Encouraging Nations Presents
STL Youth Gospel Explosion
A citywide gathering uniting youth and young adults of St. Louis through praise, worship, song, and interpretive praise dance — one stage, one sound, one celebration.
Save the Date
Sunday · October 25, 2026 · 5:00 PM
Who We Are
More than a concert. A citywide movement of hope, faith, and song.
The STL Youth Gospel Explosion welcomes both church and unchurched young people — providing a positive, encouraging environment to build friendships, develop talents in voice and interpretive praise dance, and experience the power of uplifting music and movement.
Our Purpose
Six promises we make to every young voice that joins us.
Unite
Bring youth and young adults together across churches, schools, and neighborhoods.
Inspire
Promote positive, spiritual, and life-changing music.
Grow
Encourage personal growth, faith development, and community engagement.
Engage
Provide constructive summer and after-school activities.
Connect
Build relationships across church and community boundaries.
Explore
Expose participants to different places of worship across St. Louis.
Why It Matters
Music has the power to influence thoughts, attitudes, and lives.
Our goal is to surround young people with messages of hope, faith, purpose, and love — replacing negative influences with positive inspiration that lasts long after the final note.
“The youth are coming together in a positive environment fellowshipping and having a great time. All I see is God doing big and better with this.”
2026 Season
Road to October 25
Mondays at 6:30 PM, approximately one hour. Locations rotate across partnering St. Louis congregations.
- Jun 29, 2026Kickoff rehearsal · participating churches
- Jul – SepWeekly Monday choir & praise-dance rehearsals · 6:30 PM
- Oct 5, 2026Mass rehearsal · all voices & dancers combined
- Oct 18, 2026Dress rehearsal & sound check
- Oct 25, 2026STL YOUTH GOSPEL EXPLOSION · 5:00 PM
Interpretive Praise Dance
Worship told through movement, breath, and spirit.
Praise-dance ministries share the stage with the mass youth choir on October 25. Rehearsals run Mondays at 6:30 PM beginning June 29, 2026 — with a combined choir + dance rehearsal on October 5 and dress rehearsal October 18.
Worship in Motion
Choreography rooted in Scripture (Psalm 149:3, 150:4) — every movement is praise.
All Ages 8–25
Church praise-dance ministries, school dance students, and independent dancers welcome.
No Audition
Begin with us — leads are matched to experience. Bring willingness and a teachable spirit.
Costuming Provided
Modest, flowing garments coordinated to the burgundy + gold palette, underwritten by sponsors.
Participate in 2026
We invite every voice in St. Louis to join the chorus.
Churches, schools, community organizations, parents, and youth are encouraged to participate. Together we provide fellowship, meaningful activity, and a platform for young people to use their gifts.
Get in Touch- 01Church Youth Choirs
- 02Praise Teams
- 03Interpretive Praise Dance Ministries
- 04School Choir & Dance Students
- 05Community Youth Organizations
- 06Individual Youth & Young Adults
- 07Musicians & Volunteers
“Let everything that has breath praise the Lord.”
Psalm 150:6
Get In Touch
A ministry led by faithful servants.
Churches, schools, and community organizations across the St. Louis metropolitan area are invited to join this citywide effort.