Last month we launched registration for our next conference, TGC27, and nearly 2,000 people are already registered to join us April 5 to 7 in Indianapolis.
You may have noticed we’re calling TGC27 a “church conference,” which is a change from the language of “national conference” we’ve used since 2007. What’s behind this change? And what does it mean?
Same Conference, Refocused Mission
Much about our biennial gathering hasn’t changed. Our conference has always been primarily focused on encouraging and equipping Christians, especially church leaders, through expositional preaching and topical teaching. Rebranding it a “church conference” is just doubling down on tthe local church as the goal for the event, its reason for existence.
Rebranding it a ‘church conference’ is just doubling down on the local church as the goal for the event, its reason for existence.
“TGC has always prioritized serving church leaders at our national conference, but we’re making this aim more explicit with our church conference in 2027,” said Collin Hansen, TGC’s vice president of content and editor in chief. “We heard from pastors about what would serve them and their churches, and we planned dozens of breakout sessions that prioritize their request for practical ministry training.”
We want church leaders, both clergy and laypeople, to find help from TGC for training, resources, and encouragement. This goal informs our content ministry (articles, podcasts, books, curriculum, videos, cohorts) as well as our event planning.
“TGC exists by conviction and practice to support the local church,” TGC president Mark Vroegop said. “Our mission is to help renew and unify the contemporary church in the ancient gospel. So it just makes sense that the biennial gathering would be called the TGC Church Conference. We redesigned our conference—from the name, focus, teaching, and breakouts—with the intention to equip and encourage ministry leaders as they serve in their local churches.”
From and For the Church
One of our hopes for TGC’s Church Conference is that it would be an opportunity for local churches to send groups to experience a few days of refreshment, connection, and strengthening together, so they can return home with fresh wind in their sails for everyday ministry.
The TGC27 conference tagline captures this hope: “Come with your church to be equipped for your church.”
Certainly, individuals are welcome to come on their own—and “church conference” doesn’t mean only official church workers are allowed to come. But we think these events are especially edifying for those who attend with local church friends or ministry colaborers.
Consider gathering a group from your church—not just staff and elders but also deacons, lay leaders, small group leaders, worship artists, and heads of other ministries. Whether for church staff members or volunteer leaders, TGC27 will have something for everyone passionate about serving in the local church.
If you gather a group of 10 or more, we’ll give you a discount code for reduced registration rates. Just email [email protected] for the group discount.
We also created a promo kit for churches to share about the conference with their congregations. You’ll find graphics for slides, posters, social media posts, sample emails, and more.
Come Gather as One Church; Leave to Strengthen Your Local Church
For nearly two decades, TGC’s conferences have been catalytic gatherings where thousands of like-minded, gospel-centered Christians come together and leave more encouraged and equipped in ministry.
Whether for church staff members or volunteer leaders, TGC27 will have something for everyone passionate about serving in the local church.
“It’s a unique opportunity to gather together as members of local congregations for refreshment and encouragement, while remembering that we are members of a much larger, historic communion,” said Melissa Kruger, TGC’s vice president of women’s initiatives. “It’s a special experience to learn and grow alongside those whom we serve with week to week.”
If you’ve never been to one of these conferences, make TGC27 your first time. The experience of singing gospel-rich hymns with 7,000 fellow saints in a massive convention center hall is something every Christian can enjoy. The teaching you hear, the conversations you have, and the connections you make will bear lasting fruit in your Christian life and ministry.
Learn more about the conference speakers, schedule, breakout options, and more at TGC27.org. Register soon to secure the lowest rate!
