/ˈimˌpak(t)/
the force of impression of one thing on another; to fix firmly
The goal of the Annual Jurisdictional IMPACT Leadership Conference is to equip ministries with practical tools to make a lasting impression through interactive workshops and innovative seminars.
Due to the impact of inclement weather, join us VIRTUALLY January 23-24, 2026 for the 2026 IMPACT Leadership Conference hosted by the Historic Virginia First Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction. Our Conference Theme is “From Scripture to Service: Meet the World Thoroughly Equipped” and the Conference Theme Scripture is 2 Timothy 3:16-17.
The IMPACT Leadership Conference will explore the powerful truth found in 2 Timothy 3:17, which declares that the Word of God is given so that “the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.” Together, we will study how Scripture serves as God’s divine tool to shape, strengthen, and equip believers for daily living and effective in ministering to the world.
Attendees will gain:
- Understanding of how God’s Word matures and completes the believer.
- Practical insight into how Scripture equips us for life’s challenges and ministry opportunities.
- Application strategies for living out the Word in service, leadership, and witness.
This Conference is designed for anyone desiring to grow in spiritual maturity and to be fully prepared to walk in the good works God has called them to do.
IMPACT Conference PowerShops
AI: The Revolution & The Revelation
The AI: The Revolution & The Revelation explores the rapid rise of artificial intelligence through both a practical and spiritual lens. As AI reshapes communication, education, business, and ministry, the Church must understand not only the power of this technological revolution, but also the spiritual responsibility that comes with it.
This workshop is designed to help pastors, ministry leaders, and believers navigate AI with wisdom, discernment, and biblical clarity. Participants will examine how AI can be used as a tool for Kingdom advancement while guarding against ethical compromise, dependency, and the erosion of spiritual discernment. Emphasis is placed on ensuring that technology serves the mission of God – never replacing the authority of Scripture, the leading of the Holy Spirit, or the role of human stewardship.
Digital Evangelism – “Reaching Souls in a Digital World”
The Digital Evangelist Workshop aims to provide ministry leaders, church members, and content creators with practical tools and biblically grounded strategies for sharing the Gospel within contemporary digital environments. As individuals increasingly interact, communicate, and seek information online, it is essential for the Church to extend its evangelistic efforts beyond traditional physical settings.
This interactive workshop will examine the use of social media, video platforms, live streaming, podcasts, and digital storytelling to communicate the message of Christ, foster genuine connections, and disciple believers in virtual environments. The program emphasizes the importance of maintaining biblical integrity and spiritual accountability throughout these digital initiatives.
Participants will learn to identify their digital calling, develop impactful faith-based content, engage audiences with love and wisdom, and navigate online platforms in ways that reflect Christ.
Grant Writing 101 – “Securing Resources to Advance the Vision”
The Grant Writing 101 Workshop is an introductory training designed to equip ministry leaders, nonprofit administrators, and organizational teams with foundational knowledge and practical skills to successfully pursue grant funding. As ministries and community-based organizations seek sustainable ways to expand programs and services, understanding the grant process is essential.
This workshop will demystify grant writing by breaking down the purpose, structure, and strategy behind competitive grant proposals. Participants will gain insight into how funders think, how to align organizational vision with funding priorities, and how to clearly communicate needs, goals, and impact.
Through guided instruction and real-world examples, attendees will learn how to move from vision to funding with confidence and clarity.
The Power of Small Groups – “Building Community, Growing Disciples, Transforming Lives”
The Power of Small Groups Workshop aims to provide pastors, ministry leaders, and lay leaders with biblical insights and practical strategies for developing and sustaining effective small group ministries. Given the increasing importance of connection and discipleship, small groups offer a robust framework for promoting spiritual growth, accountability, and authentic Christian community.
This workshop will examine how small groups function as a vital extension of the church’s mission by creating environments in which believers can grow in faith, establish meaningful relationships, and practice the Gospel beyond Sunday worship. Participants will develop a deeper understanding of the spiritual impact of small groups and learn to implement models that align with their church’s vision and culture.
Rightly Dividing the Word – “Handling the Word of Truth with Accuracy and Integrity”
The Rightly Dividing the Word Workshop aims to equip pastors, ministers, teachers, lay leaders, and church members with both a biblical understanding and practical skills essential for accurately interpreting, applying, and teaching the Word of God. Given the frequent misunderstandings, misapplications, and misrepresentations of Scripture, the workshop underscores the responsibility of believers to approach God’s Word with reverence, precision, and spiritual discernment.
The workshop will guide participants through foundational principles of sound biblical interpretation, enabling them to move beyond surface-level reading toward a deeper understanding of Scripture’s original context, meaning, and application. Participants will develop skills to study the Bible faithfully, avoid common interpretive errors, and communicate biblical truths in ways that edify the Church and honor Christ.
Developing Strategic Evangelism Plan – “From Vision to Action: Reaching the Lost with Purpose”
The Developing a Strategic Evangelism Plan Workshop aims to equip pastors, evangelism leaders, and ministry teams with practical tools to translate passion into effective practice in fulfilling the Great Commission. Although many churches express a commitment to evangelism, this workshop underscores the necessity of intentional planning, organizational alignment, and measurable actions to ensure that evangelistic initiatives are effective, sustainable, and guided by spiritual principles.
Participants will learn to assess both their church and community, define clear evangelistic objectives, and develop a comprehensive strategy that integrates prayer, outreach, discipleship, and follow-up. The workshop connects the biblical mandate for evangelism with practical methodologies, enabling churches to engage individuals within their context while maintaining fidelity to the Gospel message.
Conducting Funerals – “Ministering with Compassion, Order and Hope in Times of Loss”
Conducting Funerals is a practical and pastoral workshop designed to equip ministers, pastors, and church leaders with the knowledge, confidence, and spiritual sensitivity needed to officiate funerals with excellence and compassion. Funerals are among the most sacred and emotionally charged moments in ministry, requiring both spiritual discernment and practical preparation.
This workshop addresses the full scope of funeral ministry – from initial family contact through the service itself – helping ministers navigate grief, provide biblical comfort, and maintain proper order and dignity. Emphasis is placed on representing Christ faithfully while ministering hope to grieving families and communities.
Participants will learn how to balance empathy and structure, truth and tenderness, proclamation and pastoral care during one of the Church’s most critical moments of witness.
IMPACT Conference At A Glance
| Friday, January 23, 206 | |
| 7:30pm | Opening Greeting Admin. Asst. Eugene C. McCown, Jr., Conference Coordinator |
| 7:35pm | Scripture/Worship |
| 7:40 – 8:05pm | Homily Bishop Marc A. Thomas, Sr., Jurisdictional Prelate |
| 8:10 – 9:05pm | Artificial Intelligence: The Revolution & The Revelation |
| 9:10 – 10:00pm | Digital Evangelism |
| 10:15pm | Closing Remarks |
| Saturday, January 25, 2025 | |
| 8:55am | Greetings Admin. Asst. Eugene C. McCown, Jr., Conference Coordinator |
| IMPACT PowerShops Tracks: Leadership Development ~ Evangelism ~ Financial Literacy |
|
| 9:00 – 9:50am | The Power of Small Groups |
| 10:00 – 10:50am | Rightly Dividing the Word |
| 11:00 – 11:50am | Developing a Strategic Evangelism Plan |
| 12:00 – 12:50pm | – Grant Writing 101 – Conducting Funerals |
| 12:55pm | Closing Remarks |
| 1:00pm | One Day Gospel Feast Service |
One Day Gospel Feast
Service will be held on Saturday, January 24, 2026 at 1pm.







