A transformative regional conference for Youth and Children’s Ministry leaders.
September 24-25, 2026
Location: Brentwood UMC
At Lead Next, this year we’re centering on Sabbath as a lived rhythm for ministry leaders – shaping how you lead, how you design ministry, and how you resource the people you serve. This is about more than rest as recovery. It’s about rest as resistance to hurry, burnout, and unsustainable leadership.
Because when leaders live from Sabbath, ministry changes. And so do the communities they lead.
This year, we’re exploring what it looks like to:
This is not something you add to your leadership. It’s a way of being formed within it.
Come as you are and leave with a clearer, more grounded way forward. This gathering invites ministry leaders to step out of urgency and move into leadership shaped by rest, not rush. Together, we will explore rhythms that sustain you and those you serve, practices that help Sabbath take root in real life, and a more intentional way of leading that forms people rather than simply reacting to what comes next.
You will experience honest community with other ministry leaders engaging the realities of leadership today, conversations that move beneath strategy into formation, rhythm, and sustainability, and practical frameworks for designing ministries shaped by Sabbath patterns. This is space to slow down, reconsider what faithful leadership requires, and move forward with practices that can sustain both your ministry and your soul.
What’s included
Lead Next regional conferences are designed to give children’s and youth ministry leaders meaningful training, practical tools, and space to connect with others doing similar work. Each gathering combines thoughtful teaching, guided conversation, and resources you can bring back to your ministry context.
In addition to what is included, you can grow in your Biblical and Theological knowledge by joining us for our optional Saturday add-on.
Becca brings 15+ years of experience in children’s, youth, and adult ministry. A graduate of MLC, she holds an MA in Youth Ministry from Memphis Theological Seminary and a BMED from Birmingham-Southern College. Becca has written curriculum and led small groups in small, mid-size, and large UMC churches across the Southeast. She’s passionate about equipping youth workers for meaningful ministry.
Stephen (he/him) holds a BA in Religion from Samford University and MDiv from McAfee School of Theology. A ministry veteran & consultant, Stephen has served in the PCUSA and UMC denominations and is a national consultant for Episcopal, UCC, DOC, and Lutheran churches. He is also an author (Organic Student Ministry, Extraordinary God, and Hollow Faith) and national conference speaker. He is a foodie, an Alabama fan, and loves his family.
Kirsten brings 24+ years on staff in small and large UMC, Non-Denom. churches, and community ministry. While serving in the local church, she’s spent 15 years equipping faith communities through training, consulting, and resources. Ordained in 2022, she now serves as an Equipping Pastor. Kirsten is passionate about creating safe spaces and helping all people discover their God-given value. She holds a B.A. from Asbury and is a Ministry Leadership Center alum.
Conference Schedule Snapshot
Thursday
1:00 PM – Registration & Opening Devotion
2:15 PM – General Session
3:45 PM – Workshop
5:00 PM – Dinner (included)
6:30 PM – After Hours: Rest and Connection
Friday
8:45 AM – Morning Devotion
9:15 AM – General Session
10:30 AM – Workshop
11:45 AM – Lunch (included)
1:00 PM – General Session
2:15 PM – Workshop
3:30 PM – Experiential Practices
4:30 PM – Closing Reflection
Saturday (Bonus Add-On)
9:00 AM–12:00 PM – Introduction to the Old Testament
with Rev. Dr. Phil Meckley
Introduction to the OLD Testament with Dr. Phil Meckley
Saturday, Sept. 20 · 9:00 AM–12:00 PM
Join our Certification students during this in-depth and insightful session.
Add on this bonus content for only $10 at registration.
Registration is just $85 and includes all keynote sessions, workshops, and two meals. For an additional $10, you can get full access to Saturday’s optional biblical studies session. Whether you’re serving full-time, part-time, or discerning your next step, this conference offers high-impact training at an accessible price.
September 24-25, 2026
$85
7109 Town Center Way, Brentwood, TN 37027
217 Centerview Dr. Brentwood, TN 37027
Reach out to Christina Moore, Associate Director of Leadership Formation at Christina@ministryleadership.org.
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