Two transformative days where ministry leaders learn to soar — gaining the strategy, vision, and community to lead at new heights.
The Vision Takes Flight In
This year, we’re going beyond the conversation of growth and addressing what happens when growth stretches your ministry beyond its current capacity.
As God increases influence, people, and opportunity, every ministry will encounter moments where old systems, old thinking, and old capacities are stretched beyond their limits. Every ministry has a breaking point. The question is not if you’ll encounter one, the question is whether you’ll break under the pressure or grow beyond it.
At EaglesNest Leadership Conference 2026, we will discover how to identify breaking points before they become breakdowns and gain practical tools to lead through seasons of rapid growth, organizational change, and ministry expansion without losing what matters most.
Eagles represent the pinnacle of leadership in nature. They soar highest, see furthest, and lead with unwavering focus — just like the leaders we're developing at this conference.
Eagles can see 8 times farther than humans
Eagles are the only birds that fly into storms
Eagles lock onto their target with laser precision
We’re going to have conversations around topics like “You’re in a Place Too Small for Your Call” — helping you reimagine your potential, expand your vision, and recognize the opportunities God has already placed before you that are waiting to be unlocked.
We’re talking about launching creative community outreach, navigating growth, developing the mindset to rebuild, building healthy church culture and discipleship, leveling up your church content, strengthening your SEO and digital footprint, and so much more.
Seasoned ministry leaders who have soared through challenges and emerged stronger — ready to pour into you.
Senior Pastor Dr. Jomo Cousins is the founder of Love First Christian Center in Riverview, Florida, and the acclaimed author of numerous books including You're in a Place Too Small For Your Call.
Dr. Conway Edwards is the founding and senior pastor of One Community Church, a thriving multi-campus ministry in the Dallas–Fort Worth Metroplex with a growing global reach.
Pastor Quincy Stratford — affectionately “Pastor Q” — founded Carmel Friendship Church in Wesley Chapel, Florida on his couch in August 2010 and has shepherded it through a remarkable season of growth.
Pastor Zhivago “Vago” Lightbourne is the lead pastor of Truth Center Church in Brandon, Florida — a church devoted to proclaiming the unadulterated truth of Jesus through the preaching of God’s Word, worship, and a lifestyle of continuous prayer.
Pastor K. Francis Smith is a communicator and the visionary leader of Excel Church in Conyers, Georgia. Since launching the church (formerly Kingdom Builders Covenant) in 2005, he has grown it from 35 to more than 2,000 members.
David Davis is a ministry leader with a passion for helping people encounter God and step into the purpose God has placed on their lives. He serves as the Young Adult Director at Love First Christian Center, where he is committed to creating spaces for young adults to build authentic community, grow in their faith, and become who God has called them to be.
Isaac Javier is a creative leader, entrepreneur, photographer, video producer, musician, and content strategist with a passion for helping ministries and organizations communicate their message with excellence.
Kevin Halstead is a software developer and SEO strategist with a passion for helping churches reach people beyond Sunday morning. His work includes building websites, improving search visibility, and developing tools that help ministry teams serve their communities more effectively.
You are in for two powerful days featuring:
Impactful general sessions with Dr. Jomo Cousins, Dr. Conway Edwards, and Pastor Quincy Stratford
Dynamic breakout sessions designed to provide practical leadership strategies
Tools and insights for navigating rapid growth and organizational change
A special evening of worship and a powerful word from Dr. Conway Edwards
Fellowship and networking with pastors and ministry leaders
Practical wisdom for expanding your ministry while protecting its values, culture, and mission
And so much more!
Doors Open
Opening & Worship
General Session 1
You’re in a Place Too Small for Your Call
Dr. Jomo Cousins
Sanctuary
Break
General Session 2
Dr. Conway Edwards
Sanctuary
Transition
Breakout Sessions · 45 min · Choose one
Creative Community Outreach
Pastor Vago Lightbourne
Sanctuary
Built to Last: Building a Generation the Next Generation Can Carry
David Davis
Building 1 Sanctuary
Transition
Lunch
Lunch
Building 1 Sanctuary
Lunch and Learn with Dr. Conway Edwards
Multipurpose RoomPastors & VIP only
Transition
General Session 3
Navigating Growth: When the Growth Outgrows the Room
Pastor Quincy Stratford
Sanctuary
Break
General Session 4
The Mindset to Rebuild: Leading When What You Built Is Gone
Pastor K. Francis Smith
Sanctuary
Testimonials, Photos & Networking
Dismissal
Sanctuary
Worship
Sermon
Dr. Conway Edwards
Early-bird pricing ends October 1 — prices rise after
Full access to two days of transformation.
Everything in General, plus the inner circle.
On-site registration available for $250 the day of the event · All tickets are non-refundable
“This conference refreshed my spirit and gave me practical tools I could implement immediately with my team. Truly a blessing!”
Pastor Sarah Johnson
Lead Pastor, Grace Church
Join us at Love First Christian Center in the heart of Riverview, Florida.
Address
12847 Balm Riverview Rd
Riverview, FL 33579
Conference Hours
Day 1: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Evening Service: 7:00 PM
Day 2: 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Doors open at 8:30 AM
Contact
(813) 671-2009
info@lovefirstchristiancenter.com
Located in Riverview, Florida — easily accessible from the Tampa Bay area.
20 minutes via I-75 South
15 minutes via US-301 South
35 minutes via I-275 & I-75
Rest comfortably near the conference venue with these recommended hotels.
Book early for the best rates and availability
Contact hotels directly for rates
Fuel your body and fellowship with these local dining options.
Perfect for dinner meals and a place to network
Also enjoy chains along US-301 like Longhorn Steakhouse, IHOP, Outback, Texas Roadhouse and Keke's Breakfast Cafe.
Whether your ministry is experiencing explosive growth, preparing for expansion, navigating organizational change, or simply sensing that what got you here won’t get you where God is taking you, this conference is for you.
Come learn how to recognize the pressure points, strengthen your systems, expand your capacity, and lead your ministry beyond the breaking point.
“But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles.”— Isaiah 40:31
