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The Lead Deep Conference is a highly participatory and relational event that is built around cohort connection and group learning rather than workshop instruction. As a result of Lead Deep’s commitment to provide training and support in both leadership and discipleship, there are two ways to experience this conference:
The Leadership Cohorts : This track is specifically designed for pastors, pastoral staff, and directors of ministry. The people in this track are specifically desiring to escape the isolation of leadership. This is a cohort-driven track and will provide a network of support to help overcome the challenges of ministry, through round table discussions and lasting relationships.
The Spiritual Formation Cohorts: This track is open to all but is specifically geared to lay leaders. The people in this track are looking to tend to their souls. They understand that leaders lead from their true selves and want to support others as well as receive support in living wholehearted lives. This track is a seminar-based track and will predominantly discuss the spiritual journey and practical ways to deepen our connection with God.
While there will be plenty of space where these two cohorts intersect, we have provided a brief overview of each to help you know how to register.
1- Breakout Session #1: Deepening Prayer and Abiding in the Presence of Jesus
In the busyness of leadership and life, it’s easy for prayer to become a task rather than a place of rest and renewal. Yet Jesus invites us to abide in Him—to dwell in His presence, to listen, and to be transformed. This breakout session is an invitation to return to the heart of intimacy with Christ through prayer and abiding. This breakout will explore what it means to cultivate a lifestyle of prayer that goes beyond requests to communion—a rhythm of listening, worship, and dependence.
Ideal for anyone longing for a renewed connection with the heart of God and desiring to deepen their walk with Jesus in order to lead out of the overflow of His presence rather than striving.
2- Breakout Session #2: Leading Leaders: Empowering Influence in Business and Ministry
Christian leaders in both business and church settings are often called to lead not just teams, but other leaders—individuals with their own vision, voice, and influence. This breakout session will focus on the unique dynamics of leading leaders with wisdom, humility, and Kingdom-minded purpose. This session will offer insight and tools for stewarding your influence with integrity and purpose to help cultivate an environment of trust, clarity, and collaboration among high-capacity individuals in a way that honors both authority and initiative and fosters spiritual growth among the leaders you lead.
Ideal for marketplace professionals, ministry leaders or directors, pastors, or executive teams seeking to lead with both strategic excellence and spiritual depth.
3- Breakout Session #3: Leading Pastorally Through Conflict: Shepherding with Wisdom and Grace
Conflict is inevitable in any community, including the Church. Whether it arises from interpersonal tensions, leadership disagreements, or theological differences, how a pastor leads through conflict can either fracture a community or foster deeper unity and growth. This breakout session will explore how to navigate conflict not just administratively, but pastorally—with discernment, empathy, and a Christ-centered approach.
Ideal for pastors, ministry leaders, and lay leaders who want to strengthen their capacity to lead with clarity, compassion, and courage in challenging moments.
4- Breakout Session #4: Practicing Biblical Sabbath: Resting in God’s Rhythm
In a culture driven by productivity, constant connectivity, and burnout, the biblical practice of Sabbath offers a radical invitation: to stop, to rest, to delight, and to worship. Far from being an outdated ritual, Sabbath is a gift—an essential rhythm designed by God to restore our souls, reorient our priorities, and remind us that our worth is not in what we do, but in whose we are. This breakout session will explore biblical foundations of Sabbath and how to reclaim it as a life-giving spiritual discipline in today’s fast-paced world. We’ll discuss some practical ways, or tools to begin, or deepen, practicing Sabbath in diverse life and leadership contexts.
Ideal for anyone who longs to experience rest, renewal not just for a day, but as a way of life rooted in grace.
Leadership Cohorts Meeting at Lead Deep 2025 (based on registration and is subject to change)
Mega Church Lead Pastor (>300)-
Large Church Lead Pastor (150-300)
Medium Church Lead Pastor (75-150)
Small Church Lead Pastor (<75)
Associate Pastors
Day Care
Family
Youth
Media/Technology/Creative Arts
Worship
Spouses of Pastors and Directors
Administrative Staff
Lay leaders and Non-Pastors (Seminar Style)
Parachurch
Lead Deep Hotel Suggestions
There are many good hotel options but here are a few well-known options and easily accessible to HFCN.
Hampton Inn, 85 University Boulevard, H’burg, VA 22801 (540) 437-0090)
Near mall, shopping, restaurants and theatre, right off 81 about 3 miles from HFCN
Fairfield Inn, 1946 Medical Avenue, H’burg, VA 22801 (540) 433-9333
Same area as Hampton Inn
Quality Inn, 1881 Evelyn Byrd Avenue, H’burg, VA 22801 (540) 208-1496
Sam area as Hampton Inn
Hotel Madison, 710 S. Main Street, H’burg, VA 22801, (540) 564-0200 near downtown and right on JMU campus. It is a little more upscale but not unreasonable, has a coffee shop and restaurant on site. Walkable to downtown also. Great restaurants and shops.