Monday, February 1–Wednesday, February 3, 2027

Saint Paul RiverCentre | St. Paul, MN

Please join us in person. Livestreamed content will not be available.

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Monday, February 1

9am | Check-In/Registration Opens

10am | Pre-Conference Morning Breakout Tracks

1pm | Pre-Conference Afternoon Breakout Tracks

7:30pm | Plenary | Michael Reeves — Wisdom: Learning to Fear the Lord

Tuesday, February 2

9am | Plenary | Brian Tabb — Judgment: The Righteous Wrath of the Holy God

10:30am | Plenary | Tim Cain — Mission: Persuading Others in the Fear of the Lord

1:30pm | Plenary | Lewis Guest, IV — Confidence: Facing Our Fears by Faith

2:45pm | Plenary Panel | The Fear of the Lord in Life and Ministry

4pm | Plenary | Marshall Segal — Holiness: The Pastor Who Fears the Lord

7:30pm | Plenary | Michael Reeves — Worship: Rejoicing in the Fear of the Lord

Wednesday, February 3

9am | Plenary | John Piper — Preaching: Rejoicing and Trembling at God’s Word

10:15am | Panel | The Awesome Church

11:30am | Closing Words

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You’re Invited to
A Worship Night with Matt Boswell

Join us Sunday, January 31, as we spend the evening worshiping our great God. Worship will be led by Matt Boswell and held at The North Church.

RSVP

Monday Pre-Conference Breakout Schedule

We are pleased to offer 3 morning and 4 afternoon breakout tracks. Find more information and session descriptions below.

Morning | 10am–Noon

TRACK 1 — A GOD-CENTERED GATHERING

This breakout session will explore why the church gathers to glorify God and enjoy Him together.

Led by Matt Boswell, Chuck Steddom, and Rich Penix

Sponsored by Doxology and Theology

TRACK 2 — SENDING IN A WORTHY MANNER

The Triune God sends: the Father sent his Son to save the world, and the Father and the Son sent the Holy Spirit to bear witness to the work of the Son. That sending continues, as Jesus sends his church by means of the Holy Spirit to the nations. This session explores how churches can develop and deploy those whom God has called to go.
Session 1 | Sending Healthy Short-term Teams – Darren Carlson
Session 2 |Sending Healthy Long-term Missionaries – Brian M.
Q&A Panel
Sponsored by Training Leaders International

TRACK 3 — THE HEART OF PREACHING

Faithful preaching begins with a faithful preacher. Based on his brand-new book from Crossway (2026) and forty years of practice, Mike Bullmore will explore the gospel’s central role in shaping both the preacher and the preaching task. He will also clarify the definition and aim of expository preaching and offer practical guidance for the work of preaching and wise counsel for the long haul. The workshop will conclude with an interactive discussion led by Jared Compton.

Led by Mike Bullmore

Sponsored by Crossway

Afternoon | 1–4pm

TRACK 1 — THE POWER OF WORDS IN THE WORK OF A PASTOR

Not many should be pastors. But some should. Pastors are teachers, and life and death are in the power of the tongue. Whether spoken, written, or preached, our words are our tools. And word-work is hard work. Consider with us the heart of pastoral ministry as word-work, and ponder how you might refine your skills in public and in private.

Led by David Mathis, Greg Morse, and Scott Hubbard
Sponsored by Desiring God

TRACK 2 — THE PASTOR AND HOLINESS

Local churches are called to reflect the character of God—to be holy as he is holy. That call should shape everything about a church’s life together, and especially the ministry of its pastors. Pastors are called to model holy living, to preach and teach toward holiness, and to establish a church order that guards the church’s holy witness. This breakout will explore each of these callings, helping pastors think carefully about how to labor for their church’s holiness.
Session 1 | The Pastor and Personal Holiness – Brian Davis
Session 2 | Preaching toward Holiness – Sam Emadi
Session 3 | Holiness Together – Kevin McKay
Q&A Panel
Sponsored by 9Marks

TRACK 3 — THREE PERSPECTIVES ON THE MISSIONARY TASK

How Sending Churches, Local Churches, and Mission Agencies Work Together for Faithful Missions

Session 1 | Sending Missionaries with Clarity and Purpose – Nick Whitehead
Session 2 | Receiving Missionaries and Partnering for the Work – Ronnie Jones
Session 3 | Strengthening Church-Centered Missions – Brian M.

Sponsored by Reaching and Teaching International Ministries

TRACK 4 — THE WHAT, THE WHY-TOGETHER, AND THE HOW OF CHURCH PLANTING

Join the Treasuring Christ Together family of churches and Michael Reeves, as we explore the heart and motivation for Church planting; The goal of church planting and how we get there; and the “why together?” of church planting. This is for future or recent church planting pastors and existing church pastors looking for partnership and encouragement in the greatest mission in the world—to make disciples of all peoples through the planting of churches.
Session 1 | The What: The Goal of Church Planting and How We Get There  – Justin Perry
Session 2 | The Why-Together of Church Planting – Sean Cordell
Session 3 | The How: Q&A on the Heart and Motivation for Church Planting – Michael Reeves
Sponsored by the Treasuring Christ Together Network
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Travel Information

HOTEL

Hampton Inn & Suites Downtown St. Paul

200 7th Street West, St. Paul, MN 55102
651.224.7400

Distance from RiverCentre: 2-minute (half block) outdoor walk.

Conference Rate: $119–147 per night +tax
Complimentary hot breakfast included
$25/night valet parking in climate-controlled garage.

Click HERE to book. 

 

Holiday Inn St. Paul Downtown

175 West 7th Street, Saint Paul, MN 55102
651.225.1515

Distance from RiverCentre: 2-minute (half block) outdoor walk.

GROUND TRANSPORTATION

Car
The airport is 20 minutes by car from the Saint Paul RiverCentre. Click here for google map directions.

Car ride services are available at the airport.

Other Option
Metro Transit offers regular service between the airport and Saint Paul. Click here for more information.

Early Bird Registration
through November 15, 2026
Registration$225
Registration Group
(groups of 10 or more)
$205
International$190
Regular Registration
through January 25, 2027
Registration$315
Registration Group
(groups of 10 or more)
$295
International$285
Walk-In Registration
through February 2, 2027
Registration$365
Registration Group
(groups of 10 or more)
-
International-

After January 25, 2027: Walk-in registrations will be available online or at the conference for $365. Register early to receive the best rate.

International: Must reside outside of the United States. We are legally unable to offer Visa invitation letters. Any international attendee must use a personal contact inside the United States.

Cancellation: Requests can be made by contacting [email protected]. All cancellations are subject to a $25 cancellation fee and will receive the following refund amounts according to the date the request is submitted.

Early Cancellation | Launch–Dec. 19, 2026 | Refunded in Full—$25 Cancellation Fee
Cancellation | Dec. 19–Jan. 25, 2027 | 50% Refund—$25 Cancellation Fee
Late Cancellation | After Jan. 25, 2027 | No Refund
Weather Related* | No Refund

*Due to the location and season in which this event is held, weather is often an unavoidable factor in travel. We are not able to provide weather-related refunds. By registering for this event you accept this risk.

*In the case of extraordinary “Act of God” circumstances, such as the 2020 Coronavirus Pandemic, we are not able to guarantee full refunds to our registrants. We will do our best to find solutions together.

 

If you have questions about registration, email us at [email protected].

WILL THIS EVENT BE LIVESTREAMED?

Livestream content will not be provided at Serious Joy: The Bethlehem Conference for Pastors. We look forward to gathering in person at the RiverCentre.

WILL YOU BE POSTING THE CONTENT FROM THIS EVENT?

Yes! Stay tuned to your email and our social media channels to be notified when content is available.

HOW DO I REGISTER FOR THE PRE-CONFERENCE BREAKOUTS?

When registering for the conference, simply indicate the breakout track you desire to attend. Space is limited, so register early. Movement between breakout tracks is not offered.

WHAT ARE THE MEAL OPTIONS?

The RiverCentre is conveniently located near many downtown Saint Paul restaurants. The Info Desk at the conference will provide a list of available downtown restaurant options.

CAN I TRANSFER MY REGISTRATION TO ANOTHER PERSON?

Yes! You are able to transfer your registration by using the edit link at the bottom of your confirmation email.

WHAT IF I WANT TO EXHIBIT AT THE CONFERENCE?

If you would like to be an exhibitor or a sponsor for the conference, click HERE to learn more.

CAN I PURCHASE A TICKET FOR MY PASTOR AS A GIFT?

Yes, you are able to purchase a ticket for your pastor. At registration, fill out the registration details to reflect the information for the person attending the conference. You can then put in your information to process the actual payment of the ticket.

I'M NOT A PASTOR. MAY I STILL ATTEND?

Yes, we would be happy for you to join us and be encouraged by the content offered! Please know, however, content is geared toward pastors.

ARE WOMEN INVITED TO ATTEND?

Yes. Women are welcome to attend Serious Joy. The plenary messages and workshops are led by pastors and designed specifically for pastors, but they will be accessible and edifying for other ministry leaders and thoughtful church members who seek to treasure Christ in all of life.

WHERE DO I PARK?

Parking is available across the street in the Saint Paul RiverCentre parking garage. Reasonable per-day parking fees apply.

WHAT IF MY QUESTION HASN’T BEEN ANSWERED?

Please send us an email at [email protected].