Shepherds Network Conference

Tuesday, October 29-Wednesday, October 30

Empowering church leaders to build Spirit-filled churches together

Join us for the Shepherds Network Conference, where we come together as church leaders who share a deep passion for building Spirit-filled communities. We know that leading can sometimes feel lonely, but that’s not how God intended it. We’re meant to build together, not in isolation.

This conference is a time for you to connect with fellow shepherds, be refreshed and renewed by the Holy Spirit, and work side by side in the important task of building the church. Don’t miss the opportunity to be part of something bigger – a community of leaders united by a common purpose, vision, and the power of the Spirit.

The Investment

Invest in your growth and leadership for just $90 per person. The Shepherds Network Conference kicks off on Tuesday, October 29, 2024, at 9:00 a.m. and runs until 8:30 p.m., concluding with an impactful evening session. We’ll reconvene on Wednesday, October 30, 2024, at 9:00 a.m., with the conference wrapping up at 1:00 p.m. Don’t miss this opportunity to connect, learn, and be refreshed.

The Schedule

  • 9:00 AM – Arrival on Campus

    9:30-11:00 AM – Morning Session

    11:15-12:15 PM – Breakout Sessions

    • Getting Your Message Heard (Dawn Nicole Baldwin)

    • Marriage and Family in Ministry (Pastor Lee Wilson)

    12:30-1:30 PM – Lunch (STLF Cafe)

    1:45-2:45 PM – Better Together (Main Sanctuary)

    3:00-6:00 PM – Break (Cafe and Lobby open)

    6:30 PM – Return to Campus

    7:00-8:30 PM – Evening Session

  • 8:00 AM – Check-in (Life Chapel)

    8:30-10:00 AM – Live Podcast Recording

    • Hosts: Pastor John and Pastor Wayne Francis

    • Live Q&A

    10:15-11:15 AM – Breakout Sessions

    • Communicating Change (Dawn Nicole Baldwin)

    • Crafting Spirit-Filled Services (Pastor Lee Wilson/Addison Spears)

    • Challenges Faced by Senior Pastors Roundtable (Pastor John Carter)

    11:30 AM-1:00 PM – Morning Session

    1:00 PM – Release by Pastor John

Schedule is subject to change*

Live Podcast Recording

Join us for a special live podcast recording with Pastor John Carter and Pastor Wayne Francis. 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.

Why This Conference?

Because building the church isn't meant to be a solo journey. When we come together, we not only strengthen one another, but we also open ourselves to the refreshing and renewal that only the Holy Spirit can bring. Joining with others in this mission allows us to experience God's power in a deeper way, ensuring that we don’t just lead – we thrive.

Conference Speakers

Pastor John Carter

Pastor John Carter is known for his engaging and practical teaching style, he is the Founder and Senior Pastor of Abundant Life Christian Center. He also ministers internationally, speaking at church and leadership conferences throughout India, Africa, Eastern Europe, and North America. Pastor John has studied at Central Bible College in Springfield, Missouri, is a graduate of Rhema Bible Training Center and Nyack College with a Master’s Degree in Biblical Studies from Alliance Theological Seminary. He is the author of The Transformed Life.

 

Pastor Lee Wilson

Lee Wilson discovered the power of purpose early on. Growing up in inner-city Houston, he saw firsthand the impact of poverty and vowed to make a difference. Today, as the founder of Lee Wilson Ministries, he’s dedicated to helping others find their God-given purpose.

Lee has served as Lead Pastor, Youth Pastor, and Executive Pastor, and founded the Face2Face National Youth Conference, NexGen podcast, Life on Purpose tour, and NexGen Academy. He has spoken in over 200 cities across the U.S. and internationally. Lee and his wife Tonya have two adult daughters, Alexis and Jordan.

Dawn Nicole Baldwin

For over 25 years Dawn Nicole Baldwin has helped Christian leaders reach people more effectively with communication strategies for ministry. She taught these principles at The University of Chicago Booth School of Business, as well as church conferences, and private events across the country.

As leader of the strategy and solutions firm, Mavericks, she helps pastors find new ways to get their stories heard, so more will hear about Jesus. Previously she led Visual Communications on staff for a church with over 22,000 in weekend attendance, and launched new properties for Big Idea Productions. (Creators of VeggieTales)

 

Pastor Wayne Francis

Wayne Francis leads the New York City location of The Life Church and was the founder and lead pastor of the former Authentic Church, which merged with The Life Church in early 2020. Wayne and his wife, Claudene, have been married for twenty years and have two beautiful teenage daughters, Haleigh and Ryleigh.

He is also the co-founder of Leadership in Black and White, a weekly podcast hosted by John Siebeling and Wayne Francis. John and Wayne talk to leaders about how to lead in the gray areas of life and develop you as a Christian leader.

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.

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, for two days – October 29-30, 2024.

  • 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, there is no pre-registration for roundtables during 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 Wednesday, October 23rd.

  • 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 Wednesday, October 23rd.