FRIDAY-SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 14-15Small Church Conference
Held each fall, the Small Church Conference is a gathering specifically designed for pastors of small churches (congregations of 100 or less) to enjoy a low-cost weekend of encouragement and connection. This year, we are thrilled to invite you to join us November 14–15 at the beautiful Canaan Valley Resort with special guests, Karl Vaters and Dr. Jason Karampatsos!
This year’s conference includes an expanded conference schedule packed with powerful sessions, practical tools, and meaningful connection - PLUS - we’re also offering one-on-one sessions with Christian Licensed Counselor, Dr. Jason Karampatsos throughout the weekend. These sessions are a rare opportunity for personal guidance and encouragement—details coming soon!
This is more than just an event — it’s a time for pastors and their spouses to pause, refocus, and connect with fellow leaders who understand the joys and challenges of ministry. Space is limited, so save your spot today!
Registration & Cost
Deadline: Friday, October 10th
$30 per couple -or- $20 per individual
Includes all on-site meals, lodging, and sessions
Childcare is available for children (ages 0-10) (Space is limited, please pre-register.)
Each church may register up to 4 attendees, so act fast!
Conference Schedule
NOTE: Some details are tentative and subject to change.Friday, November 14, 2025
11:00 AM – Registration Opens
12:30 PM – Super Session (Includes Lunch)
2:00 PM – Breakout Session
4:00 PM – Registration Reopens & Hotel Check In
5:00 PM – Hors d'oeuvres
6:00 PM – Dinner
7:00 PM – Main Session 1
Saturday, November 15, 2025
7:00 – 8:45 AM – Breakfast
9:00 AM – Main Session 2
10:30 AM – Break & Hotel Check-Out
10:50 AM – Breakout Sessions
12:00 PM – Lunch
12:45 PM – Main Session 3
1:45 PM – Giveaways
2:00 PM – Main Session 4
2:45 PM – Final Thoughts
3:00 PM – Conference Concludes
MEET OUR GUEST SPEAKERS
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Karl Vaters
GUEST SPEAKER
Karl Vaters is the author of five books, including the brand-new De-Sizing the Church: How Church Growth Became a Science, Then an Obsession, and What’s Next. Karl’s other books are: The Church Recovery Guide, 100 Days to a Healthier Church, Small Church Essentials, and The Grasshopper Myth.
Karl produces resources for Helping Small Churches Thrive at KarlVaters.com. His heart is to help pastors of small churches (up to 90 percent of us) find the resources to lead well, and to capitalize on the unique advantages that come with pastoring a small church – something virtually every pastor will spend at least some of their ministry years doing. He also believes that big and small churches can and should work together more often – to the benefit and blessing of everyone.
Karl also hosts a bi-weekly podcast, The Church Lobby: Conversations on Faith & Ministry. Episodes feature in-depth interviews about the topics that concern pastors, especially those who minister in a small church context.
Karl has served in small-church ministry for over 40 years, so he speaks and writes from decades of hands-on pastoral experience. He and his wife, Shelley have three children and two grandkids.
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Dr. Jason Karampatsos
GUEST SPEAKER
Dr. Jason Karampatsos is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Ordained minister with the Assemblies of God. He received his B.S. in Bible from the University of Valley Forge, and his M.S. and Ph.D. in Pastoral Counseling from Loyola University Maryland.
He has had the privilege of leading churches over the past 25 years that range from revitalizing churches under 100 to pastoring established churches of 1,000; as well as being a part of the staff of churches ranging from plants to mid-size, to a large multi-site congregation.
This unique diversity of ministry has opened doors for him to speak into the lives of leaders of a wide range of ministry backgrounds in both the conference setting as well as one-on-one counseling.
He is the author of The Elephant in the Marriage, proud father of three and husband of over 30 years to his best friend and ministry partner.
