FAQs

Got questions? We’ve got answers.

This page covers the following four categories of questions:

  • CONFERENCE BASICS

  • QUESTIONS ABOUT WHO CAN ATTEND

  • COST QUESTIONS

  • REGISTRATION QUESTIONS

Conference Basics

When is the conference?

The last conference was June 25-30, 2023. A detailed schedule of the week is here.

Where is the conference, and who sponsors it?

ThinkWell is sponsored and hosted by CrossLife Community Church. The address of the church is 1410 Old Brook Rd., Charlottesville, VA 22901. (We are located at the corner of Rio Road and Old Brook, about a half-mile from Fashion Square Mall.)

Is there a virtual attendance option?

We offered Zoom attendance in 2021 due to the Covid-19 situation at that time. We did not offer a virtual component in 2023 and do not anticipate doing so at future ThinkWells, because the fellowship and personal interaction are such an integral part of the conference experience. However, the larger events are live-streamed, and all sessions are recorded for later viewing.

Who speaks at the conference?

CrossLife Pastor Todd Cothran moderates the conference and teaches some of the sessions. The other speakers are a combination of local, regional, and national speakers whom we deem qualified to speak or teach on certain apologetics/worldview topics.

In 2023, nationally known apologist Frank Turek served as our keynote speaker. Other 2023 speakers are listed here.

Our 2021 speakers are listed there. Other past speakers included John Stonestreet, Del Tackett, Trillia Newbell, Victoria Cobb, and Axis (a traveling apologetics team that is a spin-off of Summit Ministries).

What topics are covered?

Sample schedules of session topics are here (2023) and there (2021). In the past, we have sought to be as comprehensive as our time allows, recognizing that God and his Word speak to all areas of life. We have covered the following areas at past conferences:

  • Reliability of the Bible

  • The case for the Resurrection

  • The exclusivity claims of Jesus (as the only way to salvation)

  • Christian worldview vis-à-vis other worldviews and religions

  • Science and faith topics

  • Beauty and music/art

  • Biblical archaeology

  • Marriage and family, including the sanctity of human life

  • Gender and identity issues

  • A Christian view on poverty

  • Religious liberty

  • Civic engagement

  • Media/entertainment and technology

  • Evangelism

  • Living a purposeful life

What is the format of the conference?

Refer to the 2023 detailed schedule here. Time is allotted for:

  • Welcome and worship in song (first thing in the morning)

  • Speakers’ sessions (45-minute lectures with a range of interactivity depending on the speaker)

  • Q&A sessions

  • Breakout activities in small groups (these are age-based and led/facilitated by trained leaders)

  • Mid-day lunch break plus shorter morning and afternoon breaks

  • New in 2023 was a “Think Well Bonus Round” in which students were able to stay for discussion after the day’s formal schedule ended. (This was optional, with no set agenda; it gave students additional opportunities to process and discuss the lectures.)

Are the conference sessions recorded, and if so, how do I access them?

All registered attendees receive access to all recorded speaker sessions after the conference (these usually take a couple weeks for us to edit and post; we typically post a few at a time). Many sessions are also available to the public without a password. We will send an access link and password to all registrants so you can view these recordings.

Questions About Who Can Attend

What ages are allowed to attend?

The conference is recommended for ages 14–22. Younger participants have been allowed in the past at parent discretion. In 2025, the age range will be stricter, with no students who are younger than 14 (as of day 1 of the conference) allowed to attend.

Can parents/guardians attend?

This conference is first and foremost for young people. The kick-off evening, another evening event, and the closing event are all open to parents and other family members. 

Is there child care?

There is no child care during the weekdays of the conference. Child care is offered during the midweek evening event.

Is it appropriate for a nonbeliever to attend this conference?

Yes! While the conference certainly is aimed at young believers wanting to strengthen their faith, and to learn why they believe what they believe and how to defend their faith, we by all means do not want to turn away those who have not yet professed faith in Jesus Christ. We do ask, if a student attends and is not a believer, that the parent(s) makes sure he or she is willingly attending (not being forced) and is open to the Christian faith to the extent necessary so that he or she will not become a distraction or obstacle to others attending.

Cost Questions

How much does it cost?

The registration cost for the 2023 conference was $125/student (the same as in 2021). For families with multiple children attending, each sibling of the first student received a $10 discount. Due to the rising costs of food, we suggested (but did not require) an additional contribution of $10 per student to help us cover the expenses of daily snacks, three catered lunches, and the closing event BBQ.

What if I cannot afford the full price?

Financial assistance is available on a need basis. Please speak to Pastor Cothran regarding assistance that you may need: 719-321-8565 (mobile) or todd@crosslife.church.

What is included in the cost?

Cost includes registration to attend all sessions, a conference notebook, a conference T-shirt, and other conference materials. It also included daily snacks, hot coffee/tea, and four catered lunches (pizza, Chick-fil-A, Jimmy John’s, and tacos), as well as the closing event (BBQ). Lunch was to be brought from home on Friday only, and those with special dietary needs may wish to bring lunch all days since we cannot guarantee that we will be able to accommodate all dietary needs. Students also are asked to bring their own water bottle/travel mug for filling up water at the drinking fountains or in the kitchen.

I’m a parent/sibling and want a ThinkWell T-shirt. How can I get one?

We have additional T-shirts available for purchase! The 2023 shirts (forest green color with yellow and white design) are $10 each. The 2021 and earlier shirts are $5 each. Not all sizes are available. Please call 434-973-9162 or send an email to info@thinkwellconference.org to request a shirt (mentioning the year and size). You can also stop by CrossLife to purchase one.

Registration Questions

How and when do I register?

Registration for the next conference will begin March 15, 2025. Be sure you’re signed up for ThinkWell email updates so you will be in the know about registration and other conference news.

Is there a registration deadline?

Registration closes 1 week before the conference starts or whenever we reach our maximum capacity (this was 160 students in 2023).

What if I can’t or don’t want to register online?

Registering online is secure. However, if you strongly prefer to register by paper instead of online, you can do so. To request a hard-copy registration form, call 434-973-9162 or email info@thinkwellconference.org.

Are there any refunds?

A refund is available only in the case of an extenuating circumstance that prevents a student from attending after already registering. Please contact us at info@thinkwellconference.org if you need to request a refund.

What if a student cannot attend all days of the conference or needs to miss parts of it?

While we strongly urge that students attend every session all five days (along with the kick-off session on Sunday), we understand that there may be circumstances in which someone has to miss part of a day or a whole day (or more). The registration cost is the same regardless of whether a student attends all sessions/days or not.

After I register, then what?

You receive a pre-conference email 1 week before the conference begins. That email will contain all you need to know before the kick-off event and beyond. In the meantime, if you have any questions, please contact conference coordinator Jenny Abel (619-517-8958) or Pastor Cothran (719-321-8565).

How can I find out who else is attending from my area so I can carpool or arrange transportation?

We do not offer transportation to the conference, but other families/attendees may be able to give you or your student a ride. If you desire to carpool, please contact us at info@thinkwellconference.org as soon as possible.