A transformative regional conference for Youth and Children’s Ministry leaders.
September 17-18, 2026
Location: Asbury UMC in Prairie Village, KS
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.
Mikiala has served in local church ministry for more than 20 years and in youth ministry since 2014. She currently serves as the Student Discipleship Program Director at Resurrection, a United Methodist Church in the Kansas City metro area. Mikiala holds a BS in Communications and an MA in Human Services with a focus on student ministry. She is a speaker, writer, and curriculum developer who has contributed to youth ministry resources, retreats, camps, and podcasts. She also cohosts the Ministry to Youth Stories podcast. Mikiala loves books, music, theater, movies, and all things Marvel. She is rarely seen without her ten-pound Yorkie, KiKi Okoye.
Steve Schneeberger began in youth ministry in 1985 serving United Methodist churches in Kansas and Florida. He currently is the Lead Director for Student Ministries at Resurrection, a United Methodist Church. Steve also founded the Youth Ministry Institute, a non-profit organization, and taught as an adjunct professor at Florida Southern College. He is a graduate of Shawnee Mission West High School, Baker University and the University of Kansas. He is married to Carol, a guidance counselor and former teacher. They have three children and one dog. Steve also enjoys running, playing basketball and reading.
Workshops will include topics such as:
Creating a Sabbath Culture at Your Church
Mindfulness for Ministry Leaders
How to Develop a Life Outside of Ministry
Holy Attention: Helping Children Experience God’s Presence
Wonder, Play, and Rest: Helping Children Experience Sabbath with God
Creating Meaningful Sabbath Practices for Families
The Mental Health of Rest: Finding Space in a Culture of Hurry
And More
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. 19 · 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 17-18, 2026
$85
10591 Metcalf Frontage RD. Overland Park, KS
10601 Metcalf Avenue at I-435, Overland Park, KS
Reach out to Christina Moore, Associate Director of Leadership Formation at Christina@ministryleadership.org.
Subscribe to receive a monthly roundup of fresh insights and free tools for senior ministry leaders.
