The conference happens Saturday, July 25, from 11:00 am – 3:00 pm ET. (Pre-Session Gathering at 10 am.) Since it’s virtual, you can join in from anywhere with internet access.
YOU DON'T NEED A BIGGER CHURCH TO LEAD WELL
July 25, 2026
11 am – 3 pm ET
A free event for pastors who are tired of talking numbers and want practical solutions that actually fit small church ministry.
Watch this quick video to learn what this FREE event is all about - and why not every leadership conversation needs to be about getting bigger.
SMALL CHURCH MINISTRY IS CHANGING
AND THE OLD ASSUMPTIONS DON'T FIT ANYMORE.
THE REALITIES OF SMALL CHURCH LEADERSHIP
fewer full-time pastors
shrinking attendance
aging congregations
people less convinced church matters
more responsibilities than capacity
And suddenly, the advice that sounds great on a podcast doesn’t always work in real life.
You’re not failing.
The landscape has changed.
Which means leadership needs to look different, too.
THAT'S WHY THIS EVENT EXISTS.
WE CAN'T LEAD 2026 LIKE IT'S 2006.
Imagine being able to:
Lead with the strengths of a small church instead of apologizing for them
Watch people become more than they thought they could be
Build a church where ministry doesn't depend on a handful of people
Show your community why church still matters
Celebrate success when numbers don't tell the whole story
That’s what this conference
will help you do.
Hi! I'm Laurie.
I’m Laurie Graham Ertl, founder of the Small Church Network. For the past six years, I’ve helped thousands of volunteers, ministry leaders, and pastors navigate the unique realities of small church ministry.
What I love most is supporting pastors by developing the people already around them – helping ordinary people become contributors, leaders, problem-solvers, and difference-makers in their churches.
Because healthy churches aren’t built when a pastor does more. They’re built when more people grow.
Here’s what to expect:
- Practical ideas that work in real small churches
- Fresh ways to develop people and shared ministry
- Encouragement from small church pastors who understand the challenges
- New ways to think about growth, impact, and success
Grab your free ticket and join me as we reframe what healthy, impactful ministry can look like in today’s small church.
When I signed up for the FREE conference, my first thought was, "it sounds too good to be true ..." But today, I am amazed and humbled by the experience I have just come from. I have never, in all the years of attending ministry conferences, come home with more knowledge or practical advice than I did today.
Anne
The Details
WHEN & WHERE
INTERACTIVE SESSIONS
Participate in 15 sessions sharing practical ideas for developing people, building trust, and leading well in today’s small church.
PRAYER ROOM
Post your ministry and personal prayer requests throughout the conference. Our Prayer Room is staffed with live prayer during the event for extra support.
CHANCES TO WIN
Attend live and invite other pastors for chances to win giftcards and prizes. Keep an eye on our Facebook community for details.
LEADING WELL PACK UPGRADE
After registering, you’ll have the opportunity to upgrade to the Leading Well Pack, including event replays, pastor resources, and practical tools for your church.
NEXT STEPS SESSION
Join us the week after the conference as we discuss practical next steps, answer questions, and help you turn ideas into action. Choose from 3 live session times.
FACEBOOK COMMUNITY
Connect with pastors, speakers, and ministry leaders in our private Facebook community. Ask questions, share ideas, and connect before and after the event.
PRE-SESSION GATHERING
Join us an hour early for extra connection and a quick conference orientation. We’ll help you get settled, answer questions, and prepare for a great day together.
ONE YEAR NETWORK MEMBERSHIP GIVEAWAY
One pastor will receive a complimentary one-year Small Church Network membership for themselves and one volunteer or ministry leader from their church. Both will receive access to training, resources, coaching, and ongoing support. Watch for details during the event.
Finally, A Conference Designed for Small Church Realities
What makes it different?
Only for smaller churches
Small churches face unique realities: fewer staff, changing attendance, aging congregations, and more responsibilities than capacity. We believe small church ministry isn’t a problem to solve. It’s a unique form of ministry that deserves its own conversation.
CONNECT WITH PASTORS WHO GET IT
Ministry can feel isolating – especially in a smaller church. Connect with pastors facing similar challenges, sharing similar questions, and finding new ways to move forward.
FIND A BETTER WAY FORWARD
A lot of ministry advice assumes more staff, more money, and more people.
We’re here to talk about what works when you don’t have those things.
It was just like being at an in-person conference without leaving my living room. So many relevant and diverse breakout sessions - loved the expo and networking time also.
Jami
THE FUTURE of Small Church MINISTRY
STEPHEN BADIGER
The Church Is Changing.
The Mission Isn’t.
K. Kale Yu
Unleashing The Laity: The Future Of The Church Depends On Everyday People
Rev. Ruth A. Popkin
Not What I Signed Up For: A Hopeful Look At Bivocational Ministry
Doug Beutler
How God Grew My Church Exponentially Smaller
Katie Shull
Why Pastoral Imagination Matters More Than Ever
Building a Church That Doesn't Depend on You
Dr. Tim Parsons
Leading Without Layers: How To Create A Leadership Culture In A Volunteer-Driven Church
Laurie Graham Ertl
Tired Of Fighting Fires? Teach These 3 Skills
Brenna Fields Hayes
Helping Ordinary People Become Ministry Leaders
Mark Muckler
First Things First: Before We Lead, We Follow
The Church & a Changing Culture
Jabaria Dent
Becoming The Hub Of Your Community: More Than Sunday
Blake Houston
The Future Is Smaller: Ministry, Formation, & Revival In An AI-Shaped World
Patrick Dailey
The One Thing Only The Church Can Give
Rev. Dr. Timothy P. Jackson
Planted In A Wilderness: A Black Church Engaging In Ministry Within A Predominately White, Anti-Church Neighborhood
PLUS:
Networking
Connect with other pastors in small churches.
Expo
Grab freebies and check out ministry resources.
Video Chats
Connect face-to-face in real time.
I have been doing church and ministry for a lot of years. But the things I'm learning here ... I was like, ‘Where has this been all my life?' I wish I would’ve had this when I was starting out. It changed my perspective on what success looks like in church ministry. Success is not just a big church and numbers. We can be successful in small church ministry.
TaMMY
FAQS
When is the event?
The main event happens Saturday, July 25, from 11:00 am - 3:00 pm ET. (Pre-Session Gathering at 10 am ET.) The Next Step Session happens the following week with three time options to join.
Where is the conference held?
Our events take place in RingCentral, an online event platform. No need to worry about traveling or expenses.
Is the conference really free?
Yes. The entire live conference is absolutely free. Upgrade to the Leading Well Pack for lifetime access to event replays plus exclusive workshops, resources, and bonuses at 90% off their value.
Is this only for lead pastors or senior pastors?
No. Churches often use different titles and leadership structures. If you're serving in a pastoral role and the topics resonate with you, you're welcome to join us.
What do you consider a small church?
For us, we talk about churches from 20-200. Within that range, we address the uniqueness of those who consider themselves microchurches (under 50) and those who are pushing mid-size.
I'm from a larger church. Can I still come?
Absolutely. If the topics address your needs, you're welcome to join in. Just keep in mind our mission is to small churches, and everything we do has them in mind.
I'd like to invite another leader from my church. Is that allowed?
Yes, please do. While the content is designed with pastors in mind, many pastors find it helpful to attend alongside another trusted leader. If the topics fit their role, they're welcome to join us.
Can I participate with my phone or tablet?
You sure can, but you'll most likely have a better experience on a computer or laptop. The conference takes place in an online event platform called RingCentral. To enjoy all the interactive features, it's best to log in with a computer or laptop.
I live in a different time zone. Will the presentations be available for 24 hours?
Unfortunately, because it's a live conference, recordings aren't immediately available. However, after you get your free ticket, check out the Leading Well Pack available for purchase. It includes lifetime replays and other helpful bonuses.
What denomination is this?
Small Church Ministry, LLC is not affiliated with any denomination. We serve Christian churches from a wide variety of denominations, associations, and networks around the world.
I still have questions ...
We're here for you. Email hello@smallchurchministry.com, and we'll get back to you within 2-3 business days.
YOU DON'T NEED A BIGGER CHURCH TO LEAD WELL.
Click the button to grab your free ticket and join the conversation
Copyright © 2026 Small Church Ministry
hello@smallchurchministry.com