Precon Sessions
SpireConference hosts a variety of preconference sessions on Tuesday before the start of the annual SpireConference event. Preconferences are all day events starting at 9:00 AM and ending by 3:00 PM with lunch provided. The cost for a precon Session is $125.00 and is separate from the SpireConference registration fee. Below are the preconference events scheduled for Tuesday, October 1, 2024 on the campus of Christ’s Church of the Valley in Peoria, AZ.
1K/1 DAY
The 1K | 1Day is designed especially for Sr. Pastors of churches of 1,000 or more. There are some unique challenges in these settings that you may not have learned in Bible College or Seminary. We call this the 1K | 1 Day Exchange because that is what this is: An exchange of ideas and best practices as we learn from one another.
SpireXP - Roundtable Discussion
The Spire XP precon will be a round-table event with Matt Wright from Slingshot Group, focused on the top issues facing executive pastors today. The topics will be sourced from those planning to attend. It will be an interactive and social time together, geared toward problem solving and taking home action steps you can put into practice immediately. You won’t want to miss this meaningful time as you build relationships and level up your skills for leading today’s church. Featured speakers and materials are all provided with your registration.
Women in Leadership - Things I Wish I Knew Before Entering Ministry
This is a precon event for women only, so that you have a place where you can talk through the specific needs and challenges that come with being a female leader in ministry. This group exists to serve and support all women who lead in the local church. This is not women’s ministry, this is for all women in leadership - no matter where you fall on the org chart, you have a place here. Join Dr. Kelly Dagley, Lindsey Harden, and Melissa Mashburn from Hope International University, The Refinery Christian Church, and Ministry Chick for this incredible precon session.
Childrens Ministry - Ministry to Gen Alpha, what needs to change?
This collaborative session will equip children’s ministers serving Gen Alpha and connect them with a supportive community of ministry peers. We’ll share best practices, explore essential convictions, and refine our approach to ensure we’re truly making disciples, not just "doing" kids ministry. The day will focus on becoming wise leaders who understand the needs of today's young people and know how to respond effectively. Join this community of other ministers to sharpen your ministry philosophy and practices for the next generation, hosted by Jason Smith from Eastview Christian Church.
Student Ministry - Measuring Attendance & Activation in Youth Ministry
For decades, youth ministries have been measured based on attendance. While attendance is important, it is only a small part of what helps a young person hold on to their faith into young adulthood. We serve the most interactive generation in history, and they want to do more than just show up. Faith that lasts springs from activation, and we need ministries that promote and celebrate Kingdom work. Join Katelyn Adams, the CIY team, and special guest youth pastors from around the country as they lead a conversation on how to get your students serving, leading, and growing.
Worship Arts - Worship and Production Culture
Join some of the nation’s best worship leaders and team members at the Spire Worship Arts precon. Jordan Howerton of Christ Church of the Valley and several special guests lead this important one-day precon that will help you shape your worship experience and push you and your team to grow in this important ministry channel. Attendees will enjoy special guest speakers and networking opportunities to help grow your leadership in Worship Arts Ministry.
Campus Pastors -
Campus Pastors and Mutli-site leaders will gather for a great precon event. We will address some of the unique and interesting challenges that campus pastors and multi-site leaders face. Attendees will enjoy engaging speakers and a variety of collaborative discussions to help you increase your influence and leadership as a Campus Pastor.
Connection & Hospitality - Increasing the Speed of Connection at Your Church
The inability to connect guests quickly at your church is your number one obstacle to mission fulfillment. No one has ever made a disciple out of an unconnected person. Since unconnected people begin to leave our churches in the 2 to 4 month range, the speed of connection is critical to your ministry and not that hard to increase. Join Greg Curtis from Eastside Christian Church and Climbing the Assimilayas and learn what your speed bumps are, how to remove them, and the latest on quicker connection strategies churches like yours are using to achieve great success.
Discipleship - Move Your Ministry Toward Multiplication
The Spire Network Discipleship precon provides an opportunity to workshop the necessary steps to move your current discipleship model further toward multiplication. You'll hear from Bart Shaw from Traders Point Christian Church and other experienced leaders in this space as well collaborate with others in similar spaces to you, to help you make necessary modifications to better set you and your ministry up for multiplication.
Preaching & Leadership -
Join other preachers & leaders for encouragement and discovering how you and your church can thrive. The Christian Church Leadership Network will be hosting your time with training and experiences to help you reach the next level in your ministry.
Local & International Missions - The Church Beyond The Building
This preconference session is designed for churches ready to move beyond their walls to engage and serve their local communities and beyond. Whether you're leading external initiatives in your neighborhood or spearheading international missions, this session will connect you with fellow leaders who share your passion for reaching people with compassion and justice. You'll gain insights and best practices from mission leaders across the country, equipping you with next steps to make a meaningful impact in your own backyard and around the world. Join Wes Dillon and Jason Shreve to discover how to expand your mission's reach and serve those in need, both locally and internationally.
Evangelism -
With people so open to the Gospel, it’s time to make a plan to elevate evangelism in your church. We will help you assess your current situation and discuss simple training methods that will align your leadership and congregation. By the end, you will have a clear vision for your church (and life!) and a concrete plan to mobilize the Ninety-nine to reach the One like never before. Join Roger Clark from Harvester Christian Church and OneLife Coach and Bart Rendel from Intentional Churches.
Special Needs/Disability - Real Talk on Special Needs Ministry in the Church
Join Garett Wall from Southeast Christian Church as we approach the “what, why, who, when, where, and how” of special needs ministry in our churches. Whether your church is very early in the exploration process of special needs ministry or you’ve been on the special needs ministry journey for 20 years or more, this Precon is the perfect way for pastors, ministry leaders, and staff to share ideas, create ministry connections and partner together on mission to take the Gospel of Jesus and the love of the church to the special needs community.