Climb Leadership Conference
Jan 22nd - 24th, 2026 • One Community Church - Plano, TX Register for 2026Schedule & BreakoutsAbout the CLIMB Conference
We Develop Leaders
We believe that everyone –regardless of title–should act like an owner and a leader. That’s why the principles we share here apply to everyone, whether you’re in ministry, working behind the scenes, or leading from the front.
No matter the size of your church or organization, our prayer is that you leave inspired and equipped to lead more effectively.
When leaders gather, nations shift.
Your Schedule At A Glance
Step into a transformative three-day experience where faith meets leadership. Whether you’re leading in ministry, the marketplace, or your community, this isn’t just another conference—it’s a divine appointment.
D A Y 1
JANUARY 22
THURSDAY
1:30p • Guided Tour
2:00p • Break
4:30p • Registration Opens
6:00p • Breakout Session 1
7:10p • General Session 1
D A Y 2
JANUARY 23
FRIDAY
8:00a • Registration Opens
8:30a • General Session 2
10:00a • Breakout Session 2
11:00a • Lunch and Learns
1:00p • General Session 3
3:00p • Breakout Session 3
7:00p • Night of Worship
D A Y 3
JANUARY 24
SATURDAY
8:00a • Registration Opens
8:30a • General Session 4
10:00a • Breakout Session 4
11:15a • Closing Session
Breakout Sessions
STUDENT MINISTRY
Bridging the Digital Divide: Creating Non-Screen Engagement For Youth Ministry
Rethink youth ministry for a generation raised on screens—discover how to engage Gen Z with real connection in real-world spaces.
Shepherding an Anxious Generation
Step into the critical conversation around mental health and discover how to shepherd Gen Z with empathy, wisdom, and biblical truth.
Sitting in the Well: Dealing with Students in the LGBT lifestyle
Learn to support LGBT-identifying individuals in a manner that reflects the teachings of Jesus. This session will offer valuable insights on fostering understanding through grace and truth.
Social Justice and Youth Ministry: Engaging the Activist Generation
Discover how to disciple teens who are passionate about justice in a way that connects their cause-driven hearts with the gospel’s call to righteousness and mercy.
Small Group Discipleship: Where Real Ministry Happens
Move beyond the crowd—learn how small groups become the heartbeat of authentic connection, spiritual growth, and life-changing discipleship.
KID'S MINISTRY
Competing with Travel Sports: Partnering with Busy Families
Learn how to support discipleship without competing for time—partner with families in the rhythm of their real lives, not just their free time.
Digital Discipleship for Children: Safe Online Environments
Explore how to disciple the next generation digitally—creating secure, engaging online spaces where kids can grow in faith with confidence.
Building Trust with Parents: Transparency and Safety
Trust is the foundation of family ministry—discover practical strategies for communicating clearly, prioritizing safety, and earning parental confidence.
Is one Correct? Family Worship vs Age-appropriate Worship
Wrestle with the balance of togetherness and targeted teaching—unpack the biblical and practical perspectives on worship that nurtures every generation.
PASTORS
Bi-vocational Ministry: Thriving in Part-Time Pastoral Roles
Discover how to lead with impact—right where you are—while balancing ministry and marketplace life.
What to do when you leave Climb: A Debrief Strategy for You and Your Team
A practical framework to help you capture key takeaways, align on priorities, and turn inspiration into strategic action.
Preaching to Cultural Issues Without Political Endorsement
Speak to the moment with clarity and conviction—without compromising the gospel or endorsing a side.
Planning the Year with Purpose: A Guide to Planning Every Season During the Year
You will explore an intentional game plan for each season of the calendar year. Potential sermon topics and rhythms for kids, students, and adults.
Leading Deeper Discipleship: Moving Beyond Shallow Faith
Shift from surface-level faith to transformative growth by reimagining your discipleship strategy.
FIRST IMPRESSIONS TO STRONG CONNECTIONS: GUEST SERVICES & PARKING
First Impressions Matter: Creating Welcoming Environments
Learn how every smile, sign, and system works together to create an irresistible first impression.
30 Unique Ways to Create Incredible Experiences
Get inspired with 30 practical, creative ideas to wow guests and build lasting connections.
No One Gets Lost - Making Relevant Connections Quickly
Move guests from curious visitors to core contributors through intentional pathways.
Volunteer Management: Equipping 90% of Churches
Unlock scalable systems for recruiting, training, and retaining volunteers—at any church size.
GROWTH STRATEGIES
Multi-Site and Collaborative Church Models
Explore proven models for multiplying your church's presence and impact through strategic collaboration.
Small Group Revolution: The 44% Solution
Tap into the power of small groups as your primary growth engine—because circles grow better than rows.
Property Stewardship: Maximizing Underutilized Assets
Turn your facilities into mission-shaping tools through smart, Kingdom-minded stewardship.
Breaking Your Next Barrier (Individual Coaching)
Receive personalized coaching to overcome growth ceilings and step into your church’s next level.
OUTREACH
Digital Evangelism: Reaching Gen Z Online
Master the methods of digital mission—engaging Gen Z where they are: online.
Community Partnership: Beyond Church Walls
Discover how to become a trusted presence in your city through meaningful collaboration.
Reaching 1000 in One Week
Learn high-impact strategies for large-scale outreach that leaves a lasting mark.
A Comprehensive Outreach Strategy for Your Church
Move beyond random acts of outreach—build a unified strategy that connects your church to your community with clarity, consistency, and gospel impact.
SMALL GROUPS & COMMUNITY
Why Groups?
Unpack the "why" behind groups and how they fuel spiritual growth and connection.
Building a Church ‘with’ Groups or ‘of’ Groups
There is a difference. Clarify your model and build a church that thrives through group-based discipleship.
Leading Healthy Groups
Equip group leaders to create spaces of trust, growth, and spiritual maturity.
Problems and Challenges Leaders Face
Tackle the common hurdles in small group ministry with practical solutions and encouragement.
OPERATIONS
Church Facilities: Maintenance, Design and Construction
Steward your space well—from upkeep to expansion—with ministry and mission in mind.
Church Safety
Create a secure environment where people can worship and serve with peace of mind.
Crisis Communication and Media Relations
Lead confidently through crises with clear, compassionate, and effective communication.
Master Planning Your Campus
Design with purpose—learn how to align your facilities with your mission through strategic, future-ready campus planning.
CULTURE
Building Blocks for Great Culture
Culture is created by design or by default—learn how to shape it intentionally.
Your Culture Will Make or Break You
Understand why church culture is the silent driver behind every success—and failure.
How Strategy & Culture Works in Every Ministry
Align strategy and culture to multiply your ministry’s health and effectiveness.
Restructure Your Church for the New Culture
Adapt your structure to fit today's challenges and tomorrow’s opportunities.
WORSHIP & PRODUCTION
Our New Creative Process
Peek behind the curtain and discover a fresh, collaborative approach to creativity in worship.
Why We Worship
Re-center your team on the heart and theology of worship—not just the set list.
The Heart of Worship: Curator not Exhibit
Move from performance to presence—leading worship as a spiritual guide, not a show host.
Immersive Worship
Design worship experiences that engage every sense and draw people into deeper encounter.
Worship Leader vs Worship Pastor
Unpack the difference and step into the pastoral calling behind the platform.
A Healthy Production Culture: What Is It?
Build a behind-the-scenes culture that values people, excellence, and spiritual alignment.
EQUIPPING & DISCIPLESHIP
Getting Church Members to Read the Bible
Inspire a church-wide hunger for Scripture with creative and consistent engagement strategies.
How to OnBoard Volunteers
Streamline your volunteer onboarding to build strong, motivated teams from day one.
Discipling Men
Reach and raise up men with purpose-driven discipleship that meets them where they are.
Discipling Executives
Equip high-capacity leaders to follow Jesus with integrity in both boardroom and life.
Creating Spiritual Pathways: The Health of You and Your Members
Design intentional next steps for spiritual growth—for your people and your leadership.
LOCAL & GLOBAL IMPACT
Conferences in Prison
Bring the hope of Christ behind bars through transformative conference experiences.
DFW We Love You
Learn how regional unity and collaboration can bring wide-scale gospel impact.
Day with Dad
Restore families and redeem time with programs that reunite incarcerated fathers with their children.
Add to Cart
Inspiring every member of your church in reaching and ministering to poor weekly.
School Partnering
Build bridges with local schools to bless your community and open doors for the gospel.
YOUNG ADULTS
7 Lynchpin Moments for High Capacity Young Leaders
Identify and influence the key moments that shape young adults’ spiritual direction.
Gen Z Aspirations
Understand what Gen Z longs for—and how the church can meet them with truth and purpose.
Mixology: Jesus + Nothing
Confront the culture of blending beliefs and reintroduce the sufficiency of Christ alone.
Manifesting vs Praying
Equip young adults to trade self-powered spirituality for Spirit-led dependence.
The Parenting Pandemic: The No-Fail System to Launching Your Child
Discover how unresolved parental issues can affect your parenting style and learn strategies to overcome these challenges.
MARRIAGE MINISTRY
Pre-Marital Class: A New Resource
Lay strong foundations with fresh, practical tools for pre-marital preparation.
Marriage Mentors
Multiply your impact by raising up mentor couples to walk with others in every season of marriage.
The Oasis: A Marriage Intensive
Offer a powerful retreat experience designed to refresh, restore, and realign marriages.
Marriage University: Strengthening Marriages
Reignite commitment and connection with tools to help couples live out their vows every day.
LUNCH AND LEARNS
How to Launch vs How to Leave?
How to create a culture of honor in your church.
The Exit Interview Revolution: Learning from Those Who Left
Discover how listening to those who walked away can reveal blind spots, spark innovation, and reshape your church’s future.
The Influence Economy: Building Platform Beyond Your Zip Code
Expand your reach through digital tools and strategic visibility—because your calling isn’t confined to your campus.
Essentials that will Strengthen Your Church in 2026
8 things you must do to grow yourself and your ministry in 2026.
The Succession Disruption: Planning for Pastoral Transition Like a Dynasty
Don't just fill a role—build a legacy. Discover how to approach leadership transitions with foresight, clarity, and Kingdom continuity.
LEADERSHIP LABS
AI Next – Digital Transformation
Embrace the future of ministry—leverage AI and digital tools to streamline, personalize, and scale your church’s mission.
Creating Incredible & Inclusive Kids’ Ministry Experiences: Worship | VBS | Carnival
Design unforgettable moments that engage every child, including those with special needs, in an environment that’s joyful, accessible, and gospel-centered.
From Attractional to Immersive Worship Experiences
Move beyond the stage—learn how to create worship environments that engage the senses and transform the soul.
Getting Things Done Through Effective Meetings
Transform your meetings from time-wasters to mission-drivers with clear agendas, outcomes, and follow-through.
Transitioning an Older Church
Lead legacy congregations into new seasons with honor, vision, and courage for change.
New Models of Giving
Explore innovative generosity strategies that align with today’s givers and fuel long-term mission.
Preach Smarter, Not Harder: Story, Strategy & AI
Preach with greater impact by blending the art of storytelling, the power of AI, and the strength of a collaborative sermon research team.
Winning the Summer
Avoid the summer slump—leverage seasonal momentum with strategic programming and outreach that keeps your church thriving.
Top 30 Failures of OCC
Get real about what didn’t work—glean wisdom from the top 30 missteps so your ministry can move forward stronger and smarter.
Church and Culture: Navigating Anxiety, Loneliness, LGBTQ Issues, Politics, and Social Justice
The cultural landscape is emotionally charged and deeply divided—equip your church to engage hard conversations with biblical truth, compassion, and courage.
Visiting from out of town?
Here are some nearby hotel options for your stay during the conference:

Courtyard by Marriott

Hyatt Place Plano
3100 Dallas Parkway, Plano, TX 75093
4 miles away

Hilton Garden Inn
705 Central Parkway East, Plano, TX 75074
4.5 miles away
Leadership Tools & Resources
Access exclusive content and tools to help you sharpen your skills and make a lasting impact as a leader.
20/80 Masterclass
Book Bundles
Explore book bundles designed to enhance your leadership and faith. Dive into insightful reads that will empower your growth.
2025 Digital Replay
Get access to the full 2025 Climb Conference replay. Watch it all at your convenience and revisit key insights to continue growing.
Coaching Network
Join the Climb Coaching Network and connect with experienced leaders. Receive guidance to strengthen your leadership skills.
FAQs
Who is this conference for?
If you’re here, it’s probably for you. We believe leadership matters like nothing else – especially leadership within The Church. This conference is for anyone who feels a “weight” of responsibility at a local church or ministry. That could be pastors, church planters, elders, volunteer leaders, etc. Whether you teach every Sunday, lead in student ministry, or help with small groups, you will have the opportunity to learn from others who lead in a similar role.
At One Community Church, everyone on staff – regardless of position – is expected to act like an owner and a leader. A key goal is that the principles we discuss are relevant to every position within a church staff, including those outside traditional “ministry” roles, like IT, operations, HR, media, communications, administration, etc. Our entire staff will also be available during the conference to connect with you and answer questions.
Wondering if your church is too small or too big to get something out of the Climb Conference? We believe there are no such things as “big” or “little” works of God. So, whether your church attendance is 50 or 50,000, our prayer is that you will become a better leader in it because of our time together.
What is included in my ticket price?
• Three-day pass to all conference sessions and breakouts
• All conference materials
• Coffee, drinks, and snacks each day
Is there a group discount?
Yes! Unlock the Group Rate by putting 20+ of any ticket in your cart. First 20 attendees register at the regular attendee rate – additional registrants register at $20 per person (discount calculated at checkout).
How long is the conference?
The 2025 conference runs three days from Thursday, January 22 through Saturday, January 24.
How will I be able to attend the conference?
The Climb Conference will be in-person at One Community Church in Plano, TX.
Additionally, the general sessions and a few breakout sessions will be streaming on Brushfire.
We highly suggest you join in-person for the full experience!
What if i have more questions?
If you have any questions, feel free to email us at climbconference@visitonecc.com or call/text Martha Thorpe at 972-767-9390.
Come Join Us At
One Community Church – Plano, TX
2400 State Hwy 121, Plano, TX 75025






Get in Touch
Have a question or need support? We’re just an email, text, or call away!
Email us at climbconference@visitonecc.com or call or text Martha Thorpe at 972-767-9390 for more information.