District Conference 2026
October 22 - October 24
Opening Service begins at 1 PM.
Kalahari Resorts Poconos
250 Kalahari Blvd, Pocono Manor
Registration is closed.
Need to be excused? Fill out this form.
Centered around the book of Romans, the Vision Conference sessions will trace one unfolding story from grace and identity, to community, mission, and multiplication.
Worship Leader
Spencer Sweeting, Vision Conference
Spencer Sweeting is married to Beth and together they are raising 3 daughters. He is the Executive Pastor of Allegheny Center Alliance Church—a historic, urban congregation in Pittsburgh, PA. Across 20+ years of ministry, Spencer has been a worship leader, church planter, and lead pastor in a variety of contexts. The Sweetings planted City Alliance Church in their hometown of Williamsport, PA and later served at New Spring Church in Colorado Springs, CO. Spencer first sensed a call to pastoral ministry through the Alliance Christian Fellowship at Penn State University. A lifelong musician, Spencer has led worship around the world—and still prefers offering a song to a sermon. Spencer finds everyday joy in good coffee, good music, and good stories. He co-owns the Green Bay Packers.
Session Speakers
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Nate Howard
Nate has served our district alongside Sharon for eight years—arriving as outsiders and leaving as family. Their greatest reward has been the relationships and the privilege of walking with so many through every season of life and ministry. As this chapter closes, Nate and Sharon carry deep gratitude for the lives that have shaped theirs. They look forward to their next calling with Envision in New York City.
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Matt Cohen
Matt has served as the lead pastor of Citylight Church in Philadelphia, since planting the church in 2011. Matt is professor and dean of the Carey Center at Grimké Seminary in Richmond, Virginia, and is the co-author of The Weightiness of Preaching. Matt has been married to his wife Andrea since 2007 and the have a son and two daughters.
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Josh Grimes
Josh Grimes is the Lead Pastor of Common Places Church in Lock Haven, PA, where he has served in ministry for 20 years. He loves helping people trust Jesus, grow as disciples, and start new churches through a small and simple reproducing church model. Josh and his wife Sarah have three children. For fun, he's a pilot and keeps honeybees.
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Dr. Jonathan Schaeffer
Dr. Jonathan Schaeffer was elected in 2025 as the 13th president of The Alliance. He is grateful to be part of this family of churches strategically reaching out locally and globally. For the previous 25+ years, Jonathan served as lead pastor at Grace Church on the southwest side of Cleveland. He enjoys spending time with his wife, Mary, and visiting a beach or national park.
Things To Know About Kalahari
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Your stay includes waterpark access. You can pick up your passes at the main Kalahari lobby as early as 10am on Thursday. Changing rooms are available if your room isn't ready yet. Passes are valid through 3pm on Saturday.
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Children's Ministry is led by Jen Hoffman, Children's Director at Fairlawn Community Church. Kids are welcome to join kid ministry and the nursery for all main sessions and breakouts.
Youth Ministry is led by DeAndre Ralston, Youth Pastor in the Metro District. NEW this year are dedicated sessions for youth from:
Thursday: 1:30–3:00 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM–Noon
Friday: Late-Night Activity
Saturday: 9:30–11:30 AM
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Sharon Howard invites women to join a breakfast on Friday from 7:30–8:45am. A $5 suggested donation covers the service charge. Sign up when you register for Vision Conference.
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Thursday and Friday dinners are covered. For breakfasts and lunches, you're on your own, but you've got great options. Kalahari has a variety of dining options, and there are plenty of nearby restaurants. Feel free to bring a few grocery items to keep in your room's mini refrigerator.
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Check-in time is 4 pm, and check-out is 11 am.
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Please click here and use this document to save a little and exempt your stay from some taxes. Kalahari asks that you have all the documentation faxed or emailed in advance of your stay. Taxes will be charged until these items are provided. Send forms to this email.
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Kalahari is 100% cashless. They accept credit and mobile payments (Apple/Google Pay) as well as room charges through your RFID wristband.
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Looking to make a reservation for someone other than the credit card holder? Follow these steps.
Breakouts
Thursday
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with Charles Chapman
All the ins and outs of preparing new Alliance IWs through Alliance Licensed Ministry Experience (ALME) in a local church
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with Jim Sappia
How churches can step into win-win partnerships with Alliance IWs and fields to impact the nations with the good news of Jesus -
with Terry Smith and EPD IWs
A practical panel discussion with EPD Pastors and IWs on being faithful and fruitful in evangelism
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with Alan Rathbun
Developing a church culture where it is normal for people to be challenged to consider God’s call to ministry or missions.
Friday
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with David and Ty King
Being rooted in the gospel, positions us to be joyfully transformed by the glory of God
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with Shawn Andrews
Being rooted in the gospel frees us to receive our new identity as children of God and citizens of His Kingdom
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with Aaron and Amy Henning
Being rooted in the gospel compels us to go to others because God sent someone to us
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with Pete Cannizzaro
Being rooted in the gospel means we can let go of fear and connect deeply with love