CityPastors · May 2, 2026

FACING
THE
FUTURE

why the
local church
matters more
than ever.
FREE ONE DAY CONFERENCE
MAY 2ND · GILBERT, AZ
Register Now — It's Free
May 2
Conference Date
FREE
Cost to Attend
8:30
Doors Open AM
Gilbert
Arizona
What Is This

A gathering for people who love the church

We are living in a time of rapid change. Culture is shifting. Rhythms are accelerating. Attention is fragmented. Many people feel overstretched, distracted, and increasingly uneasy as they consider the future.

In the middle of all of that, one truth remains: the local church matters now more than ever. Facing the Future is designed to encourage people across generations to see that God has designed His Church to remain the ever-relevant hope of the world.

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Featured Speakers

Hear From
These Leaders

All Speakers
Matt Keller
Matt Keller
Founding & Lead Pastor — Next Level Church, Fort Myers FL

Author, communicator, and church leader who has grown Next Level Church from 35 people to over 4,000 across four locations. Founder of the Next Level Relational Network.

Charles Ross
Charles Ross
Executive Location Development Pastor — Next Level Church, Fort Myers FL

Leading multisite strategy and leadership development with 19 years in business and ministry. Passionate about developing healthy, high-impact leaders and teams.

The Day

Saturday,
May 2 — 2026

Full Schedule
8:30 AM
Registration
Coffee & refreshments
10:00 AM
Session 1
Why the Church Still Matters
11:00 AM
Session 2
Essential Keys for Leadership
12:00 PM
Lunch
Provided onsite
1:00 PM
Session 3
Built for the Future
2:00 PM
Dismissal
Registration Is Open

Join Us
May 2nd

Free admission. Limited seating. Gilbert, Arizona. Come face the future with faith.

Register Now — It's Free
About the Conference

Facing
the Future

Why the Local Church Matters More Than Ever

What This Conference Is

Facing the Future is a gathering designed to encourage and equip people who care deeply about the Church and its future. It is for those who serve, support, lead, and invest in the local church — volunteers, ministry team members, leaders, parents, young adults, and faithful church members.

This is more than a conference about attendance or activity. It is a call to remember why the local church still matters, why committed involvement still matters, and why God's purpose through His Church is still worthy of our wholehearted devotion.

Register Now — It's Free
Why This Matters Now

Our world is changing faster than ever. The pace of life is pulling people in every direction. Families are busy. Young adults are navigating a world of constant noise and uncertainty. Many people are more connected digitally and yet more isolated relationally.

But the local church is not outdated. It is not secondary. It is not a leftover tradition from another time. The local church remains one of God's primary ways of forming people, strengthening families, reaching communities, and carrying faith into the next generation.

Who This Is For

This conference is designed for people across generations who want to grow in faith, clarity, and commitment.

  • Church volunteers serving in any area of ministry
  • Ministry teams who want to grow stronger together
  • Young adults and college-age adults looking for belonging and purpose
  • Parents and families seeking to build stronger homes and lasting faith
  • Empty nesters and older generations who want to invest in what will outlast them
  • Church leaders and pastors who want to strengthen the people they serve alongside
What You Can Expect

Throughout the conference, attendees can expect a meaningful and strengthening experience.

Biblically Grounded
Main sessions rooted in Scripture and practical for everyday life.
Practical Encouragement
Real insight for everyday faith and deeper church involvement.
Shared Vision
The strength and significance of the local church across generations.
Intergenerational
Connection and perspective that spans every season of life.
View Schedule
Who Is Providing This

This Church Conference is provided by CityPastors, a Bible-based, Christ-centered, multi-cultural network of local church pastors serving churches across the Metro Phoenix Valley. CityPastors exists to strengthen relationships among pastors, encourage unity in the Body of Christ, and support the health and witness of the local church across our region.

Register Now — It's Free View Schedule
Featured Speakers

Hear From
These Leaders

Matt Keller
Matt Keller
Founding & Lead Pastor — Next Level Church, Fort Myers FL

Matt Keller is the Founding and Lead Pastor of Next Level Church in Fort Myers, Florida. God has used him to lead the church from 35 people at their grand opening in 2002 to now over 4,000 people across four locations each weekend.

He is passionate about church leadership and founded the Next Level Relational Network, that exists to pastor ministry leaders so they can lead healthy and high impact churches — a network of hundreds of pastors and churches across the world.

Matt is a passionate communicator and the author of several books including Up the Middle Church, God of the Underdogs, The Key to Everything, and his most recent book Donkey Mission.

Charles Ross
Charles Ross
Executive Location Development Pastor — Next Level Church, Fort Myers FL

Charles serves as the Executive Location Development Pastor at Next Level Church in Fort Myers, FL, where he leads the multisite strategy, invests in location pastors and staff, oversees leadership development, and supports the Southeastern University extension site.

With 19 years of experience in business and leadership, he stepped away from the marketplace a decade ago to pursue God's call to ministry and has since seen the Lord redeem every season for Kingdom impact.

Charles is passionate about seeing God's vision for the Church come to life by developing healthy, high-impact leaders and teams. He is married to his wife Stacey and is a proud girl dad to three daughters: Palmer, Charlee, and Shiloh.

More Announcements Coming

Additional speakers may be announced as the conference approaches. Register now to secure your seat.

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Conference Schedule

Saturday
May 2, 2026

Saturday, May 2, 2026 — Life Link Church, Gilbert AZ
8:30 AM
Registration Open
Pick up materials · Coffee and light refreshments
9:30 AM
Doors Open
Find your seat and get settled
9:45 AM
Welcome & Worship
Opening welcome and worship experience
10:00 AM
General Session 1
Why the Church Still Matters
11:00 AM
General Session 2
Essential Keys for Effective Leadership
12:00 PM
Lunch On Site
Provided for all registered attendees · Departmentally oriented lunch spaces available
12:45 PM
Worship
Afternoon worship before final session
1:00 PM
General Session 3
Built for the Future
2:00 PM
Dismissal
A Note on Lunch

During the lunch hour, we will offer departmentally oriented spaces — worship, kids, students, technology, lead pastors, and more — so you can connect with others who serve in similar ways at other churches.

Sessions Will Be Recorded

All general sessions will be recorded. Details on accessing recordings will be provided to registered attendees.

Register Now — It's Free Travel & Hotel Info
Common Questions

Frequently
Asked

How much does it cost to attend?
+
This Church Conference is FREE to attend, but individual registration is required due to limited seating.
Who is this conference for?
+
This conference is for church volunteers, ministry teams, leaders, and anyone who wants to grow in conviction, clarity, and commitment to the local church. Whether you are a young adult, a parent, or in a season of investing in the next generation, you are welcome here.
What is the purpose of the conference?
+
The purpose of this conference is to strengthen faith, renew commitment, and help people see why the local church matters more than ever in a rapidly changing world. Our prayer is that every attendee leaves encouraged, grounded, and ready to engage more fully in God's purpose through His Church.
Do I need to be a pastor or ministry leader to attend?
+
Not at all. This conference is not only for pastors or church staff. It is designed for everyone who serves, leads, supports, and cares about the health and future of the local church.
What can I expect during the conference?
+
You can expect meaningful worship, biblically grounded teaching, practical encouragement, and opportunities to connect with others who care deeply about God, His Church, and the next generation.
Is the conference designed for a specific age group?
+
No. This conference is intentionally designed to serve multiple generations. We believe the local church is strongest when generations grow, serve, and worship together.
Can I attend with others from my church?
+
Yes. In fact, we encourage it. Attending with your team, spouse, friends, or others from your church can create shared vision, stronger relationships, and momentum that carries back into your local church after the conference.
Will food or refreshments be provided?
+
Free coffee and light refreshments will be provided throughout the day. Lunch will be provided onsite for all registered conference attendees.
Is this a good fit if I feel tired or discouraged in ministry?
+
Yes. This conference is not just for those who feel strong. It is also for those who need fresh encouragement, renewed perspective, and a reminder that their faithfulness still matters. We want this to be a life-giving and strengthening experience.
Will there be breakout sessions?
+
There will not be departmental breakout sessions for content. However, we will offer departmentally oriented spaces for attendees to enjoy lunch while meeting people who serve in similar ways at other churches — worship, kids, students, technology, lead pastors, and more.
Is childcare available?
+
Child care is not available onsite during the conference.
Will sessions be recorded?
+
The general sessions will be recorded.
Where can I find hotel and travel information?
+
Venue details, parking information, and travel guidance are available on the Travel Info page. Click here to view travel info.
Register Now — It's Free Travel & Hotel Info
Getting Here

Travel &
Hotel Info

Venue
🏛️
Location
Life Link Church
📍
Address
725 W Warner Rd
Gilbert, AZ 85233
🅿️
Parking
Free onsite parking provided for all conference attendees.
🗺️
GPS Directions
Use the address above in Google Maps, Apple Maps, or your preferred GPS app.
Get Directions →
Location Overview
🌵
Area
Gilbert, Arizona — Southeast Valley of the Metro Phoenix area
✈️
Nearest Airport
Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) — approximately 20-25 minutes from the venue
🏨
Hotel Info
Several hotels are available nearby in Gilbert and Chandler. Search near "725 W Warner Rd Gilbert AZ" for convenient options.
📅
Conference Date
Saturday, May 2, 2026
Registration begins at 8:30 AM
Map

Life Link Church is conveniently located in the Southeast Valley, easily accessible from communities throughout the Metro Phoenix area.

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