How to Navigate a Christian Conference and Strengthen Your Ministry
Jennifer McCraw | Marketing and Partnerships Manager at Upward Sports
Are you wondering how to make the most of a Christian conference? Whether you’re a first-time attendee or a ministry veteran, Christian conferences offer incredible opportunities for spiritual growth, leadership development, and ministry enhancement. This helpful guide will help you navigate your next Christian conference successfully.
Why Attend a Christian Conference?
Attending a Christian conference can be a powerful way to grow in your faith, network with like-minded leaders, and discover new tools to enhance your ministry. Whether you’re new to conferences or a seasoned attendee, navigating the experience well ensures you leave inspired and equipped.
At Upward Sports, we’ve supported numerous conferences, and seen firsthand how impactful they can be for churches and ministries seeking to make a greater impact in their communities. Below are tips to guide you in choosing the right event, preparing well, and turning your conference experience into lasting ministry growth.
Which Conference To Attend? How to Find the Perfect Christian Conference for Your Ministry
With so many conferences available, it’s essential to choose one that aligns with your mission and current needs.
Popular Christian Conference Options:
- Children’s Pastors Conference (CPC): A must-attend event for those passionate about children’s ministry, with workshops, resources, and speakers that focus on equipping leaders to disciple the next generation.
- Exponential National: This gathering is perfect for church planters and leaders looking to multiply their ministries and grow their churches.
- Church of the Nazarene General Assembly (M25): A fantastic opportunity to connect with leaders from the Nazarene denomination and gain insight into effective ministry practices.
- Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) National Gathering: SBC members can network, share ideas, and collaborate on ministry strategies at this influential event. Don’t forget to check out the Pastor’s Conference.
- ECO Presbyterian National Gathering: Designed for ECO Presbyterian leaders, this conference provides inspiration, resources, and community to enhance your ministry.
- Connect Ministries: Known for equipping leaders with tools and strategies for impactful outreach, this conference offers practical training for ministry growth.
- REACHgathering: Focused on sports ministry, REACHgathering brings together leaders who use sports as a connection tool to engage their communities.
Understanding your ministry’s current challenges and goals will help you select the conference that best meets your needs.
Essential Tips for Christian Conference Success
Before The Conference
Prepare Ahead of Time
How to make the most of a Christian conference often starts with good preparation:
- Review the Schedule: Look over session topics, keynote speakers, and workshops. Mark the ones that align with your interests or current ministry challenges.
- Set Clear Goals: Decide what you hope to gain—new ministry tools, deeper networking, insights on a specific topic—and let those goals guide your conference choices.
- Plan Your Meetings: Conferences are excellent for connecting with ministry partners like Upward Sports. Plan ahead to visit exhibitor booths and chat with leaders who can help expand your church’s reach.
During The Conference
Network With Purpose While Attending a Christian Conference
Christian conferences bring together passionate leaders from diverse backgrounds, making them the perfect place to build relationships:
- Start Conversations: Don’t hesitate to introduce yourself to fellow attendees. Ask about their ministry experiences and challenges—you never know what you’ll learn!
- Visit the Exhibit Hall: Meet ministry partners who can equip your church with tools and strategies. If you see Upward Sports at a conference, stop by to discover how we help churches reach their communities through sports ministry.
- Attend Social Events: Many conferences host mixers or networking sessions. These are invaluable for forming connections outside of the formal sessions.
Take Notes and Follow Up After the Event
You’ll encounter a wealth of information while attending a Christian conference. Keep track of the most important parts of what you learn and stay organized:
- Bring a Notebook or Use Your Phone: Write down key takeaways from speakers, workshops, and breakout sessions.
- Follow Up Promptly: After the conference, connect with new contacts on social media or via email. Reaching out within a few days keeps the momentum going and opens doors for future collaboration.
After The Conference
Bring Knowledge Back to Your Ministry
- Share with Your Team: Host a meeting to share your insights and resources with your church staff or volunteers.
- Implement What You Learned: Identify 2–3 actionable ideas and develop a plan to put them into practice.
Revisit the Experience: Reflect on what worked well and consider how to approach your next conference differently to maximize its value.
Final Thoughts on How to Make the Most of a Christian Conference
Attending a Christian conference is an investment in your ministry’s future. By choosing the right conference, preparing ahead of time, and staying intentional throughout the event, you’ll leave inspired and equipped to take your ministry to the next level.
Upward Sports proudly partners with many of these conferences to help churches use sports as a game-changing outreach strategy. If you see us at an event, stop by and say hello—we’d love to connect with you and help your church become a hub for community engagement.
We hope to see you soon at one of these incredible gatherings! Questions about conferences? Let us know –
Jennifer McCraw (jmccraw@upward.org)
If you’re a church leader interested in starting a youth sports league for the kids in your community, visit www.upward.org/church-leaders
If you’re interested in coaching in an Upward league or getting your child involved in youth sports, you can find a league near you at play.upward.org.
Share
Other blogs that may be of interest to you:
