A pastor’s calling is both glorious and demanding. In the midst of this work, we need sources of nourishment for our souls and sharpening for our minds. We need places where the gospel is cherished, Scripture is honored, and the glory of Christ is exalted above personal preference or methodology. The word of God and prayer are those places, but many neglect conferences as a great place for fellowship and spiritual nurishment.
Conferences are gatherings where pastors and church leaders come to be reminded of the central truths of our faith, to be encouraged by sound teaching, to confess the beauty of Christ again, and to return to ministry with renewed vision and humility. They remind us that ministry is not ultimately about strategies or programs but about grace, suffering, faith, and perseverance in the gospel.
In choosing conferences to attend in 2026, pastors should seek gatherings that promote biblical fidelity, theological depth, pastoral formation, gospel renewal, and missional clarity. Not all conferences are equal. Some focus on practical tools alone. Others prioritize emotional experience. Healthy conferences do not reject practicality or emotion but ground everything in the proclamation of Christ crucified and risen.
Below is an outline of key attributes to look for in conferences, followed by space to list and describe specific gatherings. Use this as a guide to evaluate conferences not by trendiness, entertainment value, or speaker popularity but by their nourishment of pastors’ souls and their fidelity to Scripture.
What To Look for in a Pastor’s Conference
It’s important to seek out conferences that are like-minded.
1. Theological Conviction
- Does it hold to the sufficiency of Scripture?
- Is there a clear affirmation of the gospel of grace?
- Does it avoid theological compromise and false teaching?
A conference without a serious commitment to the truth of God’s Word is a distraction at best and a danger at worst. Pastors should be rooted in the historic Christian faith, not swayed by every new idea.
2. Exaltation of Christ
- Does the theme center on Christ’s glory and Lordship?
- Are sessions Christ-centered rather than productivity-centered?
Ministry flows from worship. A conference that exalts Christ strengthens pastors to lead churches that worship Him alone.
3. Practical Pastoral Formation
- Does it offer teaching on preaching, shepherding, discipleship, and pastoral care?
- Are there workshops or tracks that help pastors address real-world ministry challenges in a gospel-shaped way?
The best conferences do not merely inspire. They equip.
4. Community and Fellowship
- Does the conference foster genuine fellowship among pastoral leaders?
- Are there opportunities for small group interaction, mentoring, and sustained dialogue?
- Are there others that I know that are already going to this conference?
Ministry is not received in isolation. God often speaks through the fellowship of his people and the mutual encouragement of pastors who walk similar paths.
5. Missional Focus
- Does it cast vision for the local church’s witness in its community?
- Does it address global mission with compassion and clarity?
- Is the topic one that I am interested in learning more about?
A pastor must be healthy not just inwardly but outwardly. Conferences that help pastors think missionally reinforce the church’s calling to make disciples of all nations.
6. Gospel Renewal and Spiritual Depth
- Are there times of corporate prayer, Scripture reading, or worship that focus on spiritual renewal?
- Is there an emphasis on personal holiness and dependence on the Spirit?
The heart of pastoral ministry is not programs or attendance numbers. It is the soul’s communion with Christ. Conferences that foster spiritual depth help pastors return home with deeper devotion, not just new methods.
7. Longevity and Reputation
- How long has this conference existed?
- What reputation does it have among seasoned pastors?
- Will this help me network with like-minded pastors?
History is not infallible, but it often indicates whether a gathering consistently champions the gospel rather than shifting with every trend.
8. Cost and Accessibility
- What is the cost to attend?
- Are scholarships or discounts available?
- Is it accessible for pastors with small church budgets?
Financial barriers should not prevent pastors from receiving nourishment. Many conferences provide support to those who need it.
Best Pastor’s Conferences in 2026
1. Serious Joy: The 38th Bethlehem Conference for Pastors
Date: February 2-4, 2026
Location: Saint Paul RiverCentre, St. Paul, Minnesota
Topic: Word + Spirit: The Power of Supernatural Ministry
Speakers: Kevin DeYoung, Steven Lee, John Piper, David Mathis, Dieudonne Tamfu, Mark Vroegop, and more!
Cost: $355
2. Shepherds Conference
Date: March 4-6, 2026
Location: Sun Valley, California
Topic: Servant of The Word: The Life and Ministry of John MacArthur
Speakers: John Piper, Ligon Duncan, Albert Mohler, Mark Dever, Joel Beeke, Michael Reeves, H.B. Charles, Paul Washer, Nathan Busenitz, Abner Chou, Phil Johnson, Michael Riccardi, Josiah Grauman, and Paul Twiss.
Cost: $549
3. Coram Deo Pastor’s Conference
Date: March 17th – 19th, 2026
Location: Christ Covenant Church, Matthews, North Carolina
Topic: Servant of The Word: The Life and Ministry of John MacArthur
Speakers: Kevin DeYoung, John Piper, Ligon Duncan, H.B. Charles Jr., Jason Helopoulos, Andrew Walker, Brooks Buser, Chad Van Dixhoorn, Jonathan Leeman, and Justin Taylor.
Cost: $319
4. East Coast Ministers’ Conference
Date: May 26–28, 2026
Location: Elizabethtown College, Elizabethtown, Pennsylvania
Topic: Revival and faithful ministry of the Word
Speakers: Matt Kingswood, David Strain, Matthew Everhard, Jon Hueni, Bill VanDoodewaard, David Campbell, and Jeff Oliver.
Cost: $180–$510
A Pastoral Word on Choosing Conferences
Some pastors may feel pressure to attend every popular event, as though missing a conference equals missing a blessing. Others may feel guilty for attending none. Both responses reveal a misunderstanding of the Christian life. Growth in pastoral ministry is not measured by conference badges or travel miles. It is measured by faithfulness to the Word, love for Christ, and obedience in daily ministry.
A healthy perspective sees conferences as a means of encouragement, not and end in themselves. They are opportunities to be refreshed, to think deeper about God’s truth, to share burdens with fellow servants, and to be reminded that Christ builds His church. Conferences should deepen our reliance on Scripture, not distract us from it.
In a culture that prizes innovation and novelty, be discerning. Choose gatherings that celebrate the unchanging gospel and equip pastors to serve the local church. Let every conference you attend shape you to preach Christ more faithfully, shepherd more lovingly, and serve more humbly.
