HOW WILL YOU LEAD?
REDEEMER LEAD CONFERENCE
February 20-21, 2026
Thrive
cultivating healthy churches & organizations
Healthy leaders, priorities, and practices make for healthy churches and organizations.
Jesus Himself prioritized health as He met alone with the Father to ready His heart for ministry. Healthy leaders beget healthy cultures – cultures where people will thrive, and more leaders are raised up.
If this feels like a pipe dream – whether because of discouragement, burnout, or exhaustion, the Redeemer Lead Conference is for you. Come be encouraged to thrive in your sphere of influence.
Be inspired to build a healthy and thriving community. .
Speakers
Mark Dever
Mark Dever has served as the senior pastor of Capitol Hill Baptist Church since 1994 and as president of 9Marks (a ministry to churches and church leaders) since its founding in 1998. He’s married to Connie and they have two adult children, both married, and one grandchild. Mark has authored a number of books, including Nine Marks of a Healthy Church.
Erik Reed
Erik Reed is the Lead Pastor of The Journey Church in Lebanon. He also founded Knowing Jesus Ministries, a non-profit organization which exists to proclaim timeless truth for everyday life. He is married to Katrina, and has three children: Kaleb (who went to be with the Lord), Kaleigh Grace, and Kyra Piper..
John Dirkse
John Dirkse is the Senior Pastor at Redeemer Church in Loves Park, IL just outside of Rockford. John joined the staff of Redeemer Church as Senior Pastor in 2005. He has a Bachelor of Arts and Master’s of Divinity from the Masters University and Seminary. He was born in Moscow, ID and has lived in Washington, California, Kansas, and now Rockford, IL. He married Betsey in 1993 and together they have 5 adult children: Luke (Megan), Alyssa (Sam), Lauren (Andrew), Emma (Gabe), and Olivia. They also have six grandchildren.
Books
Check out some of the books written by or forwarded by our speaker.
Schedule
Schedule is subject to change prior to conference.
Friday, February 20
| 12pm | Doors Open (Coffee/Bookstore/Market) |
| 1pm | Session 1: John Dirkse |
| 2pm | Break (Coffee/Bookstore/Market/Gym) |
| 2:30pm | Session 2: Erik Reed |
| 3:30pm | Break (Coffee/Bookstore/Market/Gym) |
| 4pm | Session 3: Panel Discussion |
| 5pm | Dinner Break (On Own) |
| 7pm | Session 4: Mark Dever |
| 8:15pm | Fellowship & Dessert |
Saturday, February 21
| 8:30am | Doors Open (Coffee/Bookstore/Market) |
| 9:15am | Session 5: Erik Reed |
| 10:15am | Break (Coffee/Bookstore/Market/Gym) |
| 10:45am | Breakouts* |
| 11:30am | Lunch (Boxed, Signup) |
| 12:30am | Breakouts* |
| 1:15am | Break |
| 1:30am | Session 6: Panel Q&A |
| 2:30pm | Break (Coffee/Bookstore/Market/Gym) |
| 3pm | Session 7: Mark Dever |
| 4pm | Conference Ends |
Location
Redeemer Church
5501 Windsor Rd, Loves Park, IL
“But if you establish the priority of the Word, then you have in place the single most important aspect of the church’s life, and growing health is virtually assured because God has decided to act by his Spirit through his Word.”
mark dever
Registration & rates
registration
- Student (seminary, college, high school) rate – registration includes lunch on Saturday.
- Registration includes lunch on Saturday.
FAQ
Who is this conference geared towards? Who should attend?
Redeemer Lead Conference is geared towards anyone who holds positions of influence: pastors, church ministry leaders, elders, deacons, business and non-profit leaders, educators, parents, etc. Do you have a position of leadership or influence in your community, school, or workplace? This conference is for you!
How far away are you from Chicago? Could I stay in the city and attend the conference?
We are about 75 miles, or 1.5 hours west of Chicago. We don’t recommend staying in Chicago on Friday night. However, if you wish to extend your stay, Chicago would be a great place to visit before or after the Lead Conference.
Can I attend just part of the conference?
We do not have a rate for attending only part of the conference. You are welcome to register for the whole thing and attend what you are able to.
Will there be childcare?
Childcare will not be provided. We recommend making arrangements as soon as you’re able.
Is your building accommodating for a wheelchair user?
It is, and we welcome you if that is the case. Our building is all on one single level, we have parking available near the doors of the building, and each of the public bathrooms have stalls that are accommodating for wheelchair use.
For additional questions, please fill out the form below or email us at [email protected].