October 12-13, 2026Dixon, IL
REGISTER
Pastors and ministry leaders will be gathering from all over the region to be refreshed by the presence of God and equipped in leadership and ministry by world-class teachers.
Bring your staff, leaders, and key volunteers… we know your team will be encouraged, challenged, and inspired to take your church and ministries to the next level! Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with other pastors and leaders… We are better together! See you soon!
2026 Conference Theme
Embracing the Challenges of Courageous Ministry Leadership
- What are you seeing through eyes of faith that you cannot see with your physical eyes?
- Where are you challenged beyond your resources?
- When was the last time you had a God story…raw and real?
- Survival or expectancy?
- Where are you moving beyond your comfort zone?
- Where has God challenged you to go beyond your doubt?
- Stepping into your future requires faith…faith requires you to step beyond your fears.
- God is found in the unknown.
- The measurement of a faithful leader is trusting God with the future.
YOU’RE INVITED!
BRING YOUR TEAM!
OCTOBER 12-13
DIXON, ILLINOIS
LOCATION
Turning Point CITI Church
944 Stony Point Rd
Dixon, IL 61021
(815) 739-2544
MAP
SCHEDULE
Monday (10/12)
1:00pm – Welcome
1:05pm – Session 1: The Theology of Endurance…Hebrews 11
- Jason Nelson
1:45pm – Transition
1:55pm – Session 2: Faith and Vision Panel
- Steve Riggle, Becky Riggle, Ron Luce, George C., and Don Beasley
2:55pm – Session 3: Leveraging Your Life for the Greatest Kingdom Impact
- Ron Luce
3:35pm – Transition
3:45pm – Session 4: Ministry Focus Options
- Option 1: Senior Pastors — Steve Riggle
- Option 2: Worship Ministry Leaders — Shari May and Cesar Castaneda
- Option 3: Children’s Ministry Leaders — Orleta Schneider
- Option 4: Youth Ministry Leaders — Ron Luce; host: John Larson. Includes dinner and continues until 6:15pm.
- Option 5: Pastoral Staff Leaders — John Manzewitsch
4:35pm – Dinner
6:30pm – Session 5: Faith Steps Along the Way in Abraham’s Life
- Steve Riggle
8:30pm – Evening Reception
Tuesday (10/13)
9:00am – Prayer Meeting
10:00am – Session 6: Impacting Your City
- Brooke Pierce (moderator and panelist), Philip Thompson, and Bret & Taylor Smith
10:45am – Session 7: US Pastors Council
- Jason Nelson
11:00am – Session 8: Five Breakout Sessions
- The ‘Why Times’ of Life — Becky Riggle and Rhonda Ihrig
- Recharging Yourself After a Battle — Larry Ihrig
- Trading What You Know for What You Don’t Know — John Manzewitsch and Lydia Manzewitsch
- Building a Visionary Culture — Josh Pierce
- Your Attitude Determines Your Altitude: Leadership Lessons from an Air Force Colonel — Stu Johnson
11:45am – Transition
12:00pm – Session 9: Faith Challenges and Resilience in Ministry
- Bob Lenz (interview with Josh Pierce)
12:45pm – Lunch
Youth Ministry Mini-Master Class
Pastors, bring your main youth pastor or leader as well as any adult volunteers. Ron Luce will lead a 2½-hour mini-master class for your youth ministry team, covering best practices for goal setting, reaching young people in your community who are most likely to come to Christ, and initiating a transformational discipleship process. This special session includes dinner and continues until 6:15pm.
HOTEL
Fairfield by Marriott Inn & Suites Dixon
$149.00 USD per night
Group rate available Sunday, October 11 through Wednesday, October 14, 2026
Book your group rate for the Grace International Central States Regional ConferenceFAQs
Who can attend this conference?
The conference is open to everyone! The teaching is especially focused toward pastors and church leaders (which includes church staff, key volunteers, small group leaders, church planters, those called to ministry, etc.) *Even if you are not currently associated with Grace International, you can still attend and be a part of all sessions.
Is there a cost for attending this conference?
No – the conference is free for everyone.
Will the conference be livestreamed?
At this time we’re not planning on live streaming this conference.
I just registered online... what happens next?
First of all, thanks for registering! You will receive an email confirmation. When you arrive at the conference, simply check in and receive your conference materials. If you are bringing children and included that in your registration, you’ll be able to check them in to the kids ministry upon arrival. If you have any registration questions, please contact Lydia – lydiam@gracewoodlands.com
Are there any special hotel rates for the conference?
See the HOTEL pull down informational menu on this webpage.
I saw something about meals... what is provided?
On Monday, the dinner break begins at 4:35pm before the 6:30pm evening session. Dinner is not provided for general attendees; the special youth-leaders’ session includes dinner and continues until 6:15pm. Tuesday lunch is provided on site for conference participants and children in childcare. Light refreshments will be served at the evening reception after Monday’s evening session.
Will there be Spanish translation for the sessions?
At this time we will not be offering translation services.