership — 2 Timothy 2:2 Every captain started as a rookie. Leadership in God’s Kingdom grows through discipleship. Learn how God develops young leaders and how students can begin influencing others right now.
Location: Room 210
Practice Drills: Sharing the Gospel with Confidence
Presented by Oza Jones & Al Curley
Scripture: Romans 10:14–15 Great soccer players build confidence through practice drills. In this workshop, students will practice explaining the Gospel in small groups using a simple framework. Through guided conversations and role-play, students will gain confidence to clearly share Jesus with friends and classmates.
Location: Room 301
The Assist: Helping Others Find Jesus
Presented by Nathan Escamilla & Hugo Martinez
Focus: Evangelism — 1 Corinthians 3:6 Not everyone scores the goal—but assists matter just as much. Discover how inviting friends, praying for others, and sharing your story can help lead someone to Christ.
Location: Room 302
Pass the Message
Presented by Fernando & Abigail Rojas
Focus: ANNOUNCE — Romans 10:14 No player scores alone—it takes passes and teamwork. Sharing the Gospel works the same way. This workshop teaches simple ways to explain the message of Jesus so anyone can understand it.
Location: Room 310
When the Game Feels Heavy
Presented by Yessy Martinez
Focus: Mental Health, Support, and Biblical Encouragement. Scripture: Psalm 34:18; Galatians 6:2 Sometimes life feels like a tough match that won’t let up. Many students struggle with stress, loneliness, or emotional burdens. This workshop creates a safe and encouraging space to talk about mental health while learning how God cares for our hearts and how the Christian community can support one another. Students will also learn when and how to seek help from trusted leaders, mentors, or counselors.
Location: Room 450
Drafted for a Greater Purpose
Presented by Victor Trejo & UTRGV BSM
Focus: Higher Education & Calling. Scripture: Jeremiah 29:11; Colossians 3:23 Just like athletes dream of being drafted to the next level, God calls each of us to a greater purpose. This workshop helps students explore how God can use college, training, and education to prepare them for the mission He has for their lives. Whether in ministry, missions, or the workplace, students will learn how pursuing education can be part of God’s plan to impact the world for Christ.
Location: Rec Room
Defendiendo la FE: "El Portero de la Fe"
Presented by Texas Baptists en Español
1st Hour Only.
Location: PLEX
Second Workshop | 10:00 AM
Defenders of the Faith
Presented by Eric Hernandez
Focus: Evangelism / Apologetics — 1 Peter 3:15 Defenders protect the goal—and believers must be ready to defend their faith. This workshop helps students confidently respond to questions about Christianity and explain why they believe in Jesus.
Location: The Chapel
Obedience: Trust the Coach
Presented by Eduardo "Eddie" Melendez
Focus: OBEY — John 14:15 In soccer, ignoring the coach leads to chaos on the field. In our faith, Jesus calls us to follow His commands. This session explores how obedience to Christ shapes our character, decisions, and witness to others.
Location: Room 200
Locker Room Leadership
Presented by Jordan Villanueva
Focus: Leadership — Proverbs 27:17 Some of the most influential moments happen in the locker room. This session explores how students can influence their teams, friend groups, and communities through encouragement, accountability, and Christ-like leadership.
Location: Room 201
The Global Match: God's Heart for the Nations
Presented by Rebeka Retta
Focus: PURPOSE — 2 Timothy 4:7–8 Every match ends with a final whistle. Life will too. This workshop challenges students to live with eternity in mind and pursue the mission Jesus gave us with everything we have.
Location: Room 204
The Final Whistle: Living for the Eternal Trophy
Presented by Luis Juarez
Focus: PURPOSE — 2 Timothy 4:7–8 Every match ends with a final whistle. Life will too. This workshop challenges students to live with eternity in mind and pursue the mission Jesus gave us with everything we have.
Location: Room 205
Training for the Championship
Presented by Kurt Krodle
Focus: DISCIPLESHIP — 1 Corinthians 9:24–27 Athletes train hard to win trophies that fade. Christians train for an eternal reward. This workshop explores spiritual disciplines that help students grow stronger in their faith.
Location: Room 206
The Post-Game Interview: Answering Tough Questions
Presented by Robert E. Purvey
Scripture: 1 Peter 3:15 Athletes often face tough questions after the game—and Christians do too. This workshop helps students practice responding to common questions about faith, such as “Why does God allow suffering?” or “Why should I believe the Bible?” Students will learn to answer with both truth and grace.
Location: Room 207
Red Card: Avoiding Spiritual Fouls
Presented by Ricky Cotto
Focus: HOLINESS — 1 Peter 1:15–16 A red card can remove a player from the game. Sin can damage our witness and impact our influence. Learn how to recognize temptation and live a life that honors Christ.
Location: Room 208
Kickoff: Living Your Faith Out Loud
Presented by Josue Muniz & Roy Suarez
Focus: GO — Mark 16:15 Every soccer match starts with a kickoff—and so does your mission. This session challenges students to step onto the field of everyday life ready to share their faith at school, online, and with friends. Learn practical ways to start conversations about Jesus and live boldly for Christ.
Location: Room 209
Rookie to Captain
Presented by Gabriel Cortes
Focus: Leadership — 2 Timothy 2:2 Every captain started as a rookie. Leadership in God’s Kingdom grows through discipleship. Learn how God develops young leaders and how students can begin influencing others right now.
Location: Room 210
Practice Drills: Sharing the Gospel with Confidence
Presented by Oza Jones & Al Curley
Scripture: Romans 10:14–15 Great soccer players build confidence through practice drills. In this workshop, students will practice explaining the Gospel in small groups using a simple framework. Through guided conversations and role-play, students will gain confidence to clearly share Jesus with friends and classmates.
Location: Room 301
The Assist: Helping Others Find Jesus
Presented by Nathan Escamilla & Hugo Martinez
Focus: Evangelism — 1 Corinthians 3:6 Not everyone scores the goal—but assists matter just as much. Discover how inviting friends, praying for others, and sharing your story can help lead someone to Christ.
Location: Room 302
Pass the Message
Presented by Fernando & Abigail Rojas
Focus: ANNOUNCE — Romans 10:14 No player scores alone—it takes passes and teamwork. Sharing the Gospel works the same way. This workshop teaches simple ways to explain the message of Jesus so anyone can understand it.
Location: Room 310
When the Game Feels Heavy
Presented by Yessy Martinez
Focus: Mental Health, Support, and Biblical Encouragement. Scripture: Psalm 34:18; Galatians 6:2 Sometimes life feels like a tough match that won’t let up. Many students struggle with stress, loneliness, or emotional burdens. This workshop creates a safe and encouraging space to talk about mental health while learning how God cares for our hearts and how the Christian community can support one another. Students will also learn when and how to seek help from trusted leaders, mentors, or counselors.
Location: Room 450
Drafted for a Greater Purpose
Presented by Victor Trejo & UTRGV BSM
Focus: Higher Education & Calling. Scripture: Jeremiah 29:11; Colossians 3:23 Just like athletes dream of being drafted to the next level, God calls each of us to a greater purpose. This workshop helps students explore how God can use college, training, and education to prepare them for the mission He has for their lives. Whether in ministry, missions, or the workplace, students will learn how pursuing education can be part of God’s plan to impact the world for Christ.
Location: Rec Room
Entrenando para el Campeonato Eterno: Disciplina y Fe
Presented by Texas Baptists en Español
2nd Hour Only.
Location: PLEX
Third Workshop | 11:00 AM
Defenders of the Faith
Presented by Eric Hernandez
Focus: Evangelism / Apologetics — 1 Peter 3:15 Defenders protect the goal—and believers must be ready to defend their faith. This workshop helps students confidently respond to questions about Christianity and explain why they believe in Jesus.
Location: The Chapel
Obedience: Trust the Coach
Presented by Eduardo "Eddie" Melendez
Focus: OBEY — John 14:15 In soccer, ignoring the coach leads to chaos on the field. In our faith, Jesus calls us to follow His commands. This session explores how obedience to Christ shapes our character, decisions, and witness to others.
Location: Room 200
Locker Room Leadership
Presented by Jordan Villanueva
Focus: Leadership — Proverbs 27:17 Some of the most influential moments happen in the locker room. This session explores how students can influence their teams, friend groups, and communities through encouragement, accountability, and Christ-like leadership.
Location: Room 201
The Global Match: God's Heart for the Nations
Presented by Rebeka Retta
Focus: PURPOSE — 2 Timothy 4:7–8 Every match ends with a final whistle. Life will too. This workshop challenges students to live with eternity in mind and pursue the mission Jesus gave us with everything we have.
Location: Room 204
The Final Whistle: Living for the Eternal Trophy
Presented by Luis Juarez
Focus: PURPOSE — 2 Timothy 4:7–8 Every match ends with a final whistle. Life will too. This workshop challenges students to live with eternity in mind and pursue the mission Jesus gave us with everything we have.
Location: Room 205
Training for the Championship
Presented by Kurt Krodle
Focus: DISCIPLESHIP — 1 Corinthians 9:24–27 Athletes train hard to win trophies that fade. Christians train for an eternal reward. This workshop explores spiritual disciplines that help students grow stronger in their faith.
Location: Room 206
The Post-Game Interview: Answering Tough Questions
Presented by Robert E. Purvey
Scripture: 1 Peter 3:15 Athletes often face tough questions after the game—and Christians do too. This workshop helps students practice responding to common questions about faith, such as “Why does God allow suffering?” or “Why should I believe the Bible?” Students will learn to answer with both truth and grace.
Location: Room 207
Red Card: Avoiding Spiritual Fouls
Presented by Ricky Cotto
Focus: HOLINESS — 1 Peter 1:15–16 A red card can remove a player from the game. Sin can damage our witness and impact our influence. Learn how to recognize temptation and live a life that honors Christ.
Location: Room 208
Kickoff: Living Your Faith Out Loud
Presented by Josue Muniz & Roy Suarez
Focus: GO — Mark 16:15 Every soccer match starts with a kickoff—and so does your mission. This session challenges students to step onto the field of everyday life ready to share their faith at school, online, and with friends. Learn practical ways to start conversations about Jesus and live boldly for Christ.
Location: Room 209
Rookie to Captain
Presented by Gabriel Cortes
Focus: Leadership — 2 Timothy 2:2 Every captain started as a rookie. Leadership in God’s Kingdom grows through discipleship. Learn how God develops young leaders and how students can begin influencing others right now.
Location: Room 210
Practice Drills: Sharing the Gospel with Confidence
Presented by Oza Jones & Al Curley
Scripture: Romans 10:14–15 Great soccer players build confidence through practice drills. In this workshop, students will practice explaining the Gospel in small groups using a simple framework. Through guided conversations and role-play, students will gain confidence to clearly share Jesus with friends and classmates.
Location: Room 301
The Assist: Helping Others Find Jesus
Presented by Nathan Escamilla & Hugo Martinez
Focus: Evangelism — 1 Corinthians 3:6 Not everyone scores the goal—but assists matter just as much. Discover how inviting friends, praying for others, and sharing your story can help lead someone to Christ.
Location: Room 302
Pass the Message
Presented by Fernando & Abigail Rojas
Focus: ANNOUNCE — Romans 10:14 No player scores alone—it takes passes and teamwork. Sharing the Gospel works the same way. This workshop teaches simple ways to explain the message of Jesus so anyone can understand it.
Location: Room 310
When the Game Feels Heavy
Presented by Yessy Martinez
Focus: Mental Health, Support, and Biblical Encouragement. Scripture: Psalm 34:18; Galatians 6:2 Sometimes life feels like a tough match that won’t let up. Many students struggle with stress, loneliness, or emotional burdens. This workshop creates a safe and encouraging space to talk about mental health while learning how God cares for our hearts and how the Christian community can support one another. Students will also learn when and how to seek help from trusted leaders, mentors, or counselors.
Location: Room 450
Drafted for a Greater Purpose
Presented by Victor Trejo & UTRGV BSM
Focus: Higher Education & Calling. Scripture: Jeremiah 29:11; Colossians 3:23 Just like athletes dream of being drafted to the next level, God calls each of us to a greater purpose. This workshop helps students explore how God can use college, training, and education to prepare them for the mission He has for their lives. Whether in ministry, missions, or the workplace, students will learn how pursuing education can be part of God’s plan to impact the world for Christ.
Location: Rec Room
Evangelismo y Discipulado: “Con el Número 10 en la Espalda”
Presented by Texas Baptists en Español
3rd Hour Only.
Location: PLEX