2026 Discipleship Conference

Discipleship Over the Lifespan

Following Jesus is not a straight line or a staircase. It’s more like a vine: rooted in Christ, growing over time, pruned and renewed, bearing fruit in different seasons. Over a lifetime, we find ourselves returning again and again to certain movements of God’s grace in our lives.

Main Sessions

Main Session #1: Movements of Growth in Christ

This opening session introduces a simple, hopeful framework for lifelong growth in Christ. We will explore six “movements” God uses to shape us into the likeness of Jesus, why growth often includes circling back, and how seasons of life bring different invitations from God.

Main Session #2: Mapping Your Journey

A short teaching plus a guided, individual “map-making” exercise. Reflect on your story, notice which movements have been most present, and leave with clarity about where you are now and one faithful next step.

Main Session #3: Growth Across Seasons: Panel

A panel on what spiritual growth looks like in real life. Hear stories from ordinary seasons and turning points, including seasons of testing, and reflect on themes like abiding, inner change, practices, community, discernment, and joining God’s work.

Breakouts

Faith Across the Lifespan

How do life stages shape growth? Explore how spiritual needs change across seasons of life and gain practical ways to discern what may be timely for you or someone you’re encouraging.
For anyone, especially parents, mentors, and those serving across generations.

Mentoring Without Pushing

Learn how to help others grow without pressure or fixing. Practice simple questions and mentoring habits that help people discern a next step toward spiritual health.
For mentors, parents, leaders, and anyone who supports others.

Practices for Your Season

Discover spiritual disciplines that fit your current season. Leave with a simple, realistic plan for what to take up, lay down, or relearn.
For anyone who wants a clear next step in spiritual practices.

How Churches Form People Over Time

Discover how the steady rhythms of church life shape our faith week after week: worship, teaching, and shared community across changing seasons. Walk away with a deeper understanding of what it means that union with Christ is inseparable from union with his body.
For anyone who wants to better understand and appreciate the church’s role in lifelong discipleship.

When Growth Stalls

This breakout helps you identify common reasons spiritual growth can feel slow or stalled. You will learn how to discern what kind of stuckness may be present and respond with wise, gentle next steps.
For anyone who feels stuck, and anyone who wants to support others in stuck seasons.

Schedule

Saturday, April 18th

8:30 – 9:00am Registration
9:00 – 9:45am Main Session #1 - Movements of Growth in Christ
10:00 – 10:40am Breakout #1
10:50 – 11:30am Breakout #2
11:30 – 12:30pm Lunch/Fellowship
12:30 – 1:10pm Main Session #2 - Mapping Your Journey
1:20 – 2:00pm Breakout #3
2:10 – 2:55pm Main Session #3 - Growth Across Seasons: Panel
3:00pm Conclude  

All times are CT.

Donations: We rely upon donations to cover the costs associated with this event. Suggested donation is $50/person. If you feel moved to give, please denote 'Discipleship Conference' in the memo line. We deeply appreciate your support!

For directions to the Bloomington-Normal Apostolic Christian Church in Normal, IL, click here.
A big thank you to the Bloomington-Normal Church for hosting and partnering with ACCFS!