Urbana Announces New Location and Leadership with a Call to Mobilize Gen Z
Event moving to Phoenix, AZ happening on December 28, 2025 TO January 1, 2026
PHOENIX, March 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — For nearly 80 years, Urbana has been one of the most influential student missions conferences in North America, challenging and equipping young adults to step into God’s mission. The event, which only happens every three years, will continue in a new location: Phoenix, Arizona. Urbana 25 will also be led by a new Executive Director, Mark Matlock, who plans to introduce innovative programming while holding fast to the vision to inspire young people to love Jesus and go into the world as His witnesses.
At Urbana 25, Gen Z will be invited to see firsthand what is happening in the Christian church globally and discover their role in it all. This gathering, hosted by InterVarsity Christian Fellowship/USA, has a rich history of mobilizing generations of students and young adults to serve Christ in every context—whether in their local communities or across the world. For the first time, at this Urbana, all of the students will be Gen Z.
“Gen Z is stepping into the future of global missions in a way we’ve never seen before. Their passion for Jesus, authenticity, and creativity make them uniquely equipped to take the Gospel to the ends of the Earth and tackle the challenges of our time,” said Mark Matlock. “Urbana 25 is an opportunity to witness what God is doing around the world and discover how you’re uniquely designed to be part of His story.”
Urbana 2025 is designed for young adults (ages 17-28) and their leaders who are interested in discovering their place in God’s mission. This is a unique opportunity for Gen Z to connect with the global church, wrestle with big questions of faith and calling, and be equipped to make a difference.
Registration for Urbana 25 is now open. Space is limited, so early sign-ups are encouraged. Pricing will increase on May 17.
For more information and to register, visit Urbana.org.
About Urbana & InterVarsity Christian Fellowship/USA
Since its first gathering in 1946, Urbana has been a catalyst for global missions, inspiring tens of thousands to follow Christ into full-time ministry, global service, and faithful witness in every sphere of life. Hosted by InterVarsity Christian Fellowship/USA, Urbana is dedicated to calling each new generation to discover their part in God’s work in the world.
About Mark Matlock:
Mark Matlock is the Executive Director of Urbana 25 for InterVarsity Christian Fellowship and a Senior Fellow at Barna. Mark’s research provides insights into younger generations, cultivating resilient disciples, and knowing the pulse of your city. As the founder of WisdomWorks, he has helped national and international faith-based organizations adapt to changing times by turning data and research into strategic action. Mark coauthored Faith for Exiles with David Kinnaman and, most recently, authored Faith for the Curious.
Media Contact: Heidi Rosenblatt – heidi.rosenblatt@intervarsity.org
Access The Full Press & Media Kit: Urbana.org/presskit
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SOURCE Urbana 25
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