1630 washington, d.c. trip 2025
by: abby sexton
what is the 1630 washington, d.c. trip?
From July 12–16, 2025, forty-eight young Christian leaders ages 18–30 gathered in Washington, D.C. for the 1630 trip—a powerful and purposeful experience designed to equip the next generation for civic and spiritual engagement. Representing 21 states and coming from diverse backgrounds and denominations, the group explored key landmarks including the Museum of the Bible, a guided monuments tour, the National Archives, the U.S. Capitol, the Library of Congress, and the Holocaust Museum. Along the way, they heard directly from Congressmen and U.S. Senators who shared how their faith has shaped their time in public service. The trip not only deepened participants’ understanding of America’s history and government but also encouraged them to consider how their own faith might influence the way they lead and engage in today’s world.
young christian leaders are needed now more than ever
Seeing young adults from 21 different states come together in unity was truly special. These young adults came from different backgrounds, different denominations, but they all came together for a singular purpose - to worship Jesus in our nation’s capital and hear about His heart for each of them and His heart for our nation.
God showed up and spoke to our young adults in a variety of ways. It was incredible hearing their stories and seeing their lives transform in just a few short days. The leadership skills they acquired and the friendships made will impact their lives for years to come - and we can’t wait to see how God uses each of their lives.
We see a divide in our nation and a fight for the attention and affection of young adults. We need young Christians to rise up and be the leaders God has called them to be. It can be easy to feel disheartened with the cultural shifts that have happened in our nation, but it’s not too late for our generation to rise up and stand for biblical values. This trip was an encouragement to the young adults, but it was an encouragement to our staff too; these young adults are going to change the world.
young adult testimonies on the 1630 washington, d.c. trip
“I certainly felt God speaking to me through the people and Scripture presented on this trip. I am beyond encouraged by the faithfulness of others in my generation to the Lord. I felt God speaking to me through my peers and through the trip leaders, who so eloquently shared the Gospel message in a way that activates me to feel more empowered to get involved in leadership and politics in my local community.” Chase Brecht, Arizona
“Through the messages from leaders at Christian Engaged, Congressman, & the other young adults on the trip, God spoke. I was praying in preparation & throughout the trip for more clarity on the call He has on my life, & He provided a lot. I feel fully confident that He's calling me to ministry & stewarding the gifts He's given me to see revival in our churches & my city. Multiple people prayed over me & exhorted me in this, I'm so thankful.” Addison Gottschalk, Oregon
“I see now how crucial and critical it is for the next generation of leaders in the Faith to rise up in order to impact our nation righteously and according to biblical views. We lost that in our country and there are a few that are still fighting, so we as young leaders need to get into the fight and join forces with God’s army to restore this great nation and reconcile it back to our Heavenly Father.” Kainoa Wilson, Hawaii
“During the first night as Ben was speaking, I took a step back and just made a note in my mind. This room is hungry. Maybe we don’t all agree on policy. Maybe we don’t all agree on theology. Those are important things but we’ll cross those bridges in the future. The thing that stood out to me was how ready that room was to take on and change the world. How committed they were to seeing their worlds changed for the better.” Ronnie Slomkowski, Texas
“I’ve always looked at my future as one I had to strive for and do everything right in order to really fulfill what God has for me. But instead He shifted that paradigm and showed me that He in fact rejoices over the skills, talents, giftings, personality that He has given me in accordance to His perfect will. That isn’t something that can be taught, it had to be revelation from the Lord, and thank God He did it! This was a moment that I believe will brand me forever, and I am so grateful for the invitation of the Holy Spirit on this trip, to do a deep work in each and every one of us.” Olivia Caronna, Rhode Island
“A time God spoke to me on the trip was at the Museum of the Bible. He said Psalm 81:10: ‘Open thy mouth wide, and I will fill it.’ In that moment, I knew God was reminding me that He is ready to pour out His Word, His Spirit, and His purpose in my life and for our country—but it requires me to come expectantly and boldly, ready to follow where He leads. The passage surrounding that verse speaks of God’s longing for His people to listen to Him, to walk in His ways, and to trust Him fully. This is America as well. It challenged me to not just to be filled with His Spirit, but to remain surrendered, so He can use me to speak life and truth in a world that desperately needs Him, especially in America.” Grace Young, Tennessee
“The single most important skill (and discipline) is to walk daily with Jesus Christ. Numerous speakers that we encountered shared this and it is so true. Without Christ, we have nothing. With Christ, we can move mountains. True leaders are servant leaders. Leaders do not aim to promote themselves but rather serve those around them.” Nicholas Krause, Michigan
“I have had the privilege of attending other Christian political events like this. None of these other events have stayed true to the word, promoted true biblical ideas, and kept Jesus at the center as well as 1630 did. ” Karly Tucker, Arkansas