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. This is why church leadership conferences are so important!
- You connect with peers who understand the unique pressures of church leadership.
- You learn to better inspire your volunteers.
- You learn how to guide your leadership team.
- You learn how to grow and deepen your congregation.
- You rub shoulders with and learn from your peers.
- Maybe uncover some tips for planning a church conference of your own
With that in mind, here is a selection of some of the top conferences in 2025 that you shouldn't miss.
More: If you're a church leader, these pastor conferences are a must-attend.
Best Church Leadership Conferences in 2025 Shortlist
Here's a shortlist of the best church leadership conferences I think are worth attending in 2025:
- Engage Conference - Remote (February 13, 2025)
- C3 Conference - Grapevine, TX (February 19-20, 2025)
- Exponential Conference - Orlando, FL (March 17-20, 2025)
- Leadercast - Kansas City, MO (April 8, 2025)
- ARC Conference - Dallas, TX (April 29-30, 2025)
- The Orange Conference - Atlanta, GA, USA (April 29-May 1, 2025)
- Outcomes Conference - Dallas, TX (April 29-May 1, 2025)
- Church Leaders Conference - Dallas, TX (May 6-7, 2025)
- Global Leadership Summit - Multiple Locations and Dates
- North Coast Leadership Conference - Vista, CA (October 15-16, 2025)
- MultiChurch Leadership Conference - TBA
Overview of the Best Church Leadership Conferences of 2025
Below are my summaries of the best church leadership conferences that made it onto my shortlist. My reviews offer a look at each event’s dates, location, pricing, and unique offering.
1. Engage Conference - Remote (February 13, 2025)
The Engage Conference is presented by 'Text in Church', a cutting-edge church tech organization. Engage is a premier annual and online event for professionals and leaders seeking to elevate their communication and engagement strategies. It
- Dates: February 13, 2025
- Location: Online
- Pricing: Free
- Website: Engage Conference
- Social Media: Facebook, Instagram, YouTube
Overview:
This conference features inspiring keynote speakers and interactive sessions and provides actionable insights into effective audience engagement, leadership, and innovation. This event highlights advancements in technology and techniques, creating a collaborative space to explore challenges and share solutions in an ever-evolving professional landscape.
Why You Should Attend:
You’ll gain valuable insights from top industry leaders and communication experts, including members of the Christian leadership alliance, learning strategies to enhance engagement and foster stronger connections. The conference also offers tailored sessions on practical tools and innovative techniques applicable to various fields. By attending, you’ll join a dynamic community of professionals and gain the knowledge needed to stay ahead in the rapidly changing world of communication and leadership.
2. C3 Conference - Grapevine, TX (February 19-20, 2025)
- Dates: February 19-20, 2025
- Location: Fellowship Church, Grapevine, TX
- Pricing: $119
- Website: C3 Conference
- Social Media: Facebook, Instagram
Overview:
The C3 Conference is a premier church leadership event and expo designed for pastors and leaders committed to building stronger, more effective ministries. Focused on leadership development, creative strategies, and spiritual growth, it provides practical tools to help church leaders navigate modern ministry challenges. With inspiring keynotes and engaging breakout sessions, attendees will gain insights into innovative ways to lead their churches and connect with their communities.
Why You Should Attend:
The C3 Conference brings together renowned speakers, ministry leaders, and industry experts, offering actionable strategies and tools for church growth and leadership. You’ll participate in sessions tailored to address real-world challenges like cultural engagement, team building, and effective communication.
The event highlights key initiatives and provides an invaluable opportunity to network with like-minded leaders, gain fresh perspectives, and leave equipped to take your ministry to the next level. As the conference continues to expand, it remains a trusted resource for church leaders nationwide.
3. Exponential Conference - Orlando, FL (March 17-20, 2025)
- Dates: March 17-20, 2025
- Location: First Baptist Orlando, 3000 South John Young Pkwy, Orlando, Florida, and online
- Pricing: From $29 to $49
- Website: Exponential Conference
- Social Media: Facebook, X, YouTube
Overview:
The Exponential Conference is a premier church conference for pastors and ministry leaders aiming to expand their impact. Focused on multiplying ministries, it features keynotes, workshops, and collaboration opportunities, offering tools and digital strategies to tackle modern church leadership challenges. Attendees will leave equipped to drive growth and make a lasting difference in their communities.
Why You Should Attend:
You’ll learn from renowned speakers and thought leaders in church leadership who are committed to fostering ministry growth. The conference features sessions on leadership development, discipleship strategies, and innovative ministry approaches tailored for church leaders. With this hybrid event, you’ll have the flexibility to join a session near you, connect with other pastors, and gain valuable insights to multiply your ministry’s reach and effectiveness.
4. Leadercast - Kansas City, MO (April 8, 2025)
- Dates: April 8, 2025
- Location: The Midland Theatre, Kansas City, MO
- Pricing: Starts at $199
- Website: Leadercast
- Social Media: Facebook, X, YouTube
Overview:
Leadercast is a premier event for leaders across industries, designed to inspire and equip them with the tools to become a better leader and lead effectively. Featuring influential speakers from business, entertainment, and thought leadership, Leadercast Live focuses on personal growth, organizational impact, and the latest trends in leadership.
With interactive sessions and engaging keynotes such as Jesse Cole, owner of Savannah Bananas and Fans First Entertainment; Andy Stanley, a best-selling author, communicator, and founder of North Point Ministries; and Brian Morris, the founder of Leadercast himself, this event will help leaders tackle challenges and foster collaboration in their teams.
Why You Should Attend:
You’ll gain insights from renowned speakers who share practical leadership strategies, innovative ideas, and the role of automation in navigating today’s fast-changing landscape. It provides a unique opportunity for church staff, communicators, and other leaders to network with like-minded professionals and explore real-world solutions to leadership challenges.
5. ARC Conference - Dallas, TX (April 29-30, 2025)
- Dates: April 29-30, 2025
- Location: Milestone Church, Dallas, TX
- Pricing: Starts at $199
- Website: ARC Conference
- Social Media: Facebook, X, YouTube
Overview:
The ARC Conference is a multi-day event for church leaders and pastors seeking to grow their leadership skills and ministry impact. It provides an inspiring environment to learn from experienced speakers, explore innovative church practices, and collaborate on ministry challenges. The conference equips attendees to lead their congregations more effectively by focusing on practical tools, digital transformation, and spiritual growth.
Why You Should Attend:
This gathering allows you to connect with some of the most influential voices in church leadership and gain insights into effective ministry practices. It features workshops, keynote sessions, intensive coaching, and networking opportunities tailored to church leaders, helping you address cultural challenges, enhance customer engagement, and grow your church. With its focus on both personal and congregational development, this conference offers the resources and inspiration to take your ministry to the next level.
6. The Orange Conference - Atlanta, GA, USA (April 29-May 1, 2025)
- Dates: April 29 -May 1, 2025
- Location: Gas South Convention Center, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
- Pricing: $319 (online); $339 (in-person)
- Website: Orange Conference
- Social Media: Facebook, X, Instagram
Overview:
The Orange Conference is a great conference for ministry leaders, youth pastors, church volunteers, and decision-makers focused on engaging the next generation through innovative strategies. With breakout sessions, and hands-on workshops, inspiring keynotes like Jon Acuff, a New York Bestselling Author & Speaker, together with Orange's Interim President, Mike Clear, and SVP of Lifestage Strategy, Leslie Mack, it equips attendees with tools to bridge the gap between church and family, fostering meaningful connections and spiritual growth.
Why You Should Attend:
You’ll learn from renowned speakers and leaders in ministry who share actionable insights for engaging families and communities. It offers practical resources to help align church and family goals, ensuring the next generation of God’s people is spiritually and emotionally supported. With its vibrant atmosphere and tailored sessions, this conference catalyzes growth, providing an incredible opportunity to network with like-minded leaders and explore creative approaches to ministry challenges.
7. Outcomes Conference - Dallas, TX (April 29-May 1, 2025)
- Dates: April 29-May 1, 2025
- Location: Hyatt Regency DFW International Airport, Dallas, Texas, USA
- Pricing: From $799 (Members) to $999 (Non-members)
- Website: Outcomes Conference
- Social Media: Facebook, X, LinkedIn
Overview:
The Outcomes Conference is for Christian leaders seeking to enhance their leadership, strategy, and impact. Through keynote speakers and workshops, it addresses ministry challenges and explores solutions, including the use of artificial intelligence, to expand influence and effectiveness. Attendees will gain tools to navigate the evolving landscape of ministry confidently.
Why You Should Attend:
Gain insights from renowned speakers and ministry experts sharing leadership and organizational growth strategies. Tailored sessions will help you address cultural trends and ministry challenges specific to the local church while networking opportunities connect you with like-minded leaders. This event is a valuable investment in your spiritual and professional development. Leave equipped with fresh ideas to lead with purpose and make a lasting impact.
8. Church Leaders Conference - Dallas, TX (May 6-7, 2025)
- Dates: May 6-7, 2025
- Location: Watermark Community Church, Dallas, Texas, USA
- Pricing: $259
- Website: CLC Conference
- Social Media: Facebook, X, Instagram, Youtube
Overview:
The Church Leaders Conference is a two-day conference for pastors and church leaders seeking to deepen their leadership skills. Featuring experienced speakers, it serves as a catalyst for growth, offering practical tools, insights into the customer journey, and strategies for effective pastoral leadership. Attendees will leave equipped to tackle modern ministry challenges with confidence.
Why You Should Attend:
You’ll learn from renowned voices in church leadership and gain practical strategies for addressing real-world challenges. Its workshops focus on cultural trends, spiritual renewal, effective communication, and using contact center tools to enhance engagement. Small group discussions during this two-day conference also provide deeper connections and personalized insights. This conference equips you with the tools needed to make a lasting impact in your community.
9. Global Leadership Summit - Multiple Locations and Dates
- Dates: Multiple dates (see table below)
- Location: Multiple locations (see table below)
- Pricing: Multiple pricing (see table below)
- Website: Global Leadership Summit
- Social Media: Facebook, X, Instagram
Overview:
The Global Leadership Summit is a premier church leadership conference designed to inspire and equip leaders across various ministry contexts. It features world-class keynote speakers and addresses the challenges and opportunities in modern ministry. Attendees will engage in sessions that explore biblical leadership principles, cultural engagement, and innovative strategies for church growth and community impact.
Global Leadership Summit: Locations, Dates, and Pricing
Location | Date | Pricing |
GLS 2025 - 400+ US and Canada host site venues (Register via Local summit) | August 7-8, 2025 | $189 |
GLS 2025 - Studio Audience: Willow Creek Community Church South Barrington | August 7-8, 2025 | $239 |
GLS 202 - Online Experience | August 7-8, 2025 | $189 |
Why You Should Attend:
The summit provides practical tools and insights to help you lead clearly and confidently in your church or organization. You’ll hear from renowned leaders and speakers who bring fresh perspectives on effective ministry, nonprofit management, and leadership. With events held in multiple locations, it offers a unique opportunity to connect with other leaders, build intentional relationships, exchange ideas, and learn cutting-edge strategies to navigate the complexities of ministry in today's world.
10. North Coast Leadership Conference - Vista, CA (October 15-16, 2025)
- Dates: October 15-16, 2025
- Location: North Coast Church, Vista, California, USA
- Pricing: Starts at $139 (Super early bird ticket)
- Website: North Coast Leadership Conference
- Social Media: Facebook, X, YouTube
Overview:
The North Coast Leadership Conference is designed for church leaders and pastors seeking to improve their leadership skills and enhance their ministry impact. It combines biblical teachings with practical strategies for church growth, team management, and community outreach. With inspiring keynotes and interactive workshops, attendees will gain insights into navigating the unique challenges of modern ministry.
Why You Should Attend:
You’ll learn from renowned speakers and experienced church leaders who provide actionable strategies tailored for church growth and leadership. This conference emphasizes practical tools for building effective teams, engaging communities, and fostering a healthy church environment.
With opportunities to network with other leaders and explore innovative approaches it will equip you with the resources needed to lead your ministry confidently and effectively.
11. MultiChurch Leadership Conference - TBA
- Dates: TBA
- Location: TBA
- Pricing: TBA
- Website: MCL Conference
- Social Media: Facebook, Instagram, X
Overview:
The MultiChurch Leadership Conference is designed for church leaders and pastors who want to grow in their ministry and leadership roles. It brings together experts who share insights on building stronger church communities, fostering collaboration, and addressing modern challenges in ministry. With diverse topics ranging from church growth to community outreach, the conference provides valuable tools for leaders at any stage of their journey.
Why You Should Attend:
You’ll gain practical leadership tools and insights from renowned ministry and pastoral leadership speakers. It offers sessions tailored to address churches' unique challenges, including effective communication, cultural engagement, and leadership development. This event gives you access to impactful resources and networking opportunities with fellow church leaders, which allows you to expand your vision and discover innovative strategies to strengthen your ministry.
Final Thoughts:
Church leadership conferences afford you an opportunity to learn and benefit from other seasoned leaders. If you can find a way to attend one of these conferences, we highly recommend it.
Get Connected!
You should definitely consider joining one of these church leadership communities for support and growth. But also: Sign up for our newsletter and find new inspiration and refreshment for your soul.
Related Reads: