The application window for the 2024 Confab has closed. But don’t give up hope! Email me if you’re interested in being put on the waiting list.

Back in 2015 we launched a coaching network called Connections Confab. Today we count over 90 leaders from Maryland to Mississippi and Nebraska to North Carolina (and all points in between) as part of our Confab alumni group. Confab is a multi-month, intensive coaching gathering focused on improving your guest services culture, volunteer culture, and developing you as a leader.

Confab is coming back for its eighth year in early 2024, and the application process goes public today.

Here are the quick hits:

• Confab is a three-session, on-site networking group that will take place in spring 2024. We go deep (really deep) on topics that are important (really important) to your ministry. You get an all-access backstage pass to in the ins and outs of what we’ve learned (and what we avoid) at the Summit.

• Confab gatherings are two days each: January 31 – February 1, April 14-15, and June 4-5, 2024. When you apply, you’re applying for all six days / three trips to RDU. All other details for next spring can be found in this handy Confab overview.

• APPLY today to be a part of Confab. Because we intentionally keep it small – think 15 or fewer – our application monkeys will go over your info with a fine-toothed comb and let you know the results by mid-December (so exciting!).

• All applications are due by December 4, 2023.

• If your application is approved, I’ll send you a link to officially register and pay. The Confab’s cost is $1,450 for three on-site meetings. (Similar coaching networks can cost upwards of three times as much, so you get a ton of proverbial bang for your buck.)

Confab is part coaching group, part collegial network, part learning lab, and part round-table consultation. Leaders from across the country have joined us in the past to discuss the highs and lows of local church ministry. No topic in the realm of guest service, volunteer strategies, covenant membership, or leadership development has fallen by the wayside.

Here’s what some of them have had to say:

Confab was everything I thought it would be and more. Nothing was left undone. From the content, to the speakers, to the food…it was all done with excellence and with us in mind. I’ve gained invaluable training and life-long friends from this experience. I would highly suggest anyone thinking about going to GO! – Nichole Thompson, Guest Services Coordinator, Highland Park Baptist Church, Muscle Shoals, AL (Confab ’23)

We were hesitant on the cost but I have to say, the experience was definitely worth it. The Confab team delivered in every way. Not only did the content and discussions help me in further develop my role at church, but I felt very cared for. I am extremely grateful for the opportunity to learn from the best! – Lori Gray, Director of Communications and Connections, Christ United Methodist Church, Greensboro, NC (Confab ’23)

Confab was the best thing I have participated in for professional growth. Not only did it help me grow in my job and professional abilities, but it also strengthened my relationship to Jesus. Every guest speaker, every activity, pointed us back to Jesus and our ultimate mission to make disciples. The Confab team feel more like family than just the leaders of our group. I feel like I now have 20 people I can call on when ministry gets hard and to help bounce ideas off of. – Olivia Baumann, Executive Assistant to the Lead Pastor, Apex Baptist Church, Apex, NC (Confab ’23)

As a young pastor at his first church, Confab was incredibly impactful. This intimate environment allowed for great discussion with ministry leaders from across the country. In many ways this event is a great retreat for ministry leaders. – Aaron Smith, Senior Pastor, Kenansville Baptist Church, Kenansville, NC (Confab ’22)

Confab was a unique, amazing experience! It has impacted me and the ministry I serve in probably more than any other tools or resources I have invested in over the last 15 years as a pastor. The Summit team is serious about equipping other leaders to go to the next level in their ministries and being multipliers for the Kingdom of God. – Aaron Wetherald, Administrative Pastor, Eastlake Community Church, Moneta, VA (Confab ’22)

Confab was the connections and guest services leadership experience that I wanted and needed! It has been incredible learning from this team and connecting with leaders across the nation. – Christy Burke, Director of Connections and Guest Services, Bridgeway Church, Oklahoma City, OK (Confab ’20-’21)

I have grown more in my understanding of my job from my Confab experience than from any other resource I’ve found. – Sarah McCarthy, Connections Director, Aletheia Church, Cambridge, MA (Confab ’18)

Confab was an incredible and worthwhile investment into me personally as a ministry staff member. Not only that, but the things covered will help our local church move forward with excellent connections efforts. – Eric Clark, Adult Spiritual Formation Minister, Stonegate Fellowship, Midland, TX (Confab ’15)

So now what?

If you’re ready to toss your hat into the ring, apply here. All applications are due by December 4, 2023. 

(And by the way…you may have specific questions on whether this is a good investment of your time or budget. I’m happy to talk…let’s set up a time!)

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Want to do Confab but can’t commit this year?

Get your name on the list for early access to training dates!

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photo credit: Seth Stafford