FaithFest
Join your youth group or friends for an exciting one-day event that’s jam-packed with games, competitions, and all kinds of activities for students in grades 7-12. You’ll be challenged by two messages from God’s Word and have tons of fun while you’re with us! We hope you make plans to join us for this exciting day!
Date: September 13, 2025
Time: 9:30 AM-4:30 PM (Rain or Shine)
Cost: $40
Speaker: Dr. Dennis Wilkening
About Our Speaker
Dr. Dennis Wilkening wears many hats at Faith Baptist Bible College—he serves as the Director of Student Life, Chair of the Biblical Counseling program, and is a full-time faculty member. His wife, Lori, partners with him in ministry as the Dean of Women. Together, they bring a dynamic presence to campus life.
Before joining Faith, Dr. Wilkening spent over a decade (2012–2023) as the Lead Pastor of First Baptist Church in Colville, Washington. During his time there, the rural congregation saw remarkable growth—tripling in size, completing two major building expansions, and welcoming a full-time Youth Pastor and Children’s Director. His ministry is marked by a deep passion for evangelism and discipleship.
Off campus, Dennis and Lori are most at home in the great outdoors. Whether they’re hiking trails, fly fishing in quiet streams, or enjoying a round of golf (Lori often wins), they find joy in God’s creation. Dennis also enjoys riding his motorcycle. They have two sons —Collin, who lives in Oregon, and Clayton, who resides in Montana.
In addition to his role at the college, Dr. Wilkening contributes to the ministry of Ankeny Baptist Church, where he leads the counseling ministry.
Sneak Peek
Cost
Registration includes all activities, lunch, and all general sessions
Students in Grades 7-12
$40 if registered by September 3
$45 if registered by September 9
$50 after September 9
Sponsors
$15 per person
Children of Adult Sponsors
Free for children kindergarten-6th grade
Registration fees are non-refundable, but may be transferred.
Youth Group Registrants
Youth leaders who register your group using the youth group form will need to print an Individual Registration and Medical Release form for each one of your students.
Each student participant is required to have this form completed and signed by a parent in order to participate in FaithFest. Church-generated forms will not be acceptable in the place of this form.
These forms will be collected from you at FaithFest, or you may scan and email completed forms in advance to our FaithFest office (events@faith.edu).
Those who register using the electronic Individual registration form do not need to provide a paper registration form.
Pay by Cash or Check (Available Through September 6)
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- Complete either the group or individual registration form.
- Under the payment section, please select, “I will mail my payment in advance.” For those who select this option, your payment must be received no later than September 11 or your registration will be subject to cancellation.
- Include your group name and contact information with your payment and mail it to:
Faith Baptist Bible College
Attn. FaithFest
1900 NW Fourth Street
Ankeny, IA 50023
Lodging Options
Out-of-town guests will need to make their own housing arrangements and may take advantage of discounted pricing at one of our local hotels. Please mention you are visiting Faith Baptist Bible College when making a reservation.
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- Sleep Inn, Ankeny: $90 for a Standard Room (two queens or one king). Book here or call (515) 964-5909
- Comfort Inn, Ankeny: $90 for a King/Double Queen Room. Book here or call (515) 965-8400
- Homewood Suites, Ankeny: $124 for a Studio Suite. Book here or call (515) 963-0006
- Residence Inn, Ankeny, $139 for a King Studio Suite. Call (515) 446-7300
Additional local hotels can be found here.
Schedule
This schedule is subject to change.
8:45-9:30 AM: Check-in
9:30 AM: Rally with Dr. Dennis Wilkening
10:45 AM-12:15 PM: Game Time #1
12:15 PM: Pizza Lunch on the Lawn
1:00-3:00 PM: Game Time #2
3:00 PM: Rally with Dr. Dennis Wilkening
4:30 PM: Dismiss
Arrival
Registration will take place in the Nettleton Center (Building #5).
What to Wear
Comfortable clothing is encouraged—jeans, shorts, t-shirts, athletic shoes, etc. Some activities will require participants to remove their shoes.
Concessions
A variety of food, snacks, and beverages will be available for purchase at our concession stand and Twigs Coffee Shop throughout the day.
Food Allergies
Due to the size of FaithFest and the number of individuals that will be served at it, we are limited in our ability to safely accommodate all food allergies and preferences. Those with specific dietary needs are welcome to bring their own food or to take advantage of food available for purchase.
Promotional Materials
Feel free to download these promotional materials for your church.
Questions?
We would love to help!
Please contact Faith Lewis.
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- Call: 515-422-5670
- Email: events@faith.edu
