2026 EFCA Theology Conference

The EFCA Theology Conference exists to intentionally encourage and equip EFCA pastors and leaders in their personal lives and local church ministries through biblical and theological education for the sake of the gospel.

The 2026 EFCA Theology Conference will be held February 4-6, 2026, at The Compass Church (Naperville, Illinois).

Theme: God Will Raise the Dead Bodily and Judge the World: Evangelical Convictions of Eternal Realities

The theme of this year's conference is based on Article 10 (Response and Eternal Destiny) of the EFCA Statement of Faith:

• “We believe that God commands everyone everywhere to believe the gospel by turning to Him in repentance and receiving the Lord Jesus Christ. We believe that God will raise the dead bodily and judge the world, assigning the unbeliever to condemnation and eternal conscious punishment and the believer to eternal blessedness and joy with the Lord in the new heaven and the new earth, to the praise of His glorious grace. Amen.”

The doctrine of heaven is one of the most misunderstood today, and the doctrine of hell is one of the most often denied or altered today. For those outside the Church, heaven and/or hell may exist, and if they do, they are certain heaven, not hell, is their destination. Inside the Church, and among evangelicals, there are questions, doubts and denials about the reality of “eternal conscious punishment.” It is necessary and timely to address both of these doctrinal truths today, since they are part of God’s revealed truth. As in the Garden, many confirm the voice of Satan over against God’s revealed truth, “You will not surely die” (Gen 3:4). But we all will die, and there are eternal realities.

With these two truths, there is a gravity, since it is about eternal realities, and there is a glory, since it is about God and His revealed truth. In Part 1 of this year's Theology Conference, "Condemnation and Eternal Conscious Punishment," the three messages will focus on biblical and systematic theology, historical theology, and pastoral theology. In Part 2, "Eternal Blessedness and Joy with the Lord," the three messages will parallel the same topics as in Part 1. In Part 3, "To the Praise of His Glorious Grace," we will conclude with a final message extolling the grandeur and glory of God in doxological praise and worship.

We have an excellent lineup of speakers, and we will have several breakout sessions as well. We are eager to gather as the EFCA family—to learn, to worship, to fellowship and to be encouraged in the things of the Lord. Please plan to join us. Invite a friend. Come as a staff. Register today. We look forward to being with you in February.

Registration

Registration for the 2026 EFCA Theology Conference opens on September 15, 2025. Registration closes on January 15, 2026. Walk-in registration will also be available on site.

There are registration scholarships available. Please complete the application, and our team will follow up with you.

Cost

Registration includes Wednesday and Thursday lunch.

• Early-bird: $159/person (through November 30)
• Regular: $189/person (after November 30)
• One-day rate (Wednesday and Thursday): $99/person
• One-day rate (Friday): $50/person

Lodging

The following hotels are offering conference rates:

• Doubletree by Hilton Lisle Naperville (3003 Corporate W Dr, Lisle, IL 60532): $104/night

  • Book online
  • Deadline: January 13, 2026

• TRU by Hilton (1809 West Diehl Rd, Naperville, IL 60563): $106/night

  • Book online
  • Book by phone: 1-800-HILTONS, mention the EFCA Theology Conference or the unique code "901" to receive your group rate
  • Deadline: January 12, 2026

• Courtyard by Marriott (1155 East Diehl Rd, Naperville, IL 60563): $109/night

  • Book online
  • Deadline: January 12, 2026

• Hampton by Hilton (1087 East Diehl Rd, Naperville, IL 60563): $119/night

  • Book online
  • Deadline: January 9, 2026

• Sheraton (3000 Warrenville Road, Lisle, IL 60532): $119/night

  • Book online
  • Deadline: January 16, 2026

• Fairfield Inn & Suites Naperville (1847 West Diehl Road, Naperville, IL 60563): $126/night

  • Book online
  • Deadline: January 10, 2026

• Marriott (1801 North Naper Boulevard, Naperville, IL 60563): $129/night

  • Book online
  • Deadline: January 6, 2026

• TownePlace Suites (1843 West Diehl Rd, Naperville, IL 60563): $146/night

  • Book online
  • Deadline: January 9, 2026

Questions?

Contact the Theology Conference Team.