Is there anything more rejuvenating than spending a few days worshipping, learning, and growing with your fellow church leaders? That’s exactly what these six best church conferences will do for you in 2024.
Whether you’re looking to dip your toes into the conference water or are a seasoned conference attendee, these six options are sure to delight and inspire. We’ve also included three conferences to start planning for in early 2025 – which will be here before you know it!
First, let’s look at why church conferences are so beneficial for church leaders.
Why You Should Attend Church Conferences
Church conferences are an investment of time and often money for your church. It’s easy to wonder if they’re worth that investment – and if you should spend that time and money on something else.
But there are several reasons why attending church conferences is worthwhile, both for your growth as a Christian and the growth of your church.
1. Refresh yourself and your church
We all fall prey to routine. It’s easy to get stuck in the same patterns – the same sermon topics, the same outreach groups, the same ministry meetings. Attending a conference is your chance to learn more about current church trends, new tactics, exciting initiatives your church can join, and more.
In short, a conference is a chance to refresh and reinvigorate.
2. Network with the best
We often don’t think of networking as a necessary part of running a church. After all, it’s such a business-focused term.
But in fact, networking with other church leaders is an incredibly positive experience that helps you learn new things, understand the state of churches beyond your area, and make lasting relationships you can lean on when you need to. Conferences bring the best of the best together in one space, so it’s the perfect time to focus on connection.
3. Feel united with the community
Do you ever feel alone in the sometimes perilous act of running a church? Attending a conference reminds you that you are working alongside thousands of other passionate, blessed people who feel called to the gospel the same way you do.
This union with the larger Christian community can empower you to lead your church bravely.
4. Bring the best back for your congregation
Panels, talks, and meetings with those attending church conferences can give you many fresh ideas to bring back and share with your congregation, providing tons of value to your church experience.
Conferences cover today’s most pressing church concerns, trends, interests, and more. Staying current means you’re keeping your congregants up-to-date and intrigued.
6 Best Church Conferences in 2024
Here are our top six best church conferences to consider attending in 2024.
1. National Association of Congregational Christian Churches
Date: June 22-25, 2024
Cost: $125 per day for in-person attendance; free for virtual
Location: Spokane, WA
In-person or virtual?: Both
The National Association of Congregational Christian Churches’ 70th annual meeting and conference is themed “There is a Time.” They’ll have several renowned speakers, such as Alan Roxburgh of the Missional Network. Plus, churches from around the Pacific Northwest will come together to discuss common issues and trends, as well as how they are “Being Church.”
Other activities include plenary sessions, workshops, and Sunday morning worship. Learn more about the free virtual component of this conference here and register for the in-person conference here.
2. VousCon
Date: June 20-22, 2024
Cost: Pricing varies depending on registration details; General Admission is $135
Location: Miami, FL
In-person or virtual?: In person only
VousCon, hosted by Rich and DawnCheré Wilkerson of Vous Church, gathers leaders from around the world to worship and look toward the future.
The conference will include meetings and workshops designed to help attendees encounter God and learn strategies to grow their churches. Baptisms are also a part of the schedule so the community can witness the rebirth of those who choose to be baptized. The lineup includes several renowned speakers and performers for three days of inspiring communion!
Register here.
3. S2 Con
Dates: June 25-27, 2024 for the East Con and November 12-14 for the West Con
Cost: Pricing varies depending on when you purchase; starts at $169
Location: Indianapolis, IN for the East Con and Pheonix, AZ for the West Con
In-person or virtual?: In person only
S2 Con offers two conferences this year to serve the entire country. You have the option to attend the East Con in Indianapolis in June or the West Con in Phoenix in November.
Church leaders gather from around the world with the goal to “start and strengthen churches.” Both versions of the conference promise intentional learning about how to expand your ministry.
The conference includes comedy nights, breakout sessions, performances, and more. Register here for the East Con and here for the West Con.
4. Motion Conference
Date: October 15-17, 2024
Cost: $119 (group pricing); $139 (individual pricing)
Location: Pearland, TX
In-person or virtual?: Both
Motion Conference is for church leaders of all ranks. Its goal is to equip attendees with new tools and strategies and inspire them to grow their church.
Speakers include Senior Pastor Ken Gurley and Creator of Motion T’Neil Walea. The conference offers tracks in Worship Arts, Church Leadership, Administration, Kids & Youth, and more.
All sessions are available both in person and online and will be recorded so attendees can access them for up to 90 days after the conference. Register for both online and in person here.
5. BLDRS Conference
Date: July 9-10, 2024
Cost: $99 for General Admission
Location: Burnie, MD
In-person or virtual?: In person
Hosted by Stephen and Zai Chandler of The Builders Network, the BLDRS Conference promises to transform the way you lead and build more sustainable churches.
With powerful main sessions, well-known keynote speakers, and tons of breakout options, you’ll leave the conference with fresh ideas and strategies to grow and strengthen your church.
Learn more about The Builders Network here. Register for BLDRS Conference here.
6. Caffeinated Church Conference
Date: September 9-12, 2024
Cost: $300 (discounts available)
Location: Denver, Colorado
In-person or virtual?: In person
This cutely named conference, the Caffeinated Church Conference, boasts four days of insightful workshops, collaborations, networking opportunities, and a technology exploration to catch you up on unique technical advances in the church sector.
Church staff and leaders of all kinds of invited to attend. Workshop topics range from how to ethically use AI to discipleship for our political times. See all of the workshop offerings here.
You are eligible to receive a 50% discount on the $300 registration fee if you have an Average Sunday Attendance (ASA) of less than 100. Register here.
Bonus: Plan for These 3 Conferences in 2025
If you need a little more lead time in order to plan to attend a conference, check out these notable conferences scheduled for early 2025.
1. ReFuel Conference
Date: January 17-18, 2025
Cost: Varies based on when you purchase; 2-day passes range from $53-$85
Location: Mishawaka, IN
In-person or virtual?: In person
ReFuel Conference is a gathering for church leaders with a specific focus on worship leaders, directors, and pastors.
Their lineup includes some renowned worship groups like Red Rocks Worship and leaders like Rachel and Caleb Culver. The conference kicks off with a worship concert and ends with some targeted breakout sessions.
Register here.
Christ Fellowship Conference
Date: February 12-13, 2025
Cost: Depends on when you by; Starts at $109 for group tickets and $119 for individuals
Location: Palm Beach Gardens, FL
In-person or virtual?: In person
The Christ Fellowship Conference promises to offer practical training to help you answer the hard questions about your church through talks and breakout sessions. Plus, collect helpful resources to take home to your church along with lasting relationships with church leaders just like you.
Start planning your trip here.
C3 Conference
Date: February 19-20, 2025
Cost: $79 Early Bird pricing
Location: Grapevine, TX
In-person or virtual?: In person
The C3 Conference (which stands for Creative Church Conference) theme is “The Way, The Truth, The Life” and focuses on current feelings of restlessness and uncertainty – and how your church can address them to create stronger communities.
Currently, the schedule features sessions, breakouts, and nighttime gatherings to worship and grow. Register here.
Over to You
Church conferences are a valuable opportunity to learn from the best and brightest minds in the country while making lasting connections and building your church leadership toolkit. Plus, let’s face it – they’re just plain fun!
We hope you get the chance to attend at least one of these uplifting conferences in 2024 or early 2025.
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