This past week, the other pastors and I had the incredible privilege of traveling to the Dallas–Fort Worth area to attend a pastors’ conference. More than 2,300 pastors and ministry leaders gathered with one shared purpose: spiritual encouragement and ministry equipping. I can honestly say that not only was the conference itself outstanding, but the extra time spent together as a pastoral team was equally life-giving.
When we arrived at our Airbnb late Monday evening, we were greeted by a joyful and unexpected surprise… a ping-pong table. Needless to say, it was immediately put to use. As four grown men should when confronted with a ping-pong table, we jumped right in. We hadn’t claimed beds, unpacked bags, or even fully stepped inside, yet we somehow managed to begin an hour and a half marathon of high stakes, all or nothing, bragging rights on the line ping-pong. It was a high joy moment and the perfect way to kick off our two and a half days together.
Heading into the conference, I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect. These kinds of events usually include some worship, a few speakers, maybe a breakout session with practical takeaways and, of course, snacks (always my favorite part). But the big question was quality. Would it be refreshing and filling, or would I walk away thinking, “That was a waste of time”? I’ll admit, I can be a little cynical at times.
Let me put that concern to rest quickly: this conference exceeded every expectation.
We began with worship through song by Brooke Ligertwood. If that name doesn’t sound familiar, you may recognize a few songs she helped write—What a Beautiful Name, Who You Say I Am, and Worthy Is the Lamb. On the second day, we were joined by Tauren Wells. Needless to say, the worship was powerful, heartfelt, and deeply moving.
Not to mention, Jeff Little, the lead pastor of the host church, along with his entire team, did a phenomenal job of speaking directly to the hearts of pastors, staff members, and ministry leaders. Simply being in a room with 2,300 people who faithfully serve the Lord was massively encouraging. It was life-giving to my soul.
But my biggest takeaway from the conference was this simple truth:
GOD IS NOT DONE!
It’s easy to become overwhelmed by the constant negativity of our world — political tension, tragedy after tragedy, and the growing sense that people either don’t know God, don’t care about Him, or worse they know about Him and are running the other direction. Those thoughts can weigh heavily on the heart and slowly pull us into discouragement.
But church family, let me encourage you—GOD IS NOT DONE YET!
There were 2,300 people in that room who are fully devoted to advancing the gospel. I heard story after story of churches across America growing. Young people coming to church by the thousands. Leaders being raised up from a young age and planting churches. Salvations and baptisms happening continually.
God is still moving.
The light is coming.
And the darkness will not prevail.
Thank you, church, for supporting me and my family. Thank you for standing behind me, encouraging me, and allowing us the opportunity to attend a conference like this. I return home encouraged, refreshed, and spiritually renewed.
My goal has always been to serve with love, and I truly believe my calling is to lay down my life for Christ and His Church. I return from Texas more ready than ever to do exactly that.
Pastor Byrant
