“Another event? More time away from the church, more cost, more travel?… is it really worth it?

The short answer is YES! conferences can be vital gatherings for your growth and sustainability in ministry — not just for the sessions and speakers, but for what can happens in between too! So, let’s talk about why attending conferences should be part of your ministry rhythm and why lifelong learning is a gift we sometimes forget to unwrap.

Reason #1: To Remind You that You’re Not Alone in this Work.

Ministry work (no matter where you serve) can be isolating. Whether you’re in a big city or out in a small rural parish, sometimes it feels like you’re shouldering the weight of the world on your own. Conferences and retreat can be a space to connect with others who understand what you’re going through because they’re going through it too.

This week (Oct. 2024), director John Borthwick is at the Lester Randal Preaching Fellowship in Toronto. It’s a smaller conference—about 200 people—but the opportunity for building connections is great. Each conference John has been at over the past year has been one more opportunity to connect with others in ministry - making the work a little less lonely. Whether it’s chatting between sessions or grabbing coffee with someone who’s in the same context of leadership, there’s something powerful about realizing you’re not alone in this. In fact, the people we’ve met at conferences can become trusted peers who we’ve turned to later for advice or encouragement.

So, even if it feels like a stretch to take time away, the relationships you build are worth it. Who knows, you might meet someone who introduces you to new ideas or opportunities just through a casual conversation.

Reason #2 Fresh Ideas to Keep You Inspired

If you’ve ever felt stuck — preaching the same way, running the same programs, facing the same issues—a conference can be a breath of fresh air. We all need new ideas to keep us inspired and energized, and that’s exactly what you get at events like these.

When Lauren went to the Orange conference in 2016 it completely changed the way she thouht about and planned for Children’s Ministry. It’s amazing what a few days away can do for your perspective. You don’t just hear about new ideas—you come back with practical things you can use right away in your context.

And it’s not just the formal sessions that spark these ideas. Sometimes the best insights come from conversations over lunch or from someone asking a question that makes you think, “I never considered that before.” Conferences get you out of your usual routine and expose you to creative, innovative approaches that can reignite your passion for ministry.

Reason #3: They Create Space for Renewal

It’s easy to overlook this one. Conferences aren’t just about learning; they’re also about getting a bit of distance from the day-to-day grind. We all need time to step back and get some perspective, and sometimes the simple act of being in a different space helps us reconnect with why we do what we do.

You know that feeling when you’ve been going non-stop and just need to take a deep breath? Conferences give you that chance. You’re in a space where you’re not leading worship or running programs; instead, you get to receive. The worship services at these events are often a highlight — there’s something special about being in a room full of people who are also worship leaders, and you can just be present without the pressure of leading.

There is a sense of refreshment. It’s a reminder that we need these times away to be filled up ourselves before we can pour out to others.

Reason #4: They Provide Practical Takeaways for Your Ministry

You probably appreciate being given ideas that can actually be put to use in your context. Conferences are great for that. Sure, there’s theory and big-picture thinking, but there are also tons of practical takeaways you can start using right away. Whether it’s something as small as a new preaching technique or as big as rethinking how you engage children in worship, you leave with tools that make a real difference.

Reason #5 Conferences Encourage Lifelong Learning

As ministry leaders, we set the tone for our congregations. If we’re open to learning and growing, it shows. And conferences are one of the best ways to keep ourselves in that posture of lifelong learning. Ministry is a field where you can never “arrive.” There’s always more to discover, more ways to grow, and more ways to lead others well.

When we make the choice to invest in our own learning—whether that’s through attending conferences, reading books, or listening to podcasts—we model that for our congregations too. We show them that following Christ is about continually growing in faith, wisdom, and service.

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