Professional and lay church workers – YOU ARE NOT ALONE!
This is the motto of the Best Practices Ministry conference that Margo Dupre attended in Phoenix, Arizona, back in February. Margo recently shared her experiences at this inspirational event with Shadow of the Cross members on March 23.
“This experience provided exactly what I believe God wants us as believers to receive from one another, as taught in I Thessalonians 5:11* and Hebrews 10:24-25**. There was an intentional effort on behalf of everyone there to give and receive encouragement and inspiration so that we can continue to love and do ‘good works’ as a means to glorify God,” said Margo.
An organized effort to provide such encouragement began 11 years ago by Christ Lutheran Church in Phoenix using a conference-style format that they titled “Best Practices for Ministry.” As proclaimed on their website, the purpose of this conference is to “remind professional and lay church workers that they are loved, they are not alone, and they matter.” Since its inception, the conference has been presented free of charge to all attendees. Participants are greeted with warm hospitality and derive encouragement from great speakers, practical workshops and inspiring fellowship opportunities.
As Margo made clear during her presentation, this conference is for ALL of God’s people, and in her words, those who should attend include:
- Anyone who loves God, follows the teachings of Jesus Christ and seeks to please Him
- Anyone (volunteer, ordained servant, professional church worker, or lay person) who seeks to be re-energized in whatever service you participate as a Christian
- Anyone who is seeking new ideas or exploring new directions for personal or congregational needs.
“It is edification for everyone (all who believe!), she stated. “To equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God,” (Ephesians 4:11-12).
How is this encouragement accomplished during the conference? Margo answered that:
- You are immersed into the global body of the church (ethnicities, races, and continental boundaries) like a sort of baptism.
- You participate in Christian servanthood through giving and receiving instruction, as well as exchanging guidance and support on showing the love of God to the world.
- You are re-energized, enlightened, and fulfilled from having experienced the intentionality of bringing God’s people together from around the world.
- You learn about many types of ministries that can be introduced to your church as new opportunities to engage members and reach outside of the walls of the church.
Doesn’t this sound like a wonderful event? Margo related another wonderful aspect when she reiterated often that this conference is a true gift – it is fully complimentary to all participants. Conference attendees receive breakfast, lunch and dinner and all-day snacks (fresh fruit, muffins, ice cream, cookies, popcorn, cotton candy, etc.); hotel shuttling from three properties; free airport shuttles; 300+ speakers presenting topics related to supporting God’s people; and activities catering to a variety of interests. Participants need only pay for their transportation to the conference city and their hotel lodging.
The most exciting portion of Margo’s presentation was when she announced that a Best Practices in Ministry conference is being held in Frankenmuth this summer!
Hosted by St. Lorenz Lutheran Church, the event will occur August 10 – 12. As the invitation on their website says, “Each of us may serve the Lord in different ways, according to the gifts and callings He has given us. However, we all share a common need: to be encouraged by the Lord and by one another in our various callings. Join us for a time of ENCOURAGEMENT at Best Practices for Ministry—Heartland! We are excited for you to attend along with an estimated 400 conference attendees! Come prepared for time in worship, learning and sharing centered around our theme “Encouragement in Our Callings.” For more information on the conference, visit this website: https://stlorenz.churchcenter.com/pages/bpmh.
Registration for this event is open now. To register by June 30. Anyone wishing to serve as a breakout session leader, the deadline to register for that role is May 30. Exhibitor registration is due June 30.
For anyone interested in attending the 2026 Phoenix conference, which is scheduled for February 12 – 14, here is the link to that event: https://cclphoenix.org/bpm.
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* I Thessalonians 5:11: “Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.”
**Hebrews 10:24-25: “And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.”