Shepherds Network Conference

For pastors and ministers committed to cultivating flourishing relationships and healthy ministry.

Thursday, October 29th, 2026 | 9am - 4pm | East Syracuse, NY

Secure $79 Early Bird Pricing

The Leadership Challenge No One Talks About

You faithfully care for others.

You celebrate victories, comfort hurting families, lead through conflict, cast vision, manage expectations, and answer God's call every day.

But who is helping you stay healthy?

The demands of ministry can slowly erode the very relationships God designed to sustain you. Isolation often masquerades as independence. Busyness replaces intentional connection. Success can quietly hide loneliness.

The good news is that it doesn't have to stay that way.

Scripture reminds us that ministry is strongest when leaders walk together, encourage one another, and bear one another's burdens. Flourishing ministry is never built on giftedness alone, it is built on healthy relationships.

Register Today

What You'll Experience

Throughout this conference, you'll discover practical, biblical wisdom for building relationships that last long after the conference ends.

Together we'll explore:

  • Strengthening your relationship with Christ amid the demands of ministry

  • Protecting your marriage and family while faithfully serving your congregation

  • Developing authentic friendships with fellow pastors

  • Creating healthy boundaries that prevent burnout

  • Leading from emotional and spiritual health instead of exhaustion

  • Building a ministry culture where people flourish together

Every session is designed to offer more than inspiration. You'll leave with practical strategies, meaningful conversations, and renewed encouragement for the road ahead.

Keynote Speakers

 

David Winston

David Winston is an expert motivator, teacher, pastor, and leadership mentor. David serves as a pastor at Living Word Christian Center and the director of Bill Winston Ministries, both based in Forest Park, Illinois. In these roles, he has dedicated himself to planting and advancing the kingdom of God in the hearts of people worldwide. David holds an honorary doctorate in Christian Business Leadership. In 2020, he founded the Winston Leadership Institute, an online leadership course that empowers people to lead across various industries. David is the son of Drs. Bill and Veronica Winston, and together, he and Niki have four children: Jacob, Jordan, Joshua, and Lily.

 

Niki Winston

Niki Winston is the wife of Pastor David Winston. Degreed in both Christian Studies and Psychology, Niki has been passionate about teaching the Word of God in a way that you can apply it to your life. She is a recipient of the 2024 Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award for her contributions as a community leader, has attended Rhema Bible Training Center under Brother Kenneth Hagin, and is a certified Apologetics instructor. She has a unique ability to practically lay out the logistical strategy for applying the Word of God to your life. Niki's goal when teaching is for you to see significant change in yourself and your circle of influence.

Who Should Attend

If you're longing to lead from a place of health instead of exhaustion, strengthen the relationships that matter most, and build a ministry that flourishes for years to come, we invite you to join us.

We mean it when we say that you don’t have to carry the weight of ministry alone.

  • This conference is designed specifically for:

    • Senior Pastors

    • Lead Pastors

    • Church Planters

    • Campus Pastors

    • Executive Pastors

    • Ministry Leaders seeking long-term health and sustainability

    Whether you've served in ministry for five years or fifty, you'll find encouragement from leaders who understand both the calling and the challenges of shepherding God's people.

  • After this conference, you’ll leave with:

    • Renewed spiritual encouragement

    • Practical tools to strengthen key relationships

    • Meaningful connections with fellow senior pastors

    • Fresh perspective for leading with health and longevity

    • A renewed commitment to flourishing in every area of life and ministry

  • $79 Early Bird Pricing Until 8/31/26

    $99 Regular Pricing After 8/31/26

    Registration Open Until 10/1/26

Save Your Spot

Why This Conference?

Churches rarely become healthier than the leaders who guide them.

When pastors flourish personally, marriages become stronger.

When leaders cultivate authentic friendships, isolation loses its grip.

When ministry teams trust one another, churches become healthier places for disciples to grow.

And when shepherds remain spiritually healthy, they are better equipped to faithfully care for God's people for decades, not just seasons.

This conference is an investment in something far greater than a single day.

It's an investment in the future of your family, your church, your leadership, and your calling.

Register Today

Live Podcast Recording with David & Niki Winston

Join us for a special live podcast recording with Pastor John Carter and Pastors David & Niki Winston.

Get an exclusive behind-the-scenes experience as they dive into insightful discussions. Engage with the hosts, ask your questions in real-time, and be part of the conversation as it happens.

View Podcast Episodes

Travel & Accomodations

The nearest airport is Syracuse Hancock International Airport (SYR), just a short drive from our venue. For your convenience, we've compiled a list of recommended hotels close to the Abundant Life Church campus at 7000 All Nations Blvd East Syracuse, NY 13057. Whether you're driving in or flying, you'll find everything you need for a comfortable stay.

View Hotels Near Abundant Life

FAQs

  • The Shepherds Conference is open to all shepherds – senior pastors and their pastoral ministry team members.

  • No, you do not have to be a member of Abundant Life Church to attend. The Shepherds Conference is open to all pastors.

  • Yes, you can bring as many members of your pastoral team as you would like to attend this conference.

  • The Shepherds Conference is being hosted on the campus of Abundant Life Church located at 7000 All Nations Blvd., East Syracuse, NY 13057, on Thursday, October 29th from 9am - 4pm.

  • The cost for the Shepherds Conference is $90.00/shepherd. Pricing includes all conference programming and lunch on the first day.

  • While light refreshments will be available throughout the conference, lunch will be provided on Tuesday, October 29th, the full day of the conference.

  • No, the conference will not be live-streamed. Sessions will be recorded and made available for purchase following the conference.

  • The attire for the Shepherds Conference will be business casual.

  • No, you do not need a printed ticket to check in. Upon arrival, simply proceed to the registration area to check in using your name.

  • Registration is only available online pre-conference and will not be available at the door the day of the conference. The conference deadline is October 1st.

  • While you can register several members of your team on the same registration form, group pricing is not available at this time.

  • All tickets are non-refundable. If you cannot attend, you can transfer your ticket to an available holder.

  • The final day to register for the Shepherds Conference will be on October 1st.