Contending for the Faith

November 3 – 5, 2026 · Southaven, MS

The three-day program.

Scan the agenda at a glance, drill into each day in chronological order, and explore every class and workshop. Save what interests you — or register whenever you're ready.

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Explore the conference schedule and save workshops that interest you. Your selections will be available throughout your visit and can help you organize your conference experience.

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01 · Overview

Agenda at a glance.

Three distinct days, one steadfast aim. Each day carries its own theme — from the opening charge to the closing commissioning — woven together by corporate worship, expository preaching, and breakout classes designed for the pastor's craft.

  1. 01

    Day 1

    Tuesday

    November 3

    Welcome · Panel · Workshop A

    • 10:15

      Conference Panel

    • 6:30 PM

      Evening Worship & Impact Award

    See full day →
  2. 02

    Day 2

    Wednesday

    November 4

    Workshops B · C · D

    • 8:00

      Breakfast & Registration

    • 9:00

      Workshop B · The Women's Ministry: Modeling Reverence (women only) — Rev. Bettina Saulsberry

    • 9:00

      Workshop B · The Living Room of Worship: Romans 12–15 — Pastor Sean Taylor

    See full day →
  3. 03

    Day 3

    Thursday

    November 5

    Workshop E · Forward Focus · Sending

    • 8:00

      Breakfast

    • 9:20

      Workshop E · Dr. Joel Gregory

    • 9:20

      Workshop E · Casting Vision in Ministry — Pastor William Watson

    See full day →

02 · Daily Schedule

Day by day.

Switch between days to see every session in chronological order — keynotes, breakout classes, worship and panels. The day selector follows you as you scroll.

Day 1 · Theme

Welcome · Panel · Workshop A

Tuesday, November 3, 202611 sessions.

How It Works

Tap the bookmark on any session to add it to your Conference Plan.

Saved sessions appear in your Conference Plan below. Saving is optional — you can register any time.

  1. 8:00

    until 9:00 AM

    Main Stage·Fellowship Hall

    Breakfast & Registration

  2. 9:00

    until 10:05 AM

    Main Stage·Main Sanctuary

    Welcome · Morning Manna · House Rules · Clamp University

  3. 10:15

    until 11:30 AM

    Panel·Main Sanctuary

    Conference Panel

  4. 11:45 AM

    until 12:50 PM

    Main Stage·Fellowship Hall

    Lunch

  5. 1:00

    until 2:20 PM

    Workshop A·Breakout Room — TBA

    Workshop A · The Preacher & His Soul — Dr. Reginald Taylor

    Dr. Reginald Taylor

    Dr. Reginald Taylor

    The Rock Church

    Speaker ProfileClass Details
  6. 1:00

    until 2:20 PM

    Workshop A·Breakout Room — TBA

    Workshop A · Just Do IT — Dr. Joel Gregory

    Pastor Joel Gregory

    Pastor Joel Gregory

    Gregory Ministries

    Speaker ProfileClass Details
  7. 1:00

    until 2:20 PM

    Workshop A·Breakout Room — TBA

    Workshop A · Self-Care: How the Shepherd Gets Fed — Dr. Keith Norman

    Pastor Keith Norman

    Pastor Keith Norman

    Speaker ProfileClass Details
  8. 1:00

    until 2:20 PM

    Workshop A·Breakout Room — TBA

    Workshop A · How To Prepare A Sermon / Message — Dr. Steve Lawson

    SL

    Dr. Steve Lawson

    OnePassion Ministries

    Speaker ProfileClass Details
  9. 1:00

    until 2:20 PM

    Workshop A·Breakout Room — TBA

    Workshop A · Just Do It! Afraid! (women only) — Rev. Roline Thomas

    Rev. Roline Thomas

    Rev. Roline Thomas

    Saint Mark Baptist Church, Little Rock, AR

    Speaker ProfileClass Details
  10. 1:00

    until 2:20 PM

    Workshop A·Breakout Room — TBA

    Workshop A · Empowering People To Serve — Dr. Jamison Hunter

    JH

    Dr. Jamison Hunter

    Mount Jezreel Church, Silver Spring, MD

    Speaker ProfileClass Details
  11. 6:30 PM

    Worship·Main Sanctuary

    Evening Worship & Impact Award

03 · Classes & Workshops

Sharpen your craft.

Working sessions on preaching, leadership, worship, discipleship and ministry life — taught by practitioners. Search by topic or speaker, filter by track, or surface only the sessions you've saved.

Find the Right Workshops for You

Browse workshops by time slot, speaker, or topic. Use the Workshop buttons below to view sessions available during a specific conference workshop period. You may also search by speaker name, ministry topic, or keyword. If you save sessions to your Conference Plan, click "Saved" to quickly view your selections.

How to Use This Page

  1. 1Choose a Workshop Time — Click Workshop A, B, C, D, or E to see sessions available during that conference time slot.
  2. 2Browse Available Sessions — Review workshop descriptions, speakers, and ministry topics.
  3. 3Save Sessions You Like — Click "Add to My Conference Plan" on any session that interests you.
  4. 4View Saved Sessions — Click the Saved filter to see all sessions you've added to your Conference Plan.

Search by speaker name, church, ministry topic, or workshop title.

32 sessions found

Pastor Joel Gregory
Workshop A

Workshop A · Just Do IT — Dr. Joel Gregory

Day
Day 1
Time
1:00
Room
Breakout Room — TBA
Speaker
Pastor Joel Gregory

Contemporary preaching takes place in a distracted congregation that requires a new discernment and careful communication to engage the people who are actually there. Dr. Gregory discusses in a venue-specific way how biblical exposition can be curated to get heard in an increasingly distracted culture — communicating with the people who are actually there rather than those we wish were there. All preaching is venue specific. How do we get the text out of them to now, out there to here, and wasness to isness?

Details →
Rev. Roline Thomas
Workshop A

Workshop A · Just Do It! Afraid! (women only) — Rev. Roline Thomas

Day
Day 1
Time
1:00
Room
Breakout Room — TBA
Speaker
Rev. Roline Thomas

Have you ever sensed God calling you to do something, but fear, uncertainty, or self-doubt held you back? This empowering women's workshop explores how God often works through ordinary women who choose extraordinary obedience — even when they are afraid. Through biblical examples, practical application, and honest discussion, participants will discover that courage is not the absence of fear but the decision to trust God.

Details →
Workshop A

Workshop A · Empowering People To Serve — Dr. Jamison Hunter

Day
Day 1
Time
1:00
Room
Breakout Room — TBA
Speaker
Dr. Jamison Hunter

This class explores God's design for women to live as examples of reverence, wisdom, and godly character in their homes, churches, and communities. Participants will examine the biblical principles of discipleship, mentorship, spiritual maturity, and Christ-centered living as outlined in Titus 2. Through practical application and scriptural insight, women will be encouraged to cultivate a lifestyle that honors God, influences future generations, and strengthens the body of Christ.

Details →
Rev. Bettina Saulsberry
Workshop B

Workshop B · The Women's Ministry: Modeling Reverence (women only) — Rev. Bettina Saulsberry

Day
Day 2
Time
9:00
Room
Breakout Room — TBA
Speaker
Rev. Bettina Saulsberry

This class explores God's design for women to live as examples of reverence, wisdom, and godly character in their homes, churches, and communities. Participants will examine the biblical principles of discipleship, mentorship, spiritual maturity, and Christ-centered living as outlined in Titus 2. Through practical application and scriptural insight, women will be encouraged to cultivate a lifestyle that honors God, influences future generations, and strengthens the body of Christ. This session is designed to inspire women to embrace and demonstrate their unique calling and model a faith that reflects the beauty and holiness of the Gospel.

Details →
Workshop B

Workshop B · Intentional Discipleship — Dr. Dexter Moragne

Day
Day 2
Time
9:00
Room
Breakout Room — TBA
Speaker
Dr. Dexter Moragne

Intentional Discipleship highlights the strategic importance of the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19–20) and the structured, active commitment required to make and multiply disciples. Dr. Moragne defines intentionality as a purposeful, active dedication to a personal relationship with Jesus Christ that compels believers to act as instruments of God's love in the world. The session grounds these principles in Old and New Testament precedents — Moses and Joshua, Elijah and Elisha, Jesus and the Twelve, Paul and Timothy — and bridges spiritual discipleship with practical growth frameworks for the disciple's learning journey from new initiate to mastery.

Details →
Workshop B

Workshop B · Securing the Church: Building a Culture of Safety and Preparedness — Min. Eric Williams

Day
Day 2
Time
9:00
Room
Breakout Room — TBA
Speaker
Min. Eric Williams

This session equips church leaders, ministry workers, and volunteers with practical strategies for creating a safe and secure ministry environment. Participants will explore emergency preparedness, risk assessment, crisis response planning, active threat awareness, and best practices for protecting congregants during worship services and church events. The class emphasizes developing a culture of safety while maintaining a welcoming atmosphere for ministry. Attendees leave with actionable tools and resources to help their churches prepare for and respond effectively to a variety of safety and security challenges.

Details →
Dr. George Parks Jr.
Workshop B

Workshop B · Pastoral Relationships with Congregants — Dr. George Parks Jr.

Day
Day 2
Time
9:00
Room
Breakout Room — TBA
Speaker
Dr. George Parks Jr.

Healthy pastoral relationships are essential to effective ministry and faithful shepherding. This session explores how pastors and ministry leaders can cultivate God-honoring relationships with congregants that reflect Christ's love, compassion, wisdom, and integrity. Participants will examine biblical principles for building trust, providing spiritual care, maintaining appropriate boundaries, and fostering meaningful connections within the church. The class emphasizes servant leadership, effective communication, and compassionate engagement as pastors seek to care for the flock entrusted to them.

Details →
Rev. Muriel Taylor
Workshop C

Workshop C · The Power of Forgiveness — Rev. Muriel Taylor

Day
Day 2
Time
10:40 AM
Room
Breakout Room — TBA
Speaker
Rev. Muriel Taylor

We wonder many times why our prayers are unanswered. It's not that God does not care or that He's not listening — sometimes it's because we are still holding grudges, bitterness, and unforgiveness. This class is designed to help us work through this issue and realize: if we let go, God is ready to bless us fully.

Details →
Workshop C

Workshop C · Securing the Church (repeat) — Min. Eric Williams

Day
Day 2
Time
10:40 AM
Room
Breakout Room — TBA
Speaker
Min. Eric Williams

This session equips church leaders, ministry workers, and volunteers with practical strategies for creating a safe and secure ministry environment. Participants will explore emergency preparedness, risk assessment, crisis response planning, active threat awareness, and best practices for protecting congregants during worship services and church events. The class emphasizes developing a culture of safety while maintaining a welcoming atmosphere for ministry. Attendees leave with actionable tools and resources to help their churches prepare for and respond effectively to a variety of safety and security challenges.

Details →
Workshop D

Workshop D · Trauma-Informed Care for Pastors and Ministry Leaders, Pt. I — Dr. Michael Chambers

Day
Day 2
Time
1:15
Room
Breakout Room — TBA
Speaker
Dr. Michael Chambers

Pastors and ministry leaders often serve on the frontlines of grief, crisis, emotional pain, conflict, and spiritual distress while simultaneously carrying the weight of leadership expectations, caregiving responsibilities, and personal pressures. This session explores how trauma, chronic stress, emotional exhaustion, and repeated exposure to the struggles of others impact both leaders and congregational life. Drawing from pastoral leadership, veteran care, chaplaincy experience, and the ORRHE™ (Operational Resilience in Repetitive High-Exposure Environments), participants will strengthen emotional awareness, reduce burnout, cultivate healthy boundaries, and develop sustainable rhythms for long-term ministry effectiveness. Designed for pastors, ministry leaders, chaplains, caregivers, and faith leaders seeking to cultivate emotionally healthy, spiritually grounded, and resilient ministry environments.

Details →
Mr. David Brown
Workshop D

Workshop D · Online Ministry: How to Reach More People — Min. David Brown

Day
Day 2
Time
1:15
Room
Breakout Room — TBA
Speaker
Mr. David Brown

The mission has never changed, but the methods continue to evolve. In this practical and forward-thinking workshop, participants discover how to leverage technology, digital platforms, and artificial intelligence to expand their ministry's reach while remaining faithful to biblical foundations and the Great Commission. Whether you're a pastor, ministry leader, communicator, or volunteer, this session explores proven strategies for engaging people online, creating meaningful digital discipleship pathways, and using AI-powered tools to enhance communication, content creation, and ministry effectiveness. Attendees leave equipped with practical tools, actionable strategies, and a renewed vision for using technology to connect more people to Christ.

Details →
Rev. Bettina Saulsberry
Workshop D

Workshop D · The Women's Ministry: Modeling Reverence (repeat, women only) — Rev. Bettina Saulsberry

Day
Day 2
Time
1:15
Room
Breakout Room — TBA
Speaker
Rev. Bettina Saulsberry

This class explores God's design for women to live as examples of reverence, wisdom, and godly character in their homes, churches, and communities. Participants will examine the biblical principles of discipleship, mentorship, spiritual maturity, and Christ-centered living as outlined in Titus 2. Through practical application and scriptural insight, women will be encouraged to cultivate a lifestyle that honors God, influences future generations, and strengthens the body of Christ. This session is designed to inspire women to embrace and demonstrate their unique calling and model a faith that reflects the beauty and holiness of the Gospel.

Details →
Workshop E

Workshop E · Trauma-Informed Care, Pt. I (repeat) — Dr. Michael Chambers

Day
Day 3
Time
9:20
Room
Breakout Room — TBA
Speaker
Dr. Michael Chambers

Pastors and ministry leaders often serve on the frontlines of grief, crisis, emotional pain, conflict, and spiritual distress while simultaneously carrying the weight of leadership expectations, caregiving responsibilities, and personal pressures. This session explores how trauma, chronic stress, emotional exhaustion, and repeated exposure to the struggles of others impact both leaders and congregational life. Drawing from pastoral leadership, veteran care, chaplaincy experience, and the ORRHE™ (Operational Resilience in Repetitive High-Exposure Environments), participants will strengthen emotional awareness, reduce burnout, cultivate healthy boundaries, and develop sustainable rhythms for long-term ministry effectiveness. Designed for pastors, ministry leaders, chaplains, caregivers, and faith leaders seeking to cultivate emotionally healthy, spiritually grounded, and resilient ministry environments.

Details →
Workshop E

Workshop E · Just Do It! Afraid! (women only) — Rev. Loretta McDavid

Day
Day 3
Time
9:20
Room
Breakout Room — TBA
Speaker
Rev. Loretta McDavid

As women of faith, we are called to move without fear, led by the Spirit and commissioned for ministry. Join this class to uncover God's specific purpose for your life, following Mary's powerful example. Let's learn to drop offense, conquer fear, and give God absolutely everything we've got!

Details →
Mr. David Brown
Workshop E

Workshop E · Online Ministry: How to Reach More People (repeat) — Min. David Brown

Day
Day 3
Time
9:20
Room
Breakout Room — TBA
Speaker
Mr. David Brown

The mission has never changed, but the methods continue to evolve. In this practical and forward-thinking workshop, participants discover how to leverage technology, digital platforms, and artificial intelligence to expand their ministry's reach while remaining faithful to biblical foundations and the Great Commission. Whether you're a pastor, ministry leader, communicator, or volunteer, this session explores proven strategies for engaging people online, creating meaningful digital discipleship pathways, and using AI-powered tools to enhance communication, content creation, and ministry effectiveness. Attendees leave equipped with practical tools, actionable strategies, and a renewed vision for using technology to connect more people to Christ.

Details →
Pastor Tommy Cash, Sr.
Workshop E

Workshop E · Obedience and Finances — Pastor Tommy Cash Sr.

Day
Day 3
Time
9:20
Room
Breakout Room — TBA
Speaker
Pastor Tommy Cash, Sr.

This session examines the theological and practical relationship between obedience to God and financial stewardship in the life of the believer. Drawing from John 2:5 and supported by biblical narratives, the class contends that financial obedience centers on trust, surrender, and alignment with God's will rather than monetary concerns. Through examples such as the widow at Zarephath and the early church in Acts, the session demonstrates that God employs financial decisions to cultivate spiritual maturity, reveal the disposition of the heart, and further His kingdom purposes. Participants will be equipped to teach, exemplify, and practice financial obedience with integrity, clarity, and conviction.

Details →

04 · My Conference PlanOptional

My Conference Plan (Optional).

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November 3 – 5, 2026

Be in the room when the Church contends.

Thousands of pastors and ministry leaders will gather in Southaven for three days that will mark the next decade of their ministry. Your seat is waiting.

Register for Contending 2026

Group rates available · Limited seats