SBC Discipleship Conference
A One-Day, Free Training Focused on Discipleship
Lifeway, in partnership with the Pastors Conference, invites ministry leaders to a one-day, free training focused on discipleship. This event is designed for all ministry leaders—not just senior pastors—who want to develop a clear, actionable strategy for discipleship in their churches.
Through a unique roundtable format, you’ll learn from thought leaders on stage and engage in meaningful conversations with peers around your table. In a world of changing technology, apathy, and busyness, discipleship remains a mandate given to us by God. This day will help you refocus and equip your church to make disciples who make disciples.
Major Takeaways
Gain clarity on what a biblical discipleship strategy looks like for your church.
Learn practical steps to implement discipleship in every ministry area.
Engage in collaborative discussions with other ministry leaders.
Leave with renewed vision and actionable next steps for disciple-making.
General Schedule
Date: June 8, 2026
Location: SBC Annual Meeting Venue (Exact room TBD)
9:00 AM – 11:00 AM: Morning Session & Roundtable Discussions
Lunch on Your Own
2:00 PM – 4:00 PM: Afternoon Session & Collaborative Planning
FAQ
Is registration required? Yes, even though it’s free, registration helps us plan seating and materials.
Who should attend? All ministry leaders—pastors, discipleship leaders, kids ministry leaders, student leaders, and more.
Will meals be provided? No, lunch will be on your own.
Is seating limited? Yes, so register early to secure your spot.
Ken Braddy Jr.
Ken is an accomplished leader and subject matter expert in Sunday School, church growth, and Bible study curriculum, with extensive experience in creating, managing, and growing organizations. He currently serves as Director of Sunday School and Strategic Partnerships at Lifeway Christian Resources. He holds advanced degrees in business and religious education, is active in professional organizations, and remains deeply involved in church ministry and leadership development.
Chad Higgins
Chad resides in Stillwater, Oklahoma, with his wife of 16 years, Martha, and their daughter, Malia. With over two decades of ministry experience, Chad has served the Church in Oklahoma as a youth pastor, small group pastor, and campus pastor. He is the co-founder of Youth Ministry Booster and now leads as the Senior Manager of Church Equipping at Lifeway. Passionate about empowering healthy ministers to thrive in their calling, Chad is dedicated to strengthening the Church for generations to come. When he’s not equipping leaders, he enjoys savoring a good cup of coffee, hitting the golf course, or strategizing his next chess move.
Dr. Mark A. Croston, Sr.
Mark is a native of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, served as pastor to an urban congregation in Virginia for 26 years, earned a Doctor of Ministry concentrating in Christian Education, and traveled, been on mission, or preached in almost 40 countries. Mark Croston now serves as National Director of Black Church Ministries at Lifeway Christian Resources. He is General Editor of the YOU Urban Bible Study Curriculum, Executive Editor of Deacon Magazine, and author of his latest book Big Results Leadership.
John Paul Basham
John Paul serves as the Director of Adults. Prior to coming to Lifeway he served in the local church for 10 years in various roles and still enjoys preaching and teaching in churches around the country. He is a graduate of Leavell College with a degree in Christian Ministry and earned his Master of Arts in Theological Studies from Liberty University. John Paul and his wife Crystal reside in Nashville, TN with their 4 kids.