Winter
Retreat
February 13-15, 2026
Scroll Down to See Retreat Details!
2026 Theme
The theme for this year’s Winter Retreat is Walking in the Light. Together, we will be doing an exposition of John’s first epistle in 1 John 1:5-2:6. Walking in the Light calls students to recognize that we live in a world marked by spiritual darkness, confusion, and deception. Yet God has revealed Himself as pure, holy, and life-giving light in Jesus Christ. This retreat invites us to discern who God truly is, to turn away from the shadows of sin, and to learn what it means to live openly, obediently, and joyfully in the light of His truth and grace.
First Baptist Powell Students Waiver
Click the link below to download the 2026 FBC Powell Students Waiver and Indemnity Agreement.
Lake Frances Retreat Waiver
Click the link below to download the Lake Frances Retreat Waiver.
Leading the Way
Hunter Long
Hunter serves as the Student Pastor at First Baptist Church of Powell. He is the husband of Leah Long, and the father of two: Amelia & Charlotte.
Hunter will be preaching in two of the plenary sessions and teaching two workshop sessions.
Benjamin & Heidi Birdsong
Benjamin and Heidi Birdsong began working together in ministry in 2010. They were married in 2013 and began working at First Baptist Church of Powell in the summer of 2024. Working with a full-time music ministry, they’ve had the opportunity to share the stage with groups like The Newsboys, Bethel Worship, Big Daddy Weave, Zach Williams, Cochren
and Co., and Jonathan Cain of Journey.
After their group disbanded, Benjamin and Heidi continued to minister with local Ministries Like Street Hope, TN and Men of Valor in Knoxville. Benjamin and Heidi have had the joy of leading various seminars on worship arts and dating, marriage, and relationships from a biblical perspective.
In their free time, they enjoy traveling, theme, parks, hiking, kayaking, retro video games, and football (UT and Baltimore Ravens!)
Daniel Vaught
Daniel Vaught is a freshman at Clear Creek Baptist Bible College where he is studying to be a pastor. He has attended First Baptist Powell for eight years.
Daniel will be teaching a workshop for middle school students.
Cory Darnell
Cory Darnell is a member of and serves as a deacon at First Baptist Powell. He holds a Bachelor of Science from Liberty University and plans to graduate this year from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary with a Master of Divinity. He is married to Amanda and they have two kids, Aiden and Madison.
Cory will be preaching one of our plenary sessions.