Top 11 Pastors Conferences to Attend in 2026

Attending a Pastor’s Conference will equip you with knowledge, confidence, and encouragement as you disciple the next generation of leaders. Pastors need encouragement just as much as anyone else! A Pastor’s Conference is a great time to be filled up so you can be sent back out.

Church leaders are important, and staying refreshed and filled is very important so that you can continue to lead. Many churches around the country work hard to create welcoming environments where you can relax and learn.

Whether the conference is a one-day or two-day conference, you’ll be sure to gain so much knowledge on a variety of topics such as kids’ curriculum, worship, sermon series, and more.

Estimated reading time: 12 minutes

What Happens at Church Conferences?

Typically, a church conference lasts a couple of days. This means you’ll need to get hotel accommodation if you don’t live in the nearby area, as well as transport. Many churches bring a small group of their staff to conferences so they can all be encouraged.

You don’t have to be a pastor to attend these conferences, so you can attend if you work at a church in the kids’ department, as a worship leader, or even on the production team! Everyone is on their own leadership journey, and it’s a great idea to always be learning. God’s word is for all of us, not just senior leaders.

Many of these conferences we recommend have a few amazing main speakers, accompanied by small breakout sessions that are focused on specific topics. There is so much to learn each year as new curricula and information come out.

Top 11 Pastors’ Conferences of 2026

There is an abundance of incredible pastors’ conferences that are happening next year. We’ve compiled a list of some of the best conferences your teams should attend. Bring your notebook and get ready to take notes, become more equipped, and empowered.

The Orange Conference

April 28-30, 2026 – Dallas, TX

Orange is a team of ministry leaders, educators, researchers, counselors, writers, editors, artists, musicians, and producers all committed to supporting churches and families as they nurture the faith and future of the next generation.

Join thousands of kids ministry, youth ministry, and next-gen leaders in Dallas for a dynamic 3-day experience. You’ll connect with peers, learn from thought leaders and practitioners, and align your team around a unified strategy.

Pricing: Individual – $310 Group – $290 Online – $150

The Outcomes Conference

April 28-30, 2026 – Dallas, TX

Christian Leadership Alliance hosts The Outcomes Conference.

Cultivate your leadership capacity through personal and professional leadership development through various learning experiences. LEADERSHIP: Personal Leadership, Executive Leadership, and Board Governance. RELATIONSHIP: Resource Development, Marketing & Communications, and Internet & Technology. STEWARDSHIP: Financial Management, People Management & Care, and Legal & Risk Management.

Speakers: Rev. Dr. Robby Gallaty, Edgar Sandoval Sr., Mindy Caliguire, Dr. Gary G. Hoag, Rev. Vick Green, Lyle Wells, Kenny Jahng, Rev. Dr. Benjamin Espinoza

Pricing: Members – $899 Non-Members – $1099

Exponential

March 17-19, 2026 – Orlando, FL

Exponential is the largest multiplication gathering on earth, with over 200 speakers and over 150 workshops. They want to help you renew your passion and calling for ministry. Exponential is a growing community of leaders committed to accelerating the multiplication of healthy, reproducing faith communities. They equip movement makers with actionable principles, ideas, and solutions.

Speakers: Rich Villodas, Moses Mukisa, Danielle Strickland, Andres Spyker

Pricing: Online – $79 Overflow – $149

Global Leadership Summit

August 6-7, 2026

The GLS is a very unique opportunity as they are able to livestream the conference to over 400 locations.

In 2026, GLS is celebrating 32 years of success in empowering and equipping leaders of all generations. Since the first Summit expression in 1994, their main campus for The Global Leadership Summit has been Willow Creek Community Church in South Barrington, Illinois. Every year, thousands of leaders from around the world gather to attend the Summit, from where 400+ local sites receive their simulcast experience.

Guests at the Studio Audience experience get to see the speakers live on stage, network with leaders from around the world, purchase exclusive merchandise, and engage with speakers at book signings.

Pricing: Local Summit – $199 Studio Audience – $259 Online – $199

Shepherds Conference

March 4-6, 2026 – Sun Valley, CA

The mission of Shepherds Conference is to provide the opportunity for men in church leadership to be challenged in their commitment to biblical ministry and to find encouragement together as servants of the Chief Shepherd. Sit under great speakers and be renewed with fellowship and community.

Registration is open!

Overflow – $549

Church Leaders Conference

April 27-28 or April 29-30, 2026 – Dallas, TX

Since 2016, the Church Leaders Conference has had a blast every year, welcoming church leaders, pastors, and ministers from all over the world for three days of strengthening, sharpening, and equipping. Senior pastor or Sunday School teacher, elder or A/V tech–if you serve Christ’s body, this is for you.

Pricing: Individual – $279 Groups with 6+ – $259

Lift Conference

Date Not Announced – Atlanta, GA

LIFT: Creative Conference is a conference for creatives to learn, grow, and be refreshed in your gifts with other creatives without the weight 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.

Pricing not yet available.

Irresistible Church Conference

May 4-6, 2026 – Alpharetta, GA

The Irresistible Church Conference can’t wait to host you and your hardworking teams for two days full of inspiration, equipping, and an opportunity to refuel for your ministry road ahead! Andy Stanley and the North Point Ministries staff will roll out a slew of new ideas we’ve tried since the pandemic, lessons they’ve learned in the process, and practical tools to help your ministry be healthier and more effective. 

Pricing not yet available.

VOUSCon

June 10-14, 2026 – Miami, FL

In 2023, VOUS Conference launched a new iteration, VOUSCon, building on everything they love about thier original gatherings with new faith and culture activations. Rich and DawnCheré Wilkerson are the pastors of VOUS Church and the founders of VOUSCon. Since 2010, VOUSCon has gathered leaders from around the world, designed to encounter God, equip the church, and empower next-generation leaders.

In 2015, Rich and DawnCheré launched VOUSChurch, rooted in the message of Jesus, with one mission — to bring those who are far from God close to him.

Speakers: Rich and DawnCheré Wilkerson

Pricing: GA – $211 GA Plus – $286 VOUS High – $161 Young Adult – $181 Group 5+ – $201 Group 10+ – $191 Group 20+ – $181

Filo 2026

May 5-6, 2026 – South Barrington, Illinois

After the Gurus of Tech conferences came to an end, there was no other event that was laser-focused on the technical artist in the local church. Todd Elliott, the former Technical Arts Director at Willow Creek Community Church, rounded up a team of people to help fill the void and bring you the First In Last Out Conference.

Anyone involved in technology in his or her local church. Audio or lighting, video or systems, staff or volunteer, beginner or expert, everyone is encouraged to attend. There will be something for everyone. While technical artists are the focus of FILO, worship pastors, music directors, lead pastors, creative directors, or anyone who works with technical artists is more than welcome to attend.

Pricing: In Person – $299 In Person Group – $269 Live Streaming – $129

Hillsong Conference

July 7-9, 2026 – Sydney, Australia

October 21-23, 2026 – London, England

Hillsong Conference is committed to presenting a God-breathed conference that will bless and inspire you, no matter what area of Kingdom endeavor you (or your team) find yourself in. This gathering is an opportunity for your soul to be refreshed by the Holy Spirit, as they lift up the Name of Jesus together. The Word, worship, and a faith atmosphere have always been central to Hillsong Conference.

You will also receive insights and practical tools to help you move forward and grow in your daily life. This may involve leadership in the Church or in the marketplace, deepening your personal faith journey, or making a greater social impact in your community.

Pricing: Individual – $219 Encounter Conference – $129 Kidsong – $129

Other Great Conferences

Those are the top 11 pastors’ conferences we encourage you to check out! If you want to learn more about other cool Christian conferences happening in 2026, keep reading!

Passion

January 1-3, 2026 – Arlington, TX

From its start in 1997, the Passion movement has had a singular mission—calling students and leaders from campuses across the nation and cities around the world to live for what matters most. For many pastors, what matters most is the name and renown of Jesus. They believe in this generation and are watching God use them to change the climate of faith around the globe.

Speakers: Louie and Shelley Giglio, Sadie and Christian Huff, Passion Team

Wave Student Conference

July 15-17, 2025 – Georgetown, TX

WAVE Student Conference is a gathering of Middle School, High School, and College-Aged Students, who come together to experience Christ through powerful worship, impactful messages, and authentic community. Every Student and Leader will leave refreshed and equipped to be the Wave everywhere they go. We are One Body, One Spirit, and One WAVE.

Motion

July 23-25, 2026 – Birmingham, AL

MOTION is more than a conference. It’s more than bands and speakers. MOTION is about a generation empowered by Jesus, equipped to make a difference, and living out their faith every day! It is placed strategically at the end of summer to launch students into the school year refreshed, equipped, and inspired to live their lives in MOTION at home, in the local church, in their cities, and around the world.

Speakers: Rich Wilkerson Jr., DawnCheré Wilkerson, Dr. Dharius Daniels

What Conference Will You Be Attending?

Attending annual conferences is an incredible opportunity for Christian leaders to experience spiritual renewal, gain fresh insights from seasoned leaders, and strengthen their ministry. These events provide a space for biblical teachings, spiritual formation, and cultural engagement, equipping church leaders to serve their communities effectively.

Through engaging keynote sessions and inspiring keynote speakers, attendees leave encouraged and empowered. Conferences like Engage Conference and others foster an environment where leaders can grow, connect, and refine their vision for ministry.

Beyond personal growth, these gatherings emphasize the importance of community outreach, ensuring that churches remain active in spreading hope and faith. Whether through workshops, networking, or worship, these conferences offer a place for spiritual growth and refreshment.

As you plan for the year ahead, consider making one or more of these events part of your journey. Investing in your leadership is an investment in the kingdom of God, and each conference provides a unique experience to learn, grow, and be renewed.

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