If you’d like a terrific conference experience – did I mention that it’s free – consider attending one of my upcoming two-day events called The Group Essentials Conference. You can learn more about these amazing events at lifeway.com/grpessentials. The next one takes place just outside Charleston, WV., on Friday May 30 – Saturday May 31, 2025. Space is limited to 36 attendees – it’s “boutique” training, not an event for the masses.

Some of the topics that are covered in 10 one-hour sessions include how to recruit new group leaders, how to develop a training plan for your church, and how to start new groups. We also cover a number of other important topics, and we conclude each of these events with a session designed to help you create your own plan to implement once you journey home.

The event itself is free! Through my work and ministry at Lifeway, I am able to provide 10 of these events annually. We begin at 1PM on day 1, and conclude on Day 2 at 4PM. Once you arrive at the host site, I pay for the Day 1 dinner meal at a local restaurant, Day 2 lunch, and snacks and drinks both days. If you aren’t from the immediate area, your only expense would be your travel to/from the event. Not bad! You also receive a new CSB Pastor’s Bible, a leather Group Essentials folio pad, and six books on group ministry and discipleship. I also share several more books with you digitally, plus a site where you can download 20 years worth of annual group training resources. If this sounds too good to be true, it’s not. I’d love to have you in attendance!

Speaking of attendance – who should come to this event? We target pastors and discipleship pastors, and any lay person who is in charge of their church’s group ministry. This event isn’t for group leaders, though – we have other events for you!

Here is what one recent Group Essentials attendee said about this event:

I just wanted to take a moment and say thank you for leading the Group Essentials in Rome, GA the last few days.

I will never be able to thank you enough for the insight, prayers, inspiration, and strategies you gave us. I came with a burden for my Beloved church but left with excitement like Joshua and Caleb when they surveyed the Promise Land. There were many divine appointments at this training…God truly has you in the sweet spot you were created for.” – Christine C.

Take a look at the upcoming locations, sign up, and spend two days learning essentials about group ministry.