NextGen and Family ministers invited to worship, network and be equipped at 2023 Conclave conference

The 2023 Conclave NextGen conference will take place October 2–3 at Dallas Baptist University (DBU). This 2-day event provides encouragement, worship, networking, training and resources for those who oversee any component of NextGen or Family ministry in the local church.

“Conclave is unique because there is no other conference that we offer where you can get this kind of training for children’s, college, youth, parent and all NextGen ministries in one place,” said Cory Liebrum, youth and family ministry specialist with Texas Baptists Discipleship. “We’re looking forward to seeing old friends and welcoming new faces.”

Keynote speakers will include Kara Powell, executive director of the Fuller Youth Institute and chief of leadership formation at Fuller Theological Seminary; Robert White, motivational coach, organizational leadership strategist and lead pastor of Freedom Church in Bedford; Doug Fields, a 40-year youth ministry veteran currently serving as youth pastor at Mariners Church in Southern California; and Shane Pruitt, National Next Gen director for the North American Mission Board (NAMB).

Ministry-specific breakout sessions will cover topics like discipleship in preschool ministry, helping families connect through a stronger parent ministry, ministering to Hispanic youth and their families, growing a love for missions in students, building healthy homes and ministries, the importance of disability ministry and more.

Ministers can also choose from several networking times, including two new lunches — one for Children’s Ministry leaders and one for leaders new to ministry. Coffee Conversations will also provide informal opportunities for attendees to share with other ministry leads who share common interests.

Conclave NextGen is designed to fit the needs of individuals who come on their own as well as churches that choose to bring a team of leaders.

“Conclave has always been like a family reunion but also never exclusive,” said Liebrum. “This year we’re welcoming more people into that family than ever before, and from a diverse group of ministry roles. No matter what area you’re in, all are welcome. We’re all learning things. And whether you’re new to ministry or have been in ministry for over 30 years … there's always something you can learn and be challenged by.”

Last year’s Conclave NextGen, held in San Antonio for the first time, focused on strengthening generational and family bonds. This year’s event will again return to the North Texas area on the campus of DBU.

Conclave NextGen is made possible by faithful giving to the Texas Baptists Cooperative Program, The Missions Foundation, and the Mary Hill Davis Offering.

To learn more about the 2023 Conclave NextGen conference and register,click here.