District Leadership Development Conference

DLD26 details and Western District Conference Archives

Anyone in ministry can agree that prayer is crucial for our walk and work with God. And yet, most can admit they struggle in prayer. It is not uncommon to have challenges. Distractions happen, discouragement can set in, but with a little direction and consistent practice, it is possible to improve our prayer life.

After focusing on finding rest last year, this year's conference will address the return to work from a place of rest--beginning with prayer. Through prayer, we express our dependency upon Him (Love God) and labor on behalf of others to know and grow in Christ (Love People). Our conference will be for the new volunteer, the seasoned pastor, and everyone in between. We hope your team will join us this year. 

Plenary Speakers for DLD26

Carlton Harris - EFCA Acting President

Session 1: Praying for the Lost

Clark Crebar - Pastor of Community Bible Church

Session 2: Being with God in Prayer

Sheridan Smith - Pastor at One Church

Session 3:  Praying for the Body of Christ

Mark Beuving - Pastor at Creekside Church

Session 4: Orienting Our Leadership to Prayer

Patrick Allen - WD Pastoral Support Director

Pre-Conference: Praying Leaders

Alex Rivero - Director of All People Ministry, EFCA West

Hispanic Pastors - Special Session

DLD 2026 // April 20-21, 2026

Valley Church - Vacaville, CA


DLD 2025: Finding Rest in the Mission

Session 1: Jeremy White

A Father Who Loves Us Apart From Our Call As Leaders

Session 2: Marttell Sánchez

A Shepherd Who Leads Us to Restoration Through the Chaos of Ministry

Session 3: Paul Ortlinghaus

A Gardener Who Brings Fruitfulness as We Faithfully Abide in Him

Session 4: Jeff Bruce

A Warrior Who Ensures Victory as We Face Challenges in Ministry

DLD 2024: Beauty of Brokenness in Ministry

Introduction: Matt Moore

The Beauty of Brokenness in Ministry

Session 1: Carlton Harris

Afflicted, Yet Comforted in Him

Session 2.1: Dawson Lange

Wasting Away, Yet Renewed in Him

Session 3: Greg Strand

Battered, Yet Standing Firm on His Word

Session 4.1: Greg Mansur

Groaning, Yet Longing for Him

Session 4.2: Matt Moore

Weak, Yet Strong in Him

DLD 2023: Leading in Difficult Spaces

Session 1: Andrew Hoffman

Developing Leaders in a Difficult Culture

Session 2: Matt Moore

Discipling by Grace With Difficult People

Session 3: Gabe Garcia

Mobilizing for Works in a Difficult Context

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