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In the ever-evolving landscape of ministry, pastoral preaching remains a cornerstone of effective church leadership. Dr. William D. Watley will use his decades of pastoral leadership and preaching to address the challenges of developing a church of mature disciples. In addition to individual spiritual formation, Dr. Watley will share how to build congregational maturity as it relates to the centrality of worship, stewardship, and evangelism. Participants will develop a greater sense of the necessity for pastoral preaching that resonates deeply with your congregation, reaches across generations, and strengthens the local church.

In a world craving genuine connection, your authentic self is a powerful tool for impactful preaching. This session teaches preachers how to embrace their unique personalities, experiences, and perspectives as vital parts of the preaching process, fostering deeper connections with both believers and seekers. Dr. Cynthia Hale will lead us as we explore the importance of authenticity in the pulpit and how your individuality—shaped by character, passions, and quirks—can resonate profoundly with your congregation.

In the hustle of sermon preparation, it’s easy to overlook the transformative power of prayer. This session invites pastors to rediscover the essential role of centering prayer in crafting sermons that not only inform but also inspire and transform lives. Pastor Matthew Thompson will lead us as we explore how intentional prayer can deepen your connection with God and enrich your messages. Centering prayer is more than a pre-sermon ritual; rather, it is a spiritual practice that opens your heart and mind to divine guidance, clarity, and creativity.

With all of the assets available for crafting sermons, preachers can become overwhelmed when creating compelling messages that balance scholarship, life application, and a clear presentation of the gospel. In this session, Dr William Curtis will discuss how to blend traditional and contemporary resources, from Scripture and commentaries to multimedia tools and storytelling techniques, ensuring your sermons inform and inspire. Discover how to tailor your message to address different age groups' unique perspectives and needs, fostering a sense of belonging and relevance for everyone in the pews.

The call of our churches is to make disciples in all the land, yet many times, we can find the communities we serve hostile to our message. National Community Church has thrived in the very diverse Washington DC area, by reaching out to the community, but staying true to their Christian values. In this session, Pastor Mark Batterson will address the complexities of cultural engagement, helping you navigate the delicate balance between inclusivity and theological integrity. You’ll gain insights into building bridges with various communities, fostering understanding, and how we can reach a diverse audience for Christ while maintaining our theological and scriptural integrity.

In a world that sometimes seems hostile to faith, the church is the lighthouse that still directs people to the Lord. To be that lighthouse in this environment means that we must have new approaches to engaging, edifying, and empowering believers. In this session, Dr. Nicole Martin will share with us the best ways to continue to fight the fight for faith and lead people to the Lord in this present age.

Reaching the Next Generation – Faith is passed down from one generation to the next

Rev. Dr. AR Bernard will discuss how he built the 32,000-member Christian Cultural Center in the heart of New York City, one of the most secular cities in the country, addressing the current challenge of ministering in a post-Christian world.

As society has shifted towards a post-Christian context, many pastors find themselves leading plateaued or declining churches that struggle to connect with an increasingly secular culture. This session offers a vital opportunity to explore what a post-Christian world looks like and how you can effectively engage with it. Dr. A. R. Bernard will lead us as we define the characteristics of a post-Christian culture—one where traditional values and beliefs are often questioned or dismissed. We’ll discuss the implications of this cultural shift for your ministry and how to respond with creativity and conviction.

In an age where church growth can often seem elusive, the foundation of effective ministry lies in a deep and unwavering commitment to Scripture. This session is designed specifically for pastors and leaders eager to embrace God’s Word’s transformative power in their leadership and growth strategies. Rev Sheleta Fomby will explore Scripture's vital role in pastoral leadership, church growth, and ministry development. She will cover how a robust understanding of biblical principles can inform your vision, shape your mission, and guide your decision-making processes. Participants will learn how to cultivate a culture of scriptural engagement within their congregations, fostering spiritual depth and discipleship that naturally leads to growth.

Are you looking to take your ministry to the next level? This session is designed specifically for leaders looking for practical advice and innovative strategies to elevate the impact of their church in their community. Dr. Courtney McBath will lead us as we explore key components of effective pastoral leadership, including strategic planning, discipleship, and vision casting. We’ll discuss how to create a clear and compelling vision for your ministry that inspires your congregation and aligns with your community’s needs. You will learn how to communicate that vision effectively, rallying your church around a common purpose that fosters unity and motivation in order to elevate your ministry.

Are you a pastor or leader of a traditional church seeking to engage a new generation of believers? This session is designed to guide you in transforming your church into a vibrant, modern ministry that meets the needs of today’s community while honoring your heritage. Pastor Alyn Waller will lead us as we explore effective strategies for transitioning from traditional practices to transformational approaches that resonate with contemporary audiences. We’ll delve into this shift's essential elements, focusing on cultivating a welcoming environment with modern audiences.

Churches are perfectly organized to get the results that they are currently getting. Are you a pastor or church leader of a legacy church seeking to set your congregation on a path to growth? This session is designed to equip you with the tools and insights necessary to lead effective organizational change within your church. Dr. Nicholas Pearce will lead us as we explore the unique challenges that come with transforming leadership structures, training practices, and church culture. We’ll discuss the importance of cultivating a clear vision and creating buy-in from your leadership team and congregation, ensuring that everyone is aligned and motivated for the journey ahead. In addition, we will learn practical tactics for implementing change, including assessing your current organizational dynamics, identifying improvement areas, and developing actionable strategies that lead to sustainable growth while respecting your church’s legacy.

If your church were to leave the community, would anybody notice? In this day and age, spreading the gospel means meeting the spiritual and temporal needs of our community. In this session, Rev. Kendra Smith and the Kingdom Cares Ministry will give you practical insights into how to begin, grow, and scale your community impact so that your church becomes a vital part of meeting the needs of the community that you serve.

Are you looking to make a tangible impact in your community? This session is designed to equip you with the knowledge and tools necessary to leverage real estate acquisition and redevelopment as powerful instruments for community transformation and church growth. Dr. Donte Hickman will lead us as we delve into the strategic role of property development in revitalizing neighborhoods and enhancing your church’s mission. We’ll explore how thoughtful planning and investment in real estate can create spaces that serve both your congregation and the broader community, fostering relationships and engagement.

Elections matter, and the community of faith must be prepared for a way forward no matter which candidates are elected. In this session, _______________ will join us to discuss what we should be doing to move our ministries forward after November.