The Top 11 Church Leadership Conferences Pastors Will Find Valuable in 2026
It's difficult to overstate the impact a truly great leadership conference can have in the life of a lead pastor. The role of a lead pastor requires you to continually enhance your leadership skills, deepen your vision, and find community with others... and if you're carrying the weight alone, you'll run into trouble.
That's why church leadership conferences are such a big deal - and very worthwhile. With that in mind, here is a selection of some of the top conferences in 2026 that you shouldn't miss.
(Who knows... maybe you and I will bump into each other at one of these!)
Best 11 Church Leadership Conferences of 2026
1. Salt 2026 - Dallas, TX (October 14-16, 2026)
- Dates: October 14-16, 2026
- Location: Irving Bible Church
- Pricing: tickets available soon
- Social Media: Instagram, Facebook, YouTube
Salt 2026 is a great opportunity to step away from the noise, and experience a special moment in God's presence. SALT is a conference where worship leaders, church creatives, artistic leaders, and folks in tech gather to reminded ourselves that God's purpose for us is so much bigger than we know.
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Featuring notable speakers (yet to be announced), we'll gather to exchange insights on community building, collaboration, and strengthening leadership.
Why attend?
Salt 2026 offers a unique platform for church worship leaders, creative and arts leaders, and tech to learn in engaging, hands on sessions. Join a masterclass, practice new types of art, and workshop new initiatives for your church.
2. C3 Conference 2026 - Grapevine, TX (February 18-19, 2026)
- Dates: February 18-19, 2026
- Location: Fellowship Church
- Pricing: From $119
- Social Media: Facebook
The C3 Conference is a dynamic event designed for pastors, church staff, and leaders. It began as a platform to inspire and equip church leaders with creative strategies to advance their missions.
Notable speakers like Philip Anthony Mitchell from 2819 Church and Eric Metaxas, a #1 NY Times Bestselling Author, will share insights on fostering community and collaboration. This two-day conference is a must for those looking to innovate and strengthen their leadership to the next level.
Why attend? C3 Conference 2026 offers a unique platform for church leaders to engage with thought-provoking speakers and participate in collaborative sessions. You'll explore creative ways to address cultural challenges while strengthening your faith community.
With its focus on intensive coaching and community, this event provides valuable insights and networking opportunities to help you and your team grow.
3. Exponential Conference - Orlando, FL (March 16-19, 2026)
- Dates: March 16-19, 2026
- Location: First Baptist Orlando & Virtual
- Pricing: $149 (in-person) - $79 (virtual)
- Social Media: Facebook, Instagram
Exponential Conference is one of the largest gatherings for church planters, pastors, and ministry leaders in North America. Organized by Exponential, a nonprofit focused on church multiplication, this leadership event continues to attract leaders looking to grow and equip their churches for healthy expansion.
Why attend? If you're looking to become a better leader and mobilize God's people more effectively, Exponential offers four days of teaching, strategy, and worship tailored for multiplication-minded teams.
The event centers on equipping church planters and leaders through main sessions, practical workshops, and peer networks, with a theme that acts as a catalyst for change. It fosters collaboration among innovators shaping the future of the church.
4. Leadercast - Kansas City, MO (April 9, 2026)
- Date: April 9, 2026
- Location: The Midland Theatre
- Pricing: Register for pricing info
- Social Media: Facebook, LinkedIn
Leadercast is a widely recognized one-day event that brings together leaders from various industries to share insights and inspire growth. The conference is designed for anyone seeking to enhance their leadership skills and connect with a global community.
In 2026, Leadercast will welcome speaker Patrick Lencioni, a bestselling author of The Five Dysfunctions of a Team & Founder of Table Group. Additional speakers TBA!
Why attend? Leadercast Live offers a unique in-person and virtual experience that lets you access insights from top leaders even without leaving your office. You’ll gain new perspectives and actionable strategies to apply in your leadership journey. This event is perfect for you and your team to engage in thought-provoking sessions and collaborate with a diverse audience.
5. ARC Conference - Multiple Locations and Dates
- Dates: Multiple dates (see table below)
- Location: Multiple locations (see table below)
- Pricing: Varied (see table below)
- Social Media: YouTube
ARC Conference is a gathering of pastors, ministry teams, and leaders who want to grow strong local churches and build intentional relationships across communities. It’s grown into a space where church planters and ministry teams gather for professional development and encouragement.
ARC Conference: Locations, Dates, and Pricing
| Locations | Dates | Pricing |
| Charleston, SC | April 21-22, 2026 | $199 |
| Edmonton, Canada | June 2-3, 2026 | $89-$145 |
| Liverpool, England | June 11-12, 2026 | €65 |
Why attend? This annual conference offers a unique opportunity to connect with other leaders and gain insights into church planting and growth. With its focus on community and collaboration, you’ll engage in meaningful discussions and learn practical strategies to enhance your local church's impact. The diverse locations provide a chance to experience different cultures and perspectives.
6. Church Leaders Conference - Dallas, TX (April 27-30, 2026)
- Dates: April 27-28 or April 29-30, 2026
- Location: Watermark Community Church
- Pricing: From $279
- Social Media: Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn
CLC is designed to refresh and equip church leaders with practical training and biblical encouragement. This is a great conference for leaders seeking to gain practical tools and inspiration to strengthen their ministries.
Why attend? The conference provides a unique opportunity to engage with fellow leaders and gain insights through practical workshops and biblical teachings. You’ll experience live showcases, participate in breakout sessions, and enjoy fellowship with others.
With its focus on practical ministry tools and biblical encouragement, this conference offers valuable resources for you and your team.
7. Outcomes Conference - Dallas, TX (April 28-30, 2026)
- Dates: April 28-30, 2026
- Location: Hyatt Regency DFW International Airport
- Pricing: Starts at $899 (members) - $1,099 (non-members)
- Social Media: Facebook, LinkedIn
The Outcomes Conference is a prestigious event for Christian leaders, celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2026. Organized by the Christian Leadership Alliance, it offers a platform for learning and networking. This conference is perfect for leaders seeking to enhance their skills and connect with like-minded individuals.
This year, the conference welcomes speakers and experts in the field: Edgar Sandoval Sr., President & CEO of World Vision; Rev. Cynthia Berry, Spiritual Director at Joni and Friends; and Ayanda Khumalo, Central Worship Pastor at Woodside Bible Church; among others.
Why attend? This event provides a unique opportunity to engage with top-tier speakers and participate in workshops tailored to Christian leadership. With its focus on strategic development and collaboration, you’ll gain insights and tools to positively impact your organization. The event's rich history and focus on community make it a must-attend for those committed to leadership excellence.
8. Church Conference - Atlanta, GA (April 28-30, 2026)
- Dates: April 28-30, 2026
- Location: Gas South Convention Center
- Pricing: From $299
- Social Media: Instagram
Church Conference (formerly The Orange Conference) is a major event for ministry leaders seeking inspiration and practical tools for their work. Known for its engaging sessions and workshops, it began as a way to connect leaders from various church sectors. This conference is ideal for those looking to innovate and grow their ministries.
This year's speakers will include Nick Blevins, Co-Founder of Ministry Boost; Yancy, Worship Leader, Songwriter, and Speaker; Kim Botto, Pastor and Trauma-Informed & Disability Ministry Advocate; and others.
Why attend? This conference helps your small group and ministry staff build practical skills through live coaching, storytelling, and breakout learning.
The schedule includes 50+ workshops, 10+ meetups, and 15+ special elements designed to strengthen your team’s approach to family ministry. You'll gain tools to coordinate your team, spark new ideas, and connect strategy to mission.
9. Thrive Conference - Roseville, CA (April 30 - May 1, 2026)
- Dates: April 30-May 1, 2026
- Location: Bayside Church, Granite Bay Campus
- Pricing: From $329
- Social Media: LinkedIn
The Thrive Conference is a dynamic gathering for church leaders seeking growth and inspiration. It features a mix of training and leadership sessions designed for communicators and leaders eager to expand their impact and connect with peers.
"Thrive Leadership is an annual recharging of my spiritual batteries. We always leave encouraged and refreshed!"
- Mark, Risen Church (past attendee)
Why attend? Thrive Conference 2026 provides a vibrant setting for leaders to gain practical insights and network with fellow church leaders. You'll participate in breakout sessions, hear from renowned speakers, and engage in meaningful discussions. The focus on actionable strategies and community makes it a valuable experience for you and your team.
10. Global Leadership Summit - South Barrington, IL (August 6-7, 2026)
- Dates: August 6-7, 2026
- Location: Willow Creek Community Church (& Virtual)
- Pricing: $199 - $259
- Social Media: Facebook, LinkedIn
Put on by the Global Leadership Network, these summits are world-renowned leadership events broadcast to hundreds of locations across the U.S. and beyond. The summits reach churches, businesses, and nonprofits seeking to sharpen their leadership skills across over 100 countries.
In addition to the on-site event and virtual options, over 20 local host sites will have in-person gatherings to experience the virtual event among community. Hosts across the USA are signing up to create these local community get-togethers.
Why attend? This summit brings together expert voices from the church, business, and global impact fields. It’s built for teams who want to grow their influence, solve complex challenges, and lead with greater clarity. With a mix of keynote sessions, panel conversations, and application segments, it’s a space to sharpen your leadership—whether in ministry or marketplace.
11. North Coast Leadership Conference - Vista, CA (October 14-15, 2026)
- Dates: October 14-15, 2026
- Location: North Coast Church
- Pricing: From $149
- Social Media: Facebook
The North Coast Leadership Conference is a premier event for church leaders focused on practical leadership and team development. Hosted by North Coast Training Network, this conference has been a staple for leaders looking to enhance their skills and grow their ministries.
Why attend? North Coast Leadership Conference 2026 offers an engaging platform for you and your team to gain practical leadership insights. With a focus on team development and strategic growth, you'll participate in sessions designed to equip you with actionable strategies. The interactive environment and experienced speakers ensure a valuable learning experience.
Get Connected!
You should definitely consider joining one of these church leadership communities for support and growth. More: If you're a church leader, these pastor conferences are a must-attend, and these church media conferences are worth your attention as well.
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