Hearts on Fire transforms thousands over 3 decades

When Scott Carter started the Hearts on Fire Youth Conference with about 150 students in 1986, he never imagined what it would become.

Last year alone, more than 11,000 students and their leaders filled the LeConte Center in Pigeon Forge for a dynamic weekend of worship. This year’s lineup includes groups like Mercy Me, Finding Favour and The Skit Guys. Speakers include Dave Edwards and former University of Tennessee football player Inky Johnson. Even though the conference has grown considerably over the years, the goal remains the same as it was three decades ago.

“Hearts on Fire exists for two reasons,” said Carter, associate pastor for youth at First Baptist Church, Sevierville, Tenn. “First of all, it’s an evangelism conference to bring young people into a relationship with Christ. Number two, it’s to encourage every believer into a deeper walk — to let the Holy Spirit fan that flame.”

To make the experience available for those who may not be able to get to the Pigeon Forge event, HOF also now has a location in Charleston, S.C., where 750 were in attendance last year.

The South Carolina HOF conference will be held Feb. 12-13, 2016, at Charleston Southern University. This year’s Pigeon Forge event will be held Nov. 20-21.

For more information or to register for HOF, visit heartsonfireministries.org or call 865-776-2629.