Evangelical Free Church of America
Events

Large Church Pastor Gathering

Feb 23–Feb 25, 2026
Indian Hills, CA
Southwest Church
Who
Senior pastors of EFCA churches with a regular weekend attendance of 1,000+ people
When
February 23–February 25, 2026
Where
Southwest Church
44-175 Washington Street
Indian Hills, CA 92210
Cost
FREE. Attendees are responsible for their travel, lodging and Tuesday dinner.

The Large Church Pastor Gathering is an invite-only, peer learning opportunity. Topics and questions submitted by participating pastors shape the agenda.

Join us February 23-25, 2026 in Indian Wells, California, for this year's gathering.

What is the Large Church Pastor Gathering?

The Large Church Pastor Gathering is open to senior pastors in EFCA churches with a regular weekend attendance of 1,000 people, including children.

With the growth of those eligible and interested in this event, we are asking only senior pastors to attend. Many choose to bring their wife—and Monday's dinner is for both pastors and wives—however, the rest of the programming is focused on pastors only. This year, there will be a wives' luncheon on Tuesday.

Schedule

We will gather from 12 p.m. on Monday to 12 p.m. on Wednesday. Carlton Harris, Ricky Jenkins and Matthew St. John will facilitate this event. On Monday, we will host a dinner for all attendees and spouses. On Tuesday, Carol Harris will host a wives' luncheon. On Wednesday, after the meeting concludes, we will offer optional spa and golf opportunities.

Remember: this is your gathering. As a participating pastor, you will determine the content for your meetings and set the agenda based on your needs.

Cost

There is no cost for the event. Attendees are responsible for their travel, lodging and Tuesday dinner. Monday and Tuesday lunches, as well as Monday dinner, will be provided.

Lodging

Renaissance Esmeralda Resort & Spa is the host hotel. We have reserved a block of rooms for this event. Please make your own hotel reservations here to receive our group rate of $359/night (which includes a $30/night resort fee).

  • This rate will apply for February 23-25 as well as three days before and three days after our meeting, based on availability. The cost of the room is your responsibility.
  • Our room block will be held only until January 23, 2026. After that, hotel reservations will only be accepted on a “space available” basis, and our group rate may not apply. The hotel fills up quickly, so you’ll want to book your room ASAP.

Questions?

To request more information, contact the Event Team.