Planning church calendars for 2026 isn’t just about blocking dates. It’s about deciding where growth happens. Conferences shape vision, sharpen leadership, and often spark the ideas that quietly influence sermons, systems, and culture months later.
Some events recharge the soul. Others stretch the mind. A few do both. And let’s be honest, not every conference is worth the time, travel, and budget it demands. That’s why having a clear, realistic list matters.
This guide pulls together the most influential church conferences and Christian events scheduled for 2026. Student gatherings. Pastor focused retreats. Global leadership forums. Denominational meetings. Each one serves a different purpose, and knowing that upfront helps you choose wisely instead of chasing noise.
Whether you’re a senior pastor planning your year, a ministry leader advocating for your team, or a church administrator mapping budgets early, this list gives you clarity before registration pages start filling up.
Top Church Conferences and Events in 2026
This is where planning gets practical. These are the conferences shaping conversations, leadership pipelines, and ministry direction heading into 2026. Some are massive gatherings with thousands in attendance. Others are quieter, built for depth, rest, and recalibration. Each one serves a different kind of leader.
Here’s what’s happening, when it’s happening, and why it might belong on your calendar.
Passion Conference 2026
A landmark gathering for students and young adults built around worship, prayer, and unapologetic biblical teaching. Passion isn’t casual. It’s immersive, loud, and deeply formative for the next generation of church leaders.
Dates: January 1 to 3, 2026
Location: Arlington, Texas
Registration: Available on the Passion Conference website.
Notes: This event sells out every year. Lodging near the venue fills fast, often months in advance.
Pastors & Ministry Leaders Conference 2026
This conference feels more like a retreat than a production. The focus is encouragement, spiritual health, and longevity in ministry.
Dates: January 26 to 29, 2026
Location: Whiting, New Jersey
Registration: Available on the conference website
Notes: On site lodging is limited and typically fills quickly.
Refresh Conference 2026
Designed for leaders who need renewal as much as instruction. Refresh blends spiritual formation with leadership development in a way that feels grounded and realistic.
Dates: February 3 to 6, 2026
Location: Ankeny, Iowa
Registration: Available through their website
Notes: Especially popular with pastors, teachers, and ministry staff.
Christ Fellowship Conference 2026
This is a team oriented conference focused on building healthy systems and sustainable ministry cultures.
Dates: February 10 to 11, 2026
Location: Palm Beach Gardens, Florida
Registration: Available on the Christ Fellowship Conference website
Notes: Group pricing is often available for church teams.
C3 Conference 2026
Hosted by Ed Young at Fellowship Church, C3 is aimed squarely at senior pastors and executive leadership teams who want to lead with clarity and conviction.
Dates: February 18 to 19, 2026
Location: Grapevine, Texas
Registration: Available on the C3 Conference website
Notes: Content is tailored for top level leadership rather than general staff.
New Wine Leadership Conference 2026
A Spirit led leadership gathering focused on renewal, ministry effectiveness, and practical application within the local church.
Dates: February 24 to 26, 2026
Location: London, England
Registration: Available through the New Wine website
Notes: International travel planning is recommended.
Shepherds Conference 2026
Known for its emphasis on expository preaching and pastoral faithfulness, this conference prioritizes theological depth over trends.
Dates: March 4 to 6, 2026
Location: Sun Valley, California
Registration: Available on the Shepherds Conference website
Notes: Seating is limited. Early registration is strongly encouraged.
GAFCON Regional Conference 2026
A global Anglican gathering centered on biblical orthodoxy, mission, and unity across continents.
Dates: March 3 to 6, 2026
Location: Abuja, Nigeria
Registration: through their website
Notes: Final dates and location are typically confirmed the year prior.
Exponential Conference Global 2026
A forward thinking conference centered on church multiplication and innovation.
Dates: March 17 to 19, 2026
Location: Orlando, Florida
Registration: Available through the Exponential website
Notes: Strong emphasis on church planting and mission.
Ligonier National Conference 2026
This conference is theology heavy by design. Doctrine, church history, and discipleship take center stage.
Dates: April 9 to 11, 2026
Location: Orlando, Florida
Registration: Available through Ligonier Ministries
Notes: Draws pastors, theologians, and serious Bible students.
Church Conference 2026
Formerly known as the Orange Conference, this event serves churches focused on family ministry across every generation.
Dates: April 28 to 30, 2026
Location: Dallas, Texas
Registration: Available on the Church Conference website
Notes: Widely attended by children’s and youth ministry leaders.
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Alpha Leadership Conference 2026
An international leadership event built around vision, storytelling, and practical inspiration for church and organizational leaders.
Dates: May 4 to 5, 2026
Location: London, England
Registration: Available through Alpha UK
Notes: Translation is often available for global attendees.
European Leadership Forum 2026
A week long equipping forum for evangelical leaders from across Europe.
Dates: May 16 to 21, 2026
Location: Wisła, Poland
Registration: through their website
Notes: Attendance is application based.
SBC Pastors’ Conference 2026
Held alongside the SBC Annual Meeting, this conference focuses on preaching, encouragement, and pastoral leadership.
Dates: June 7 to 8, 2026
Location: Orlando, Florida
Registration: Available through the SBC Pastors’ Conference website
Notes: Open to all pastors, not only SBC messengers.
Southern Baptist Convention Annual Meeting 2026
The primary denominational gathering addressing resolutions, leadership elections, and cooperative ministry efforts.
Dates: June 7 to 10, 2026
Location: Orlando, Florida
Registration: Available on the SBC Annual Meeting website
Notes: Hotel availability tightens quickly once registration opens.
Christian Methodist Episcopal Church General Conference 2026
A major denominational meeting held on a multi year cycle.
Dates: June 13 to 19, 2026
Location: To be announced
Registration: Available through CME Church website
Notes: Includes worship, business sessions, and leadership training.
Hillsong Conference 2026
A global worship and leadership conference blending teaching, music, and creative expression.
Dates: July 7 to 9 2026
Location: Sydney, Australia
Registration: Available on the Hillsong Conference website
Notes: One of the largest Christian conferences in the Southern Hemisphere.
World Mission Conference 2026
Focused on global evangelism and cross cultural ministry engagement.
Dates: July 29 to 31, 2026
Location: Orlando, Florida
Registration: Available on the event website
Notes: Ideal for missions pastors and global workers.
Global Leadership Summit 2026
A worldwide leadership experience broadcast to hundreds of host sites.
Dates: August 6 to 7, 2026
Location: Global host sites and online
Registration: Available through local GLS host churches
Notes: Offers both in person and virtual attendance options.
ShareChurch Leadership Institute 2026
A leadership and worship training event designed for church teams.
Dates: September 30 to October 2, 2026
Location: Dallas Fort Worth, Texas
Registration: Available through ShareChurch
Notes: Best suited for worship leaders and senior leadership teams.
International Conference on Missions 2026
One of the largest missions conferences in North America, connecting churches with missionaries and agencies.
Dates: November 12 to 14, 2026
Location: St. Louis, Missouri
Registration: Available on the ICOM website
Notes: Serves churches, missionaries, and missions organizations.
How to Choose the Right Church Conference in 2026
Here’s the thing. More conferences don’t equal more impact. The right one does.
Before registering, it helps to be honest about what you or your team actually need this year. Not what sounds impressive. Not what everyone else is attending. What will genuinely move the needle.
Start with the goal.
Are you looking for spiritual renewal, leadership skills, theological depth, or practical ministry systems. Each conference on this list leans heavily in one direction. When the goal is clear, the choice usually is too.
Think in teams, not just individuals.
Some events are designed for senior leaders. Others work best when worship leaders, youth pastors, or full staff teams attend together. Sending the wrong person to the wrong conference is an expensive mistake.
Factor in timing and energy.
A January conference hits differently than one in October. Early year events often set vision. Late year events tend to refine and recalibrate. Match the conference rhythm to your ministry season.
Budget honestly.
Registration is only part of the cost. Travel, lodging, meals, and time away all add up. Sometimes a smaller, focused conference delivers more value than a massive event across the country.
Most importantly, don’t wait too long.
Many of these conferences sell out or see hotel blocks disappear fast. Planning early isn’t just wise. It’s necessary.
If you want, the next step can be turning this list into a printable calendar, a staff planning guide, or a narrowed down recommendation based on church size and role.
Frequently Asked Questions About Church Conferences in 2026
What are the best church conferences to attend in 2026?
The best conference depends on your role and goal. Student focused events like Passion Conference are ideal for young adults. Pastors often benefit most from gatherings like Shepherds Conference or the Pastors and Ministry Leaders Conference. Leadership teams usually gain the most from Christ Fellowship Conference, Exponential, or the Global Leadership Summit.
When should we register for church conferences in 2026?
As early as possible. Many major church conferences sell out months in advance, and hotel blocks disappear quickly. If an event is important to your ministry year, plan and register as soon as registration opens.
Are church conferences worth the cost?
They can be, when chosen intentionally. Conferences are most valuable when they align with a clear purpose, include the right attendees, and are followed by intentional debrief and application back home. Attending without a plan often leads to wasted insight.
Should churches send individuals or full teams?
That depends on the conference design. Leadership and systems focused conferences are usually best experienced as a team. Preaching, theology, or renewal focused conferences often work well for individuals. Always check the event’s target audience before deciding.
Do church conferences offer group discounts?
Many do. Conferences like Christ Fellowship Conference, Church Conference, and others often provide group or team pricing. Checking for this early can significantly reduce costs.
Are international church conferences worth traveling for?
Yes, if global perspective matters to your ministry. Events like New Wine Leadership Conference, Alpha Leadership Conference, and the European Leadership Forum offer exposure to different ministry contexts and approaches that can be deeply shaping.
Can volunteers attend church conferences, or are they only for staff?
Some conferences are designed for staff and senior leaders, while others welcome volunteers, especially worship leaders, youth volunteers, and missions teams. Always review the conference description to ensure it’s a good fit.
How do we get the most out of a church conference?
Go with clear goals. Take notes with application in mind. Talk through insights with your team after returning. The real value shows up when ideas turn into action, not when notes sit untouched.
Are virtual church conferences still an option in 2026?
Yes. Some events, like the Global Leadership Summit, continue to offer online or host site options. Virtual attendance can be a strong alternative for churches with limited budgets or travel constraints.
How far in advance should churches plan their conference calendar?
Ideally six to twelve months ahead. Early planning helps with budgeting, staffing coverage, and aligning conferences with ministry seasons rather than scrambling around them.
