Reviewing a Year in Conferences

I attended, had a speaking role or exhibited at 11 major ministry conferences for The Friends of Israel Gospel Ministry in 2024. In this article, I’d like to summarize my experiences at these events and share some general reflections for anyone who may benefit from them. I have previously written reports about several of these meetings individually.

Let me begin by stating that I have always enjoyed these kinds of assemblies, but there were many years when I simply did not have the time or opportunity to attend almost any of them. I know that many people, especially pastors, are in the same situation, and I hope that the comments I provide at the end may help to stir some ideas and inspiration as you plan for the year ahead.

The conference season began at the very end of January, into February, when I went back to my seminary alma mater, Faith Baptist Bible College and Theological Seminary in Ankeny, IA, for their annual Refresh Conference. This was my fourth year of attending Refresh—but my first time without an exhibit. It was still a fruitful trip and, Lord willing, FOI will be back with an exhibit this coming year.

Also in February, I traveled to Austin, Texas, to participate in the very excellent two-day Support Raising Bootcamp, which is offered by Via Generosity. This conference was very helpful to me personally, and I wrote a series of article about it after I returned.

In March, I went to the Chafer Theological Seminary Pastors’ Conference at West Houston Bible Church in Texas for the third year in a row. Once again, I had a minor speaking role at this conference—bringing an update on FOI.

I was part of two conferences in April. These were the massive Christian Home Educators of Wisconsin Conference, held at the Kalahari Resort near Wisconsin Dells, where I presented a workshop; and the IFCA Wisconsin Regional in Wausau, where I provided a brief update on my ministry.

In June, I attended and exhibited at my fourth consecutive IFCA International Annual Convention. This year it was held in Springdale, Ark.

At the end of July, I attended and observed the Bible Faculty Summit, held at Maranatha Baptist University in Watertown, Wis. This got me in the mode of thinking about presenting an academic paper. It was my privilege to do just that at the Council on Dispensational Hermeneutics, held back at Faith in mid-September.

In October, I returned to the Shepherds 360 Church Leaders Conference at Shepherds Theological Seminary in Cary, N.C., to exhibit for FOI for the sixth year in a row. I also got to sit in on the IFCA Carolinas Regional while I was there—then came home to the IFCA Wisconsin Regional, this time in Fond du Lac where I provided a report once again.

Out of all these events, three stood out as being especially helpful and meaningful. Session for session, in my opinion, the greatest content was offered at the Chafer Pastors’ Conference. The theme this year related to the ongoing conflict and events in Israel, with messages by Dr. Randall Price, Dr. Mitch Glaser, Dr. Mike Stallard, Dr. Arnold Fruchtenbaum, and others. It truly offered a phenomenal learning experience to understand more about Israel and her struggle against terrorism. It is also completely free to attend and exhibit at this conference. I would say that everyone interested in these subjects should consider attending—except that the space was pretty much filled up this past year. If you desire to go in 2025, make sure to register as soon as possible. There is nothing like being there in person, but for those who cannot make it there is also an online option.

The second conference that stood out was the IFCA Convention. In addition to the teaching, the great thing I gain from this conference comes in the way of fellowship, contacts and networking. I love spending a week with my brothers and sisters from the IFCA, and I always come away encouraged as we mark the halfway point of the year. This time it was a special blessing to have the opportunity to lead a breakout session.

Lastly, the Shepherds 360 Church Leaders Conference is always a highlight of the year—and this one was no different. This edition was especially relevant, as it brought together in one venue the leading voices in both traditional and progressive dispensationalism. This was likely a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to hear and learn from these various men.

Beyond the gatherings listed, I also taught in four of our Friends of Israel Prophecy Up Close conferences this year: in Lapeer, Mich., in April; in Meridian, Idaho, and El Cajon, Calif., in September; and in Kalamazoo, Mich., in November. Additionally, it is always a great privilege to be involved in local church conferences, as well, although I am not dealing with those in this list.

What where your experiences at conferences in 2024? Which ones do you plan or hope to attend in 2025? I would love to hear your reactions and responses.