2022 is fast approaching, so it’s the perfect time to start planning by considering how to improve your ministering experience and ensure your church achieves its mission. One of the best ways to gain new perspectives on the best way to manage your kid’s ministry is to attend a church conference so that you can bounce ideas off other local and national church leaders and maximize your church’s output to your community.
Coming together as a congregation with other church leaders is an excellent way to seek advice and gain inspiration for how you want your kid’s ministry to look moving into the new year, as well as providing you with information about the trends taking place in your local or national church landscape. If you’re a children’s ministry leader and are searching for the best children’s ministry conferences to attend in 2022, don’t go anywhere before reading our guide to the best events coming up.
Upcoming Church Conferences to Look Out For:
Children’s Pastors Conference - January 11-13, 2022, Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort in Orlando, Florida
Children’s Pastors Conference is centered on the belief that ministering to kids makes for a future-thinking church and has given its 2022 conference the theme ‘Undivided’ to symbolize the importance of standing together as a family and collectively trusting in God’s love for us. It is arguably the largest conference of its kind in America.
This event isn’t just for pastors; it is open to anybody who serves in a children’s ministry and has an exciting schedule full of speakers, such as Beth Guckenberger and Jada Edward, and coaching sessions, with a resource center to help answer any questions or queries you may have during the conference. The event strives to provide meaningful interaction between kids ministry workers and is sure to spark your inspiration and refresh your faith in both your church and God.
Save money when you book the Early Bird ticket, only available until November 30th 2021! It will bring the total ticket price down to $389 per person, and who doesn't love to save? Plus, if you come in a group, each additional ticket after the first one bought will cost just $289 – so bring the valuable members of your church along, and experience this together.
Calvary Curriculum’s Children’s Ministry Conference - February 18-19 2022, Calvary Chapel Golden Springs, Diamond Bar in California
Perfect for any kids ministry leaders who are looking to strengthen their teaching skills and help children build their relationship with God, the 25th annual Calvary Curriculum conference will be held next year and is sure to help equip you for your job. There will be the option to choose up to 7 workshops from the total 95 workshops on offer, and there is no need to sign up for these classes beforehand as they are managed on a first come, first served basis, meaning you have plenty of time to select which events you want to attend.
Workshops on offer include ‘leading a child to Christ’, ‘preparing to teach,’ and ‘success in ministry’ alongside many more, so there is bound to be a class that speaks to your needs. This event aims to help as many kids ministry leaders as possible feel confident in their work, making it ideal for new teachers and pastors who are still finding their feet.
Book in advance to get a better deal with these tickets. Admittance to the Friday conference starts at just $20, and goes up to $30 for late registration. Get a ticket for the Saturday event for between $45 and $55, depending on when you reserve your spot. You won’t have to worry about food and drinks either, as coffee and snacks are included in the price! Plus, you’ll even get lunch with the Saturday ticket.
Children’s Ministry and Church Leadership Training Retreat - March 29-31, 2022, Ridge Haven Conference & Retreat Center in North Carolina
The Children’s Ministry and Church Leadership conference is great for any kids ministry leaders situated on the East Coast and is open to pastors, volunteers, and nursery coordinators alike. With keynote speakers due to be announced soon, this event is sure to be inspiring for anyone who wants to take their kid’s ministry to new heights. It will also offer plenty of information about resources to use in your church to bring your teaching to life.
This conference is also excellent for helping leaders understand how to help kids overcome difficulties, with workshops on how to minister to kids with struggles resulting from trauma, and engaging disability. Take a step towards inclusivity and understand when you understand how to help those that need it. We are all God’s children, and it is our responsibility as church leaders to care for everyone.
Admittance to this conference includes everything you’d possibly need, like accommodation, six meals, and the registration fee included too. For a package deal like this, the price is $350 per person – not bad! If you would really prefer a private room there are limited options available, so book in advance and spend an extra $125 for peace of mind.
Unleash Conference 2022 - January 26-27 2022, Converge Headquarters in Orlando, Florida
Designed to help you unleash your ministry’s full potential, this conference will help children’s church leaders discover new methods of teaching that can help bring kids closer to God, with workshops for both children’s ministry and student ministry leaders so that you can tailor your event experience to the age group that you teach.
Speakers include pastor and author, Ryan Leak, and Chad Moore, the lead pastor of one of the nation’s largest and fastest-growing evangelical churches - the Sun Valley Community Church in Arizona. There will also be a workshop for tips on how to cultivate an effective online ministry, which is ideal for any churches that have been opting for virtual sermons and classes in light of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Both an in-person ticket and a digital pass cost $194 per person, so it’s entirely down to you if you’d prefer the real deal, or to view from the comfort of your home. For missionaries, students, and chaplains – you’re in luck, and will be offered a discounted rate of $99. Save if you come in a group of five or more too, and costs just $169 per person.
Orange Conference - April 27-29 2022, Gas South Arena in Atlanta, Georgia
Sponsored by Orange, the providers of some of the most comprehensive and user-friendly children’s church curriculum packages on the market, the Orange Conference is perfect for executive leaders and senior pastors. It can help you transform your ideas for your ministry into a clear action plan.
President of Orange, Kristen Ivy, will be speaking alongside a host of other church leaders and authors, with more speakers due to be announced soon. This conference focuses on strengthening as we build ourselves up after so long of COVID isolation. So many of us are more vulnerable, insulated, cautious, skeptical, afraid, and reluctant than we were a year ago, and Orange’s goal is to help us rediscover ourselves again, and reimagine how we lead our churches.
Pricing comes at a standard rate with Orange, and each ticket will cost $299. With three jam-packed days of conference speakers and workshops included, the price is a steal!
Bonus ideas for conferences to attend:
Shepherd’s Conference - March 9-11 2022, Sun Valley, California
Calling on church leaders to be unashamed in their faith and their leadership, the Shepherd’s Conference aims to bring people together. With a specific focus on men in church leadership, their mission is to challenge their commitment to the biblical ministry while encouraging them to work together. Build bonds with fellow church leaders when you attend this conference, and foster real moments of fellowship.
Hosting an incredible selection of keynote speakers that include John MacArthur, Voddie Baucham, Steven Lawson, H.B. Charles Jr., Abner Chou, Austin Duncan, Phil Johnson, Nathan Busenitz, Michael Riccardi, Paul Twiss, James Coates, and more, you will get valuable pieces of expertise straight from the experts themselves.
Registration to the Shepherd’s Conference costs $399 per person. With first-class conference amenities included, and refreshments served by their eager team of volunteers, you can expect a comfortable and enlightening experience here.
The Evangelical Network Conference - September 1-4 2022, Crowne Plaza Louisville Airport Expo Center, Kentucky
Kicking off with a welcome dinner and a music extravaganza known as Remnant Sings, TEN starts as it means to go on. Filled with energy and positivity, this conference features three incredible days of transformation inspiring teaching, powerful worship, and trusted relationship building. With a selection of sessions from seminars and workshops to general and music sessions, you’ll get the full experience here.
Plus, you’ll have the opportunity to see some of the country’s most dynamic and inspiring speakers who will be there to lead you on your journeys of learning, sharing, discovery, worship, and plenty of fellowship. Receive a 10% discount if you are a Pastor, church leader, first-time attendee or if you come in a group!
TEN is passionate about making their conferences affordable for all, and so offers different prices for a day or evening ticket. Looking to save some money? Sign up for an evening service pass for just $35, or a day ticket for $75.
The Alpha Conference - January 27-28 2022, Phoenix, Arizona
Spreading the crucial messages of love throughout the churches of the world, Alpha’s mission is to connect people together. Never before has there been a more crucial moment for the church to actively show that love listens. Love seeks to understand, to empathize, and to encourage active engagement in the lives of those around us. Most importantly, to truly love thy neighbors in the way of Jesus, love must listen.
Their incredible selection of speakers will lean into this core value. With creatives like Jo Saxton and Glenn Packiam and church leaders like Father John Riccardo and Dr. Stacy Spencer, this line-up of speakers will tick every box. Get a rounded and uplifting experience at the Alpha conference, which provides a diverse range of workshops to attend.
Individual tickets cost just $125 for this conference and get even more affordable the larger your group is. Small groups of 5-9 get a discount of $5 per ticket, medium groups of 10-19 get a $10 discount per ticket, and large groups of more than 20 attendees can expect to pay just $90 per person, per ticket!
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