'Salt of the Earth' Conference for Orthodox Christian Young Adults Scheduled for October

DENTON, TX — The Temple Steps will host its inaugural Salt of the Earth Conference, an in-person gathering for Orthodox Christian young adults, October 22–25, 2026, in Denton, Texas. The four-day conference will bring together young adults from across the country for lectures, panel discussions, fellowship, shared meals, worship, and social events designed to strengthen participants in their Orthodox Christian faith.

Counterflow Podcast host, Buck Johnson, will serve as master of ceremonies. Speakers and topics at the conference will include Fr. Turbo Qualls (keynote speaker), Fr. Justin Havens (monasticism and marriage), Fr. Justin Frederick (asceticism in the world), and Dr. Mark Tarpley (tradition in the Church). 

The conference will also include:

• A panel discussion on the topic of pop culture with Fr. Turbo Qualls, Andrew Stokich and Zach Delaney (co-founders of Logos Cinema), and Justin Marler
• The premiere of Logos Cinema’s new project, "Voices of the Apocalypse"
• A wide range of Orthodox vendors from the world of podcasting, book publishing, music, regenerative farming, ceramics, crowdfunding, grappling, including Project Mexico and Orthodox Christian Fellowship
• Shared meals, fellowship, and a young-adult dance
• Paraklesis, an Akathist, Vigil, and Divine Liturgy

“Through our great lineup of speakers, the premier of Logos Cinema’s new project, and our amazing vendors, our goal is to bring together young adults from around the country to the central location of Texas. At the time of writing this, attendees from 12 different states have committed to come together to enjoy the mild October Texas weather,” said Thea Frederick, founder of The Temple Steps.

The Temple Steps was created to foster the spiritual and social growth of Orthodox young adults and encourage deeper participation in the life of the Church. The organization seeks to help young adults take greater responsibility for their lives and faith while developing the relationships that sustain an active Orthodox Christian life.

Registration is now open for young adults interested in attending the conference. Registration will close September 30. Additional information about speakers, vendors, travel, the conference schedule, and tickets is available at TheTempleSteps.com. You can also find the Temple Steps and Salt of the Earth Conference on Facebook and Instagram.