Breakout sessions at the 2026 Disciple-Making Conference are designed to equip church leaders for the real ministry challenges they face. On Feb. 24, North Carolina Baptists will have the opportunity to choose from a wide range of gospel-centered sessions that offer practical tools, biblical clarity and encouragement for disciple-making in today’s culture.
The one-day conference will gather pastors, ministry leaders and church members in Charlotte to learn from experienced leaders who understand the unique context of ministry across North Carolina. Breakout sessions will cover key areas such as community outreach, church communications and marketing, discipleship trends, student ministry, women’s ministry and more. Several sessions will also be available in Spanish, expanding access and equipping more leaders to serve effectively.
“No matter your area of ministry leadership, we have breakouts from practitioners who can point you and your team toward best practices,” said Drew Dabbs, N.C. Baptist discipleship ministry strategist.
“Whether you’re looking for help in reaching the next generation, breathing new life into your Sunday school or small groups, or even learning how to work and rest as a ministry leader, we have something for you.”
In addition to breakout sessions, attendees will hear from keynote speakers Landon Dowden, lead pastor of Hebron Baptist Church in Dacula, Ga., and Mark Matlock, senior fellow at Barna. Together with compelling worship and clear preaching, the conference offers a well-rounded day of encouragement and equipping for leaders at every level.
The Disciple-Making Conference begins at 9 a.m. and concludes at 3 p.m., with doors opening at 8 a.m. Registration is $15 per person and includes lunch and a resource bundle.
To learn more or to register, visit disciplemakingconference.org.
An abbreviated list of breakout sessions is available below.
Beyond the Walls: Mobilizing Your Church to Love and Serve the Community
Andrew Clark, Room 122
If your church ceased to exist, would your community notice? God has called every church to be on mission right where He has placed them. This breakout will provide practical ways to love and serve your community through acts of service that open doors for relationships and gospel impact.
Church Comms 101: Reaching Your Community & Your Congregation
Kathryn Carson & Daniel Spivey, Room 201
Whether you’re sharing news with your church family or inviting your neighbors, the right marketing and communications mix matters. This breakout will give you the essentials — helping you craft clear, budget-wise strategies for both internal and external communication.
How to Turn Volunteers Into Leaders: An Equipping Guide for Those Called to Equip
Danny Franks, Room 208
A lot of church leaders default to delegating tasks rather than developing leaders. If Ephesians 4:12 calls us to equip the saints for the work of the ministry, how do we get started? This highly practical breakout will give you the tools you need to build your leadership pipeline.
More Than a Sunday: Bringing the Church Into Your Daily Life
Más que un domingo: Llevando la iglesia a tu vida diaria
Diego Fernández, Room 228
Church is not just a place we go on Sunday. It is who we are every day. This workshop will explore practical ways to live out your faith at home, at work and in your community. Together we will learn how to make disciples not only inside the church building but also in the rhythms of daily life.
La iglesia no es solo un lugar al que vamos el domingo, es lo que somos todos los días. En este taller exploraremos maneras prácticas de vivir la fe en el hogar, en el trabajo y en la comunidad. Juntos aprenderemos cómo hacer discípulos no solo dentro del templo, sino también en el ritmo de la vida diaria.
Q+A – Next Trends
Mark Matlock, Worship Center
Discover the biggest cultural trends shaping the church today and how they create both challenges and opportunities for disciple-making. Drawing on nearly 40 years of Barna research, Mark Matlock will share fresh insights to help leaders discern where God is at work. Bring your best questions and walk away with clarity and hope for the future of the church.
Speaking to Where College Students and Young Adults Are by Showing Them Where They Could Be
Chandler Young, Room 207
Reaching young adults begins with understanding their world and pointing them toward God’s bigger story. In this breakout, you’ll explore how to engage the next generation with truth and grace, helping them envision the person God is shaping them to become.
Women in Ministry: A Holistic Approach to Discipleship
Ashley Reffit, Abi Copeland, Avery Young, Shelby Slemp, Room 128
What does it look like for women to grow as disciples in every area of life? This panel conversation brings together women in ministry to explore a holistic vision of discipleship within the local church. Together, we’ll discuss how women can cultivate a love for God’s Word, deepen spiritual disciplines and walk faithfully with Christ. We’ll also look at how discipleship naturally overflows into evangelism and missions, as women live on mission in their homes, workplaces, communities and beyond.
You’re Not Too Small to Send: Church Planting for Every Church
Paul Ortiz, Room 124
Church planting can feel out of reach for smaller congregations, but it doesn’t have to be. In this session, you’ll learn why planting matters for every church and how to take realistic, faith-filled steps toward multiplication in your context.
