Why this Conversation Matters Now

Pastors today are serving communities shaped by grief, anxiety, trauma, conflict, exhaustion, and experiences many people may never fully name aloud.

The church is often where those realities surface first in prayer requests, counseling conversations, funerals, worship gatherings, leadership conflicts, and moments of quiet personal struggle.

Preachers' Conference 2026 creates space for pastors, ministry leaders, and those who care for congregations to think deeply and faithfully about how ministry responds in this moment.

This year’s theme, Trauma-Informed Ministry: Preaching Care in Our Churches & Communities, invites participants into a conversation that is both theological and practical: how preaching, worship, and pastoral care can become more attentive, wise, and healing.

Faithful ministry today requires wisdom for wounds we cannot always see.

Reserve Your Place

The Christian Faith Begins in Wounded Hands

This year’s keynote begins with a profound theological truth: even after resurrection, the wounds of Christ remain visible.

Through John 20:19–23, Preachers' Conference 2026 explores how the death and resurrection of Christ shape faithful ministry in wounded communities.

This is not ministry that avoids pain. It is ministry that learns how to preach hope honestly.

The conference will help pastors consider how theological reflection and practical care belong together when serving people carrying trauma, grief, fear, and emotional strain.

Featured Speakers

David C. Wang

Keynote Speaker

David Wang serves as the Cliff and Joyce Penner Chair for the Formation of Emotionally Healthy Leaders at Fuller Theological Seminary. A licensed psychologist, pastor, and scholar, his work focuses on trauma, clergy mental health, emotional resilience, and spiritual formation.

His keynote sermon will help frame this year’s conference through a theological exploration of trauma, ministry, and the wounds of Christ.

Brad D. Strawn

Brad Strawn is a psychologist, theologian, ordained elder, professor, and practicing clinician whose work explores the intersection of theology, emotional healing, and pastoral care.

Teanna Sunberg

Teanna Sunberg’s ministry and research focus on migration, trauma-informed community presence, humanitarian response, and ministry among displaced communities.

Charles Wesley Thurman Jr.

Charles Thurman brings pastoral leadership, Black ecclesial scholarship, and theological formation rooted in liberation, preaching, and communal care.

Julie Tai

Worship Leader

Julie Tai serves as Director of Chapel at Fuller and is known for worship leadership that thoughtfully integrates theology, creativity, and emotional attentiveness.

What You Will Leave With

• Deeper theological language for trauma-aware ministry

• Practical pastoral insight for congregational life

• Renewed preaching imagination

• Tools for emotionally attentive leadership

• Encouragement for long-term ministry faithfulness

Who this Conference is for

Preachers' Conference 2026 is designed for:

• Pastors

• Preachers

• Ministry leaders

• Chaplains

• Denominational leaders

• Counseling and ministry students

• Those serving wounded communities

This year's conference offers thoughtful teaching, worship, preaching, and conversation for ministry leaders serving in complex times.

Register Today & Join the Conversation

Why Register Early

Early registration helps us prepare well and allows participants to secure their place early for one of next year’s most important ministry gatherings.

We encourage early registration, especially for groups and ministry teams planning ahead.

Register before July 31st for $30 off in-person registration.

The first 30 people to register will receive a free Preachers' Conference travel mug.

Registration Options

Preachers' Conference 2026 is available in two formats so ministry leaders can participate in the way that best fits their context.

In-Person Attendance

Join us on campus at Nazarene Theological Seminary for the full conference experience, including live sessions, worship, and shared conversation.

Online Attendance

For those unable to travel, a livestream option will also be available, allowing participants to engage the plenary sessions remotely. Due to the sensitive nature of this year's conference, the preaching workshops will not be available via livestream, but edited recordings will be made available to all registrants.

Registration Cost

Early Bird In-Person Registration: $99 - Register before July 31st.

General In-Person Registration: $129

Lunch Add-On: $14.50

Digital Registration: $40

View Registration Options

Frequently Asked Questions

A Conversation the Church Needs Now

Ministry today asks leaders to preach, care, and lead in communities carrying more than we often see.

Preachers' Conference 2026 offers space for theological depth, practical wisdom, and renewed encouragement.

We hope you will join us.

Register Now