Enhance your conference experience with our Preconference sessions!

These full-day workshops provide a unique opportunity to delve deeper into specific topics, gain practical skills, and network with peers in a focused setting. The sessions run from 9AM - 3PM and includes continental breakfast and lunch to keep you energized throughout the day.

Invest in your professional development for just $125 per session, a cost separate from the conference registration.

Don't miss this chance to maximize your learning and get a head start on the main conference.

 

View all of the 2025 Preconference's below and secure your spot today!

Ben Cachiaras

1K/1Day – A Gathering for Lead Pastors of Churches 1000+. Empowering Leaders. Strengthening Ministries. Cultivating Growth.

Join a dedicated cohort of 1K pastors for an exclusive preconference designed to equip you with practical strategies, relevant insights, and collaborative connections tailored to your unique context.

**An exclusive breakout Luncheon for 1K Pastor Wives will be hosted. Luncheon Registration can be made HERE

Jesse DeYoung

Deepening Your Calling. Honing Your Craft. Connecting Your Heart to the Campus.

Join a dedicated network of campus pastors for an insightful preconference that is designed to delve into the multifaceted work of being a campus pastor – exploring the unique joys, challenges, and profound impact of ministering to the today's unique landscape.

Jason Smith

Leveraging Rhythms for Effective Children's Ministry

Join a vibrant community of children's ministry leaders for an inspiring preconference dedicated to the vital work of nurturing the faith of the next generation. This focused event will equip you with practical strategies, creative ideas, and meaningful connections to effectively minister to children and their families in your church and community.

Greg Lee 

Church Planting. Equipping Visionaries. Cultivating Foundations. Multiplying Impact.

Are you called to plant a new church? Join a dynamic community of aspiring and recently launched church planters for an intensive preconference designed to equip you with the essential knowledge, practical skills, and vital connections needed to build a thriving and impactful ministry from the ground up.

 

Greg Curtis

From Guest to Disciple: How to intentionally design the 3 journeys every guest must make to become a follower of Jesus.

Join a passionate community of ministry leaders for an engaging preconference dedicated to the vital art of connection and hospitality within the church. This focused event will equip you with practical strategies and inspiring ideas to cultivate a culture of genuine connection in your ministry.

Brad Bramer

Igniting Imagination. Inspiring Expression. Building Vibrant Ministries.

Join a diverse and passionate community of artists, innovators, and ministry leaders for an engaging preconference dedicated to exploring the power and potential of Creative Arts within the church. This focused and collaborative event offers a unique opportunity to connect, learn, and grow in your ability to lead and cultivate thriving creative ministries.

Bobby Harrington 

The Essentials of Making the DiscipleSHIFT 

Join lead pastors who have learned and led others to make the shift to a disciplemaking culture in the local church. You will be led through a road map that will show you how to align everything around disciplemaking: missionally, theologically, philosophically, organizationally and relationally.

Bart Rendel

How to Mobilize the Ninety-Nine to Reach the One

The Great Commission is the mandate given to every believer and church. Join us for this interactive leadership conversation as we dive into practical ways to align your church and equip your congregation to reach more people for Christ. This high-energy experience is not only built to share insights, you’ll get tools and ideas you can take home and use immediately to grow your church.

Tessa Young

Be The Leader Your Leader Needs You To Be

Join a dedicated community of Executive Assistants and Administrative Professionals serving in churches and ministry organizations for an enriching preconference. This focused event is designed to equip you with the specialized skills, valuable insights, and supportive network needed to excel in your vital role as the backbone of effective ministry leadership.

Wes Dillon

Local & Global Ministry - The Church Leaving The Building 

This precon combines the “International Missions” and “Local Compassion” tracks into one dynamic forum for local church leaders to network and learn from one another. Together, we’ll explore what it looks like to bring a flourishing Gospel to your “Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and to the ends of the Earth.” You’ll learn from peers facing similar challenges, pray with one another, and leave equipped with practical plans to engage your community and the world with fresh vision and hope.

Mary Tatum

Disabilities and Special Needs Ministry: Next Steps. Cultivating Inclusive Communities. Empowering Individuals. Expanding God's Kingdom.

Join a compassionate community of ministry leaders, for a vital preconference dedicated to building inclusive and thriving Special Needs & Disability Ministries. This focused event will equip you with practical strategies, theological insights, and collaborative connections to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to fully participate in the life and mission of the church.

John Hampton

Preaching and Leading. Strengthening Vision. Maximizing Resources. Cultivating Flourishing Ministries.

Join a dedicated cohort of Senior Pastors and key leaders from churches of all sizes, big and small, for an empowering preconference designed to address the unique opportunities and challenges of leading and growing a vibrant ministry within the context of a smaller church community. Connect with peers, gain practical insights, and leave equipped to lead with greater clarity and impact.

Melissa Sandel & Bill Brown

Elevate your leadership. Ignite your vision. Expand your impact.

Step into a unique space designed specifically for Executive Pastors. SpireXP is an exclusive preconference offering a dedicated environment to connect with peers, share best practices, and gain invaluable perspectives. This targeted program is designed to equip you with the strategic insights, innovative approaches, and collaborative connections necessary to confidently navigate the complexities of leading a thriving ministry. 

Chris Goulard

Deepen your understanding. Inspire your congregation. Fuel your mission.

Join fellow church leaders passionate about fostering a culture of generosity for an insightful preconference gathering focused entirely on stewardship. This dedicated time offers a unique opportunity to delve into the theological foundations, practical strategies, and innovative approaches to cultivating a giving heart within your congregation.

John Luzadder

Reaching the Youth. Equipping Leaders. Igniting a Generation for Christ.

Join a dynamic community of youth and student ministry leaders for an energizing preconference dedicated to effectively reaching, discipling, and empowering youth in today's rapidly changing world. This focused event will equip you with relevant strategies, practical tools, and collaborative connections to make a lasting impact on the lives of students in your church and community.

Mark Kitts

Empowering Your Ministry Through Innovation & Connection.

Join fellow tech-savvy ministry leaders for an insightful preconference dedicated to harnessing the power of technology to amplify your church's mission and reach. In today's digital age, technology is no longer an option but a vital tool. This focused event will equip you with the knowledge, strategies, and connections needed to effectively integrate and leverage technology across all areas of your ministry.

Dr. Kelly Dagley, Jessica Barton, Diana Rush, and Sarah Willey

Developing Female Leaders 

Join a vibrant community of women leaders from diverse ministry contexts for an empowering preconference dedicated to equipping you to thrive and lead effectively within the church and beyond. This focused and encouraging event offers a unique opportunity to connect, learn, and grow alongside fellow women who are passionate about serving God and making a difference.

Taylor Barton & Jordan Howerton

Equipping Leaders. Inspiring Creativity. Cultivating Authentic Worship.

Join a passionate community of worship leaders and musicians for an immersive preconference dedicated to deepening your understanding and enhancing your skills in leading transformative worship experiences. This focused and inspiring event offers a unique opportunity to connect, learn, and grow alongside fellow worship arts practitioners.