2026 Small Groups Conference

Strengthening Discipleship Pathways Across Northeast Florida

Saturday, September 19, 2026
First Baptist Church of Hilliard
Hosted by the Northeast Florida Baptist Family of Churches

Register Your Team

Why This Gathering?

Small Groups. Sunday School. Life Groups. Discipleship Groups.
Different expressions. Shared responsibility.

Group-based environments remain one of the primary ways people are formed, cared for, and sent on mission in the local church. Yet many churches are navigating cultural change, leadership fatigue, and post-pandemic rebuilding while trying to steward these spaces well.

The 2026 Small Groups Conference serves as the Annual Gathering of the Northeast Florida Baptist Association, reimagined as a practical equipping day for church teams. The goal is not to promote a single model, but to strengthen disciple-making pathways that are faithful, contextual, and sustainable.

This is a regional opportunity to learn, share, and encourage one another with a clear Kingdom Over Turf posture.

Who Should Attend?

This conference is designed for teams, not just individuals.

  • Pastors

  • Discipleship Pastors and Directors

  • Small Group and Life Group Leaders

  • Sunday School Directors

  • Lay Leaders

  • Churches exploring how to launch, relaunch, or strengthen group ministry

Whether your church is rural or suburban, large or small, established or rebuilding, this day is designed to meet you where you are.

Register Your Team

What to Expect?

Main Session
The day begins with a unified gathering featuring a keynote speaker who will set the tone and encourage faithfulness in disciple-making across our region.

Breakout Sessions
Multiple 50-minute workshops offered across the campus. Each session includes:

  • 40 minutes of practical content

  • 10 minutes of Q and A

Sessions will be practitioner-led and focused on real tools, frameworks, and stories churches can adapt in their own context.

Lunch and Fellowship
Lunch and beverages will be provided onsite, offering space for informal conversation and connection.

  • Additional sessions will be added.

    • Practical Discipleship Frameworks

    • Developing and Supporting Group Leaders

    • Engaging Multiple Generations in Groups

    • Starting or Rebuilding Groups in Smaller or Rural Churches

    • Creating Evangelistic On-Ramps Through Groups

    • Technology Tools That Support, Not Replace, Relationships

    • Empathetic Listening and Gospel-Shaped Engagement

  • First Baptist Church of Hilliard
    15850 County Road 108
    Hilliard, FL 32046

    Parking is available onsite. The conference will utilize multiple spaces throughout the church facility. A detailed schedule and campus map will be shared closer to the event.

  • This gathering is not about comparison, competition, or conformity.

    It is about:

    • honoring local church autonomy

    • sharing what God is teaching us

    • stewarding discipleship with faithfulness and wisdom

    • strengthening churches across our region

    Kingdom over turf. Faithfulness over flash. People over programs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Stay Informed

  • Register or express interest to receive updates.

  • Invite members of your team to attend with you.

  • Check back for speaker announcements and session details.

We look forward to serving churches across Northeast Florida through this gathering.

Register Your Team