Christian conferences have changed over the last few years. Some were put on hold due to the pandemic, while others pivoted to become only virtual. But, one thing is for sure, many pastors and church leaders are sincerely hoping 2022 will be the year of grand (re)openings of such significant gatherings.
Check out this year’s top 12 conferences for church leaders.
1. Exponential Conference held on March 7-10, 2022
- Cost: $169
- Theme: Empowered: Moving With The Spirit
Exponential is focused on church planters. Their main conference is held in person in Orlando (FL). They also hold other regional events to reach more churches and pastors in different areas of the country like Nashville (TN), Raleigh (NC), Houston (TX), Chicago (Il), DC, Bay Area (CA), and SoCal. Even better, as an attendee, you’ll have access to many resources like free downloads. You’ll connect, be challenged, and dare to multiply yourself and your church.
2. Renegade Pastors Virtual Conference held on March 15-17, 2022
- Cost: $129 and a free pastor’s spouse registration
- Theme: Finishing Well
This online-only event advertises its meeting like this on their website, “As a Senior Pastor, you face many challenges to finishing strong in ministry — and this past year has been no exception. Find renewal and inspiration through proven strategies and new applications for ministry from those who are in the trenches with you — and are committed to helping you fulfill your calling! They will cover multiple areas critical to finishing well, including physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual health.”
3. Together For the Gospel Conference held on April 19-21, 2022
- Cost: $289 plus optional plans
- Theme: Last Word, Come Together One Last Time
Held in Louisville (KY), this biannual conference is a big draw where you can expect four things: teaching, singing, books, and fellowship. The whole schedule is planned around those four axes. World-renowned Christian speakers will “deepen your biblical knowledge through talks and panels centered on God’s Word.” Who attends? “Pastors and church leaders from over 25 denominations, all 50 states, and 62 nations gather at Together for the Gospel. While we have our differences, we are committed to standing together for the main thing—the gospel of Jesus Christ.”
4. Church Leaders Conference held on April 26-28, 2022
- Cost: $189 per person
- Theme: Let’s go church!
Watermark Church in Dallas (TX) hosts this annual leadership conference. Ministry breakouts are meant to equip any leader within the church. Those breakouts cover every active church ministry, which helps get tools, know-how, and insights. Don’t look for any celebrity (their words!) speaker at the conference. It is a church-held conference that focuses on what Watermark does. It is a total package where you’ll get great resources, talk to real ministry practitioners and uncover the answers to questions you’ve been asking yourself.
5. The Orange Conference held on April 27-29, 2022
- Cost: $319 per person
- Theme: Be Human
Orange is known for its kids and study ministry curriculum, but its annual in-person conference in Atlanta is for any church leader. It features inspiring main sessions with renowned speakers and exciting breakout sessions. As they say, it to promote this year’s theme: “We won’t get many chances to reset how this generation sees the church. What we do next matters more than it ever has. Now is the time to revive the hope that Jesus actually offers humanity. So, let’s do that together. Because we are the church. Now is the time to be human.” This year also features a concert with Jonathan McReynolds and Crowder.
6. Rethink Leadership Conference held on April 27-29, 2022
- Cost: $299
Happening at the same time as the Orange Conference, the in-person Rethink Leadership Conference “is by senior leaders for senior leaders, connecting the most innovative leaders in the world to discover what’s next in the church.” This event is naturally smaller, held close to the Orange conference and specifically addresses senior leaders. Offering keynote speakers and ample table conversations will also allow you to build some community with a small cohort. The extra bonus is that your whole leadership team can be in Atlanta simultaneously, receiving training and inspiration from both conferences.
7. ARC Conference held on April 26-27, 2022
- Cost: $195
ARC (the Association of Related Churches) holds an annual in-person conference. Though ARC is a church planting organization, it opens its gathering to any church planter, pastor, or leader. They encourage “leaders like you not to do ministry alone, and our story is your story, too.” If you register for their event held in Charleston (SC) at Seacoast Church, you’ll receive inspiration, training, and have ample time to connect with pastors from all around the country.
8. Leadercast Live held on May 4, 2022
- Cost: ranging from $99 all the way up to $599
- Theme: The One Thing
This is a different kind of conference. It is for church leaders, but the organization also aims for business and industry leaders. With keynote speakers like Angela Duckworth and TV actor Levar Burton, you know that the target audience is more comprehensive than just church ministry. Their live event is held in Cincinnati, Ohio, but you can join a local host site since they offer hybrid attendance.
9. First Impressions Conference held on May 11-13, 2022
- Cost: Free
- Theme: We Are Family
This is a free virtual conference, yes, free. What’s free anymore! Just for that reason, it’s worth participating. It focuses on first impressions with over 50 speakers. You can pay a low $79 registration fee if you want access to many resources. If you want to learn how to welcome the first guests and create welcoming environments, this is for you.
10. Passion Creative Conference held on May 12-13, 2022
- Cost: $109
- Theme: Lift
Passion Church promotes it this way: “LIFT: Creative Conference is a time to gather together to learn, grow and be refreshed in your gifts with other creatives without the restraints of leading others. These days will include Main Sessions with teaching and worship, as well as Breakouts ranging from leading worship to production to other creative themes and topics.” For creatives of all genres!
11. The Global Leadership Summit held on August 4-5, 2022
- Cost: $179
Broad in its scope, it targets Christian and business leaders who want to deepen their leadership capacity. You can attend it live at a host location or join in a simulcast anywhere in the country. The GLS says it this way “You have influence…and your leadership health matters whether you’re a business leader, CEO, pastor, teacher, nurse, student, artist, soldier, parent, doctor, volunteer, entrepreneur, or simply finding your place, you have influence.”
12. Any of your denominational conferences
You can check with your fellowship, denomination, or religious tribe. Those spiritual bodies probably plan an annual or biannual meeting where pastors and leaders connect. Usually, there is a mixture of business meetings when votes are held and some spiritual meetings where motivation, inspiration, and replenishment are yours to receive.
