Growing Together: Lessons from the All Sites Gathering
At OneLife, we believe that growth happens best in community — when we step out of our normal rhythms, open our hearts to God’s work, and lean into one another. Recently, our OLX students had the opportunity to do just that at the All Sites Gathering — a week when each OneLife site on the east coast comes together for teaching, connection, and spiritual formation.
The gathering took place at High Point Camp in Pennsylvania, where our students united for a week filled with learning, laughter, and reflection. It was a rich time of encountering God’s Word, hearing from incredible speakers, and sharing life with friends both old and new.
Learning and Leadership
Throughout the week, OLX students dove deep into the theme of Leadership & Management, exploring what it looks like to lead with humility, faith, and excellence. They heard from several voices within the OneLife community — including Dr. Derek Cooper, our OneLife President; Genny Anderson, Site Director at OL at Three Springs Ministries; Jim Thompson, Pastor at Fellowship Greenville,SC; Mark Moody, OneLife’s Development Director; and OLX Site Director, Ben Loderhose.
Each session challenged students to think critically, wrestle with biblical truths, and see leadership not as a position of power, but as a posture of service. The teaching was balanced with time for connection, worship, reflection, and play — from sharing meals with other sites to enjoying High Point’s zipline, café, and game room.
One of the most powerful moments came when several OLX students shared their personal testimonies and experiences in front of the entire gathering. Their willingness to speak vulnerably about their journeys was both inspiring and deeply impactful, giving others a glimpse into the transformation that takes place in the OLX program.
Living Out Leadership
What stood out most was not just what students learned, but how they lived it out. They stepped up to serve, encouraged first-year students, represented OLX with integrity, and embraced opportunities to lead by example. Whether managing responsibilities during their Small Business Unit kiosk launch or simply showing kindness and attentiveness in conversation, they modeled the kind of leadership that flows from character and conviction.
As Ben reflected afterward:
“Were they perfect? No. Are they still young and growing? Absolutely. But I’m proud of this group for leaning in — for showing up, for sharing, for serving. It’s encouraging to see a younger generation who truly longs to love God and love others amidst the mess and brokenness of life.”
Looking Ahead
The lessons learned at the All Sites Gathering extend far beyond one week. They’re the kind of lessons that shape character, strengthen community, and prepare students to lead well wherever God calls them next.As the semester continues, our prayer is that the seeds planted during this time will continue to grow — that students will keep pressing into what God is teaching them and carry forward the heart of what it means to live OneLife: to know God deeply, to love others well, and to live purposefully in His world.