November 3 – 5, 2026 · Southaven, MS
Scan the agenda at a glance, drill into each day in chronological order, and explore every class and workshop. Save what interests you — or register whenever you're ready.
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01 · Overview
Three distinct days, one steadfast aim. Each day carries its own theme — from the opening charge to the closing commissioning — woven together by corporate worship, expository preaching, and breakout classes designed for the pastor's craft.
Day 1
Tuesday
November 3
Welcome · Panel · Workshop A
10:15
Conference Panel
6:30 PM
Evening Worship & Impact Award
Day 2
Wednesday
November 4
Workshops B · C · D
8:00
Breakfast & Registration
9:00
Workshop B · The Women's Ministry: Modeling Reverence (women only) — Rev. Bettina Saulsberry
9:00
Workshop B · The Living Room of Worship: Romans 12–15 — Pastor Sean Taylor
Day 3
Thursday
November 5
Workshop E · Forward Focus · Sending
8:00
Breakfast
9:20
Workshop E · Dr. Joel Gregory
9:20
Workshop E · Casting Vision in Ministry — Pastor William Watson
02 · Daily Schedule
Switch between days to see every session in chronological order — keynotes, breakout classes, worship and panels. The day selector follows you as you scroll.
Day 1 · Theme
Tuesday, November 3, 2026 — 11 sessions.
How It Works
Tap the bookmark on any session to add it to your plan.
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This is a personal planning tool. Adding sessions to your plan does not register you for the conference or reserve seats in any session.
Complete Official Registration →8:00
until 9:00 AM
01
9:00
until 10:05 AM
02
10:15
until 11:30 AM
03
11:45 AM
until 12:50 PM
04
1:00
until 2:20 PM
05
Dr. Reginald Taylor
The Rock Church
1:00
until 2:20 PM
06
Pastor Joel Gregory
Gregory Ministries
1:00
until 2:20 PM
07
Pastor Keith Norman
1:00
until 2:20 PM
08
Dr. Steve Lawson
OnePassion Ministries
1:00
until 2:20 PM
09
Rev. Roline Thomas
Saint Mark Baptist Church, Little Rock, AR
1:00
until 2:20 PM
10
Dr. Jamison Hunter
Mount Jezreel Church, Silver Spring, MD
6:30 PM
11
03 · Classes & Workshops
Working sessions on preaching, leadership, worship, discipleship and ministry life — taught by practitioners. Search by topic or speaker, filter by track, or surface only the sessions you've saved.
Browse workshops by time slot, speaker, or topic. Use the Workshop buttons below to view sessions available during a specific conference workshop period. You may also search by speaker name, ministry topic, or keyword. If you save sessions to your plan, click "Saved" to quickly view your selections.
How to Use This Page
Search by speaker name, church, ministry topic, or workshop title.
32 sessions found
Workshop AIn this session, we will look at the preacher's priorities, the preacher's perspective, and the preacher's personal life.
Workshop AContemporary preaching takes place in a distracted congregation that requires a new discernment and careful communication to engage the people who are actually there. Dr. Gregory discusses in a venue-specific way how biblical exposition can be curated to get heard in an increasingly distracted culture. We communicate with the people who are actually there rather than those we wish were there. All preaching is venue specific, and we will discuss and embrace the reality of that specificity. How do we get the text out of then to now, out of there to here, and wasness to isness?
Workshop AThis course provides a biblical framework for nurturing strong, Christ-centered relationships between pastors and the leadership teams who serve alongside them. Drawing from both Old and New Testament principles, the course emphasizes unity, mutual respect, servant leadership, and shared vision as essential components of a healthy ministry team.
In this session, we come to the actual writing of a Bible message that you will deliver to others. Careful thought needs to be given in this phase just as it was needed with the earlier stages. This is where all our Bible study comes together to become a message.
Workshop AHave you ever sensed God calling you to do something, but fear, uncertainty, or self-doubt held you back? This empowering women's workshop explores how God often works through ordinary women who choose extraordinary obedience — even when they are afraid. Through biblical examples, practical application, and honest discussion, participants will discover that courage is not the absence of fear but the decision to trust God.
Workshop AEmpowering People to Serve equips believers to discover their God-given gifts and step confidently into ministry. The class explores the biblical foundation for every-member ministry, helps participants identify their spiritual gifts and passions, and provides practical tools for serving effectively within the local church and community.
Workshop BThis class explores God's design for women to live as examples of reverence, wisdom, and godly character in their homes, churches, and communities. Participants will examine the biblical principles of discipleship, mentorship, spiritual maturity, and Christ-centered living as outlined in Titus 2. Through practical application and scriptural insight, women will be encouraged to cultivate a lifestyle that honors God, influences future generations, and strengthens the body of Christ. This session is designed to inspire women to embrace and demonstrate their unique calling and model a faith that reflects the beauty and holiness of the Gospel.
Workshop BThis class is designed to discover how Romans 12–15 applies worship to every area of life. Worship is expressed not only in our Sunday morning rituals but in our everyday relationships.
Workshop BOverview and Biblical Foundations: Intentional Discipleship, presented by Dr. Dexter G. Moragne, highlights the strategic importance of the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19–20) and outlines the structured, active commitment required to make and multiply disciples. At its core, the session defines intentionality as a purposeful, active dedication to a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, which compels believers to act as instruments of God's love in the world. It distinguishes between the roles of the disciple — who must study, learn, and share the teacher's doctrine — and the teacher, who is tasked with setting clear meeting times, providing concise, repetitive instructions, and exercising patience. This relationship is designed to establish a self-replicating cycle of spiritual multiplication where trained disciples go on to train others. Historical and Scriptural Modeling: The curriculum grounds these principles in both Old and New Testament precedents, emphasizing that discipleship has historically been the primary vehicle for leadership transitions and identity formation. In the Old Testament, the presentation highlights mentored transitions like Moses and Joshua, and Elijah and Elisha, noting that discipleship originally functioned within the Israelite household to build collective memory, hope, and responsibility (citing Deuteronomy and Proverbs). In the New Testament, this intentional mentoring is demonstrated through Jesus and the Twelve (specifically in the Gospel of Mark) and the pastoral partnership between Paul and Timothy. These examples show that the goal of a discipling relationship is to ensure that a teacher's doctrine is not merely intellectually received, but actively lived out by the pupil. Practical Frameworks and Metaphors: In its final section, the session bridges spiritual discipleship with highly practical growth frameworks, using professional development and onboarding metaphors to illustrate the learning journey. By comparing the discipleship process to a professional learning curve — spanning from a new initiate to achieving mastery over several years — the class outlines clear developmental objectives: understanding core procedures, policy, and benefits. Through a practical case study featuring an individual named Jeremy, participants see the typical mistakes, successes, and takeaways of a beginner. This structured approach underscores that spiritual maturity, much like professional mastery, requires deliberate steps, clear contact lines, and steady navigation through developmental phases to ensure long-term success.
Workshop BThis session equips church leaders, ministry workers, and volunteers with practical strategies for creating a safe and secure ministry environment. Participants will explore emergency preparedness, risk assessment, crisis response planning, active threat awareness, and best practices for protecting congregants during worship services and church events. The class will emphasize developing a culture of safety while maintaining a welcoming atmosphere for ministry. Attendees will leave with actionable tools and resources to help their churches prepare for and respond effectively to a variety of safety and security challenges.
Workshop BHealthy pastoral relationships are essential to effective ministry and faithful shepherding. This session explores how pastors and ministry leaders can cultivate God-honoring relationships with congregants that reflect Christ's love, compassion, wisdom, and integrity. Participants will examine biblical principles for building trust, providing spiritual care, maintaining appropriate boundaries, and fostering meaningful connections within the church. The class will emphasize servant leadership, effective communication, and compassionate engagement as pastors seek to care for the flock entrusted to them.
Workshop CWe wonder many times why our prayers are unanswered. It's not that God does not care or that He's not listening — sometimes it's because we are still holding grudges, bitterness, and unforgiveness. This class is designed to help us work through this issue and realize: "If we let go, God is ready to bless us fully."
Workshop CObeying God's Word is essential to the Christian faith, yet standing for biblical truth in today's culture requires courage. This class will encourage believers to remain faithful under the pressures of the world by depending on the strength and guidance of the Lord. Participants will learn biblical principles for unwavering obedience, discover how God equips His people to stand firm, and leave encouraged to live courageously for Christ regardless of the opposition they face.
Workshop CLearn practical strategies to build and sustain a Christ-centered music ministry that develops singers, strengthens worship teams, and glorifies God through worship.
Workshop CThis session equips church leaders, ministry workers, and volunteers with practical strategies for creating a safe and secure ministry environment. Participants will explore emergency preparedness, risk assessment, crisis response planning, active threat awareness, and best practices for protecting congregants during worship services and church events. The class will emphasize developing a culture of safety while maintaining a welcoming atmosphere for ministry. Attendees will leave with actionable tools and resources to help their churches prepare for and respond effectively to a variety of safety and security challenges.
Workshop CEvery leader faces pressure. Sometimes it comes from the culture. Sometimes it comes from the congregation. Sometimes it comes from fellow believers. In a world where popularity is often rewarded, and conviction is often criticized, how do spiritual leaders discern the difference between pleasing people and pleasing God? This practical and thought-provoking workshop explores the tension between peer pressure and God pressure. Participants will examine biblical examples of leaders who faced intense opposition, learn how to recognize unhealthy influences, and discover strategies for making decisions rooted in God's calling rather than public opinion. Whether you are a pastor, ministry leader, teacher, or servant leader, this session will challenge you to lead with courage, conviction, and clarity. There's this horizontal pull from peers and people vs. this vertical pull from God that creates this cross conundrum — sacrificial tension that rises with every decision, every sermon, every interaction with the people we lead. Because let's be honest, we all enjoy the applause from people! But we also chase the affirmation from God.
Workshop DPastors and ministry leaders often serve on the frontlines of grief, crisis, emotional pain, conflict, and spiritual distress while simultaneously carrying the weight of leadership expectations, caregiving responsibilities, and personal pressures. This session explores how trauma, chronic stress, emotional exhaustion, and repeated exposure to the struggles of others impact both leaders and congregational life. Facilitated by Dr. Michael A. Chambers, this session provides practical insight into trauma-informed ministry, emotional regulation, leadership resilience, and sustainable pastoral care. Participants will explore how trauma affects behavior, relationships, trust, communication, and emotional safety within ministry environments while learning practical strategies for creating healthier and more supportive church cultures. Drawing from pastoral leadership, veteran care, chaplaincy experience, and the ORRHE™ Framework (Operational Resilience in Repetitive High-Exposure Environments), this session will help pastors and ministry leaders strengthen emotional awareness, reduce burnout, cultivate healthy boundaries, and develop sustainable rhythms for long-term ministry effectiveness. This session is designed for pastors, ministry leaders, chaplains, caregivers, and faith leaders seeking to cultivate emotionally healthy, spiritually grounded, and resilient ministry environments.
Workshop DThe mission has never changed, but the methods continue to evolve. In this practical and forward-thinking workshop, participants will discover how to leverage technology, digital platforms, and artificial intelligence to expand their ministry's reach while remaining faithful to biblical foundations and the Great Commission. Whether you're a pastor, ministry leader, communicator, or volunteer, this session will explore proven strategies for engaging people online, creating meaningful digital discipleship pathways, and using AI-powered tools to enhance communication, content creation, and ministry effectiveness. Learn how to meet people where they are, build authentic online communities, and maximize your church's impact beyond the walls of the building. Attendees will leave equipped with practical tools, actionable strategies, and a renewed vision for using technology to connect more people to Christ, grow disciples, and advance God's Kingdom in an increasingly digital world.
Workshop DIn this session, we will look at the preacher's priorities, the preacher's perspective, and the preacher's personal life.
Workshop DThis class examines how Christ dispenses His multi-faceted grace to broken people living in a broken world. As we walk through selected scenes in the Gospel of John, we will discover how to be agents of God's contagious grace.
Workshop DThis class explores God's design for women to live as examples of reverence, wisdom, and godly character in their homes, churches, and communities. Participants will examine the biblical principles of discipleship, mentorship, spiritual maturity, and Christ-centered living as outlined in Titus 2. Through practical application and scriptural insight, women will be encouraged to cultivate a lifestyle that honors God, influences future generations, and strengthens the body of Christ. This session is designed to inspire women to embrace and demonstrate their unique calling and model a faith that reflects the beauty and holiness of the Gospel.
Workshop DEvery leader faces pressure. Sometimes it comes from the culture. Sometimes it comes from the congregation. Sometimes it comes from fellow believers. In a world where popularity is often rewarded, and conviction is often criticized, how do spiritual leaders discern the difference between pleasing people and pleasing God? This practical and thought-provoking workshop explores the tension between peer pressure and God pressure. Participants will examine biblical examples of leaders who faced intense opposition, learn how to recognize unhealthy influences, and discover strategies for making decisions rooted in God's calling rather than public opinion. Whether you are a pastor, ministry leader, teacher, or servant leader, this session will challenge you to lead with courage, conviction, and clarity. There's this horizontal pull from peers and people vs. this vertical pull from God that creates this cross conundrum — sacrificial tension that rises with every decision, every sermon, every interaction with the people we lead. Because let's be honest, we all enjoy the applause from people! But we also chase the affirmation from God.
Workshop EParallel breakout session presented by the listed speaker as part of Workshop E. Full description coming soon.
Workshop ECasting Vision Ministry empowers leaders to develop and share a clear, God-centered vision that inspires action and aligns ministry with purpose. Learn to lead with clarity, purpose, and lasting impact.
Workshop EEffective preaching requires both faithfulness to Scripture and an awareness of how people receive and engage with biblical truth in a changing world. This session is designed for new, seasoned, and aspiring preachers and teachers who desire to strengthen their communication of God's Word.
Workshop EThis course provides a biblical framework for nurturing strong, Christ-centered relationships between pastors and the leadership teams who serve alongside them. Drawing from both Old and New Testament principles, the course emphasizes unity, mutual respect, servant leadership, and shared vision as essential components of a healthy ministry team.
Workshop EPastors and ministry leaders often serve on the frontlines of grief, crisis, emotional pain, conflict, and spiritual distress while simultaneously carrying the weight of leadership expectations, caregiving responsibilities, and personal pressures. This session explores how trauma, chronic stress, emotional exhaustion, and repeated exposure to the struggles of others impact both leaders and congregational life. Facilitated by Dr. Michael A. Chambers, this session provides practical insight into trauma-informed ministry, emotional regulation, leadership resilience, and sustainable pastoral care. Participants will explore how trauma affects behavior, relationships, trust, communication, and emotional safety within ministry environments while learning practical strategies for creating healthier and more supportive church cultures. Drawing from pastoral leadership, veteran care, chaplaincy experience, and the ORRHE™ Framework (Operational Resilience in Repetitive High-Exposure Environments), this session will help pastors and ministry leaders strengthen emotional awareness, reduce burnout, cultivate healthy boundaries, and develop sustainable rhythms for long-term ministry effectiveness. This session is designed for pastors, ministry leaders, chaplains, caregivers, and faith leaders seeking to cultivate emotionally healthy, spiritually grounded, and resilient ministry environments.
In this session, we come to the actual writing of a Bible message that you will deliver to others. Careful thought needs to be given in this phase just as it was needed with the earlier stages. This is where all our Bible study comes together to become a message.
Workshop EAs women of faith, we are called to move without fear, led by the Spirit and commissioned for ministry. Join this class to uncover God's specific purpose for your life, following Mary's powerful example. Let's learn to drop offense, conquer fear, and give God absolutely everything we've got!
Workshop EThe mission has never changed, but the methods continue to evolve. In this practical and forward-thinking workshop, participants will discover how to leverage technology, digital platforms, and artificial intelligence to expand their ministry's reach while remaining faithful to biblical foundations and the Great Commission. Whether you're a pastor, ministry leader, communicator, or volunteer, this session will explore proven strategies for engaging people online, creating meaningful digital discipleship pathways, and using AI-powered tools to enhance communication, content creation, and ministry effectiveness. Learn how to meet people where they are, build authentic online communities, and maximize your church's impact beyond the walls of the building. Attendees will leave equipped with practical tools, actionable strategies, and a renewed vision for using technology to connect more people to Christ, grow disciples, and advance God's Kingdom in an increasingly digital world.
Workshop EThis session examines the theological and practical relationship between obedience to God and financial stewardship in the life of the believer. Drawing from John 2:5 and supported by biblical narratives, the class contends that financial obedience centers on trust, surrender, and alignment with God's will rather than monetary concerns. Participants will analyze how Scripture consistently frames finances as a testing ground for faith, in which obedience frequently precedes provision. Through examples such as the widow at Zarephath and the early church in Acts, the session will demonstrate that God employs financial decisions to cultivate spiritual maturity, reveal the disposition of the heart, and further His kingdom purposes. The class will address contemporary challenges such as financial pressures, skepticism toward church financial teachings, and pervasive materialism. Through theological reflection, case studies, and practical frameworks, participants will be equipped to teach, exemplify, and practice financial obedience with integrity, clarity, and conviction. By the conclusion of the session, participants will be able to articulate a biblically grounded theology of stewardship, identify obstacles to financial obedience, and formulate strategies for guiding others toward faithful and obedient financial practices.
Workshop EMany churches prioritize ministry to married couples, leaving singles underserved. This session provides practical tools to build or reshape a Christ-centered singles ministry that encourages singles to become "lost in Christ," grow spiritually, serve faithfully, and embrace God's purpose during their season of singleness.
04 · My Conference Plan
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Your Conference Plan
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Important Notice
This planner helps you organize your personal conference schedule. Adding sessions to your plan does not register you for the conference or reserve seats in any session.
Tap Add to My Plan on any session above and it will appear here — organized by day.
November 3 – 5, 2026
Thousands of pastors and ministry leaders will gather in Southaven for three days that will mark the next decade of their ministry. Your seat is waiting.
Register for Contending 2026Group rates available · Limited seats
