NEXTGEN CONFERENCE
What you do matters, and we believe in you.
The NextGen Conference is designed for all children, youth, and young adult ministry leaders to find connections, develop leadership skills, be inspired, and be empowered to continue investing in the next generation. You can expect dynamic teaching, passionate worship, breakout sessions led by pace-setting leaders, and opportunities to develop vital relationships. We create this space to partner with you as you engage your call to ministry.
This January, we’ll come together around the theme “One Another.” Through powerful speakers, practical breakouts, and shared moments of worship and learning, we’ll explore fresh ways of living out discipleship. As we pour into the Next Generation, we’ll also renew our own commitment to follow Jesus and point those we lead toward lasting hope.
This year, we’re also honored to celebrate the 80th Anniversary of Covenant World Relief & Development (CWRD). On Sunday evening, your registration includes access to a special Gala recognizing how CWRD embodies the Covenant Church’s call to be Christ’s witnesses—locally, globally, and across generations.
We can’t wait to see you this January in downtown Chicago!
SCHEDULE
All times are Central Time Zone
| Saturday, January 24 | |
|---|---|
| 12:00 - 5:00 pm | Registration Open |
| 3:00 - 4:30 pm | Pre-NextGen Breakouts |
| 7:00 pm | Opening Worship with Shane Sanchez |
| Sunday, January 25 | |
| 9:30 am | Morning Session with President Tammy Swanson-Draheim, Jessica Springer, Pete Sutton, and Dominique Gilliard |
| 11:30 am | Conference Lunches |
| 1:15 pm | Panel Discussion - We will discuss what it looks like to create a posture of welcoming hospitality by understanding and preparing environments that are inclusive for visible and invisible disabilities. |
| 2:30 - 3:15 pm | Children's Ministry Track - Jessica Springer |
| 2:30 - 3:15 pm | Youth Ministry Track - Pete Sutton |
| 3:30 - 5:00 pm | Breakout Rotations (40 minutes each) |
| 5:30 pm | Covenant World Relief and Development 80th Anniversary Gala |
| 9:00 pm | NextGen Evening Reception |
| Monday, January 26 | |
| 9:30 am | Morning Session with Lacy Borgo |
Registration
Early Registration (through November 21, 2025)
All registrations include the CWRD Gala
- NGC Early – $175 (Saturday–Monday noon)
- NGC Early Plus – $250 (Saturday–Tuesday, includes Monday dinner)
Regular Registration (after November 21, 2025)
All registrations include the CWRD Gala
- NGC Regular – $200 (Saturday–Monday noon)
- NGC Regular Plus – $275 (Saturday–Tuesday, includes Monday dinner)
LOCATION
Sheraton Grand Chicago Riverwalk
301 East North Water Street
Chicago, Illinois, USA, 60611
Guest rooms (king and/or double) available for $169/night plus taxes. Parking at the hotel is $30/night with in-and-out privileges.
Policies
Cancellations & Substitutions
Please email events@covchurch.org to submit any cancellation requests. Cancellations cannot be accepted over the phone. Registrations that have only paid the $100 deposit will not be refunded. Cancelled registrations with a balance paid in full and received prior to January 15 will be charged a $50 cancellation fee. After January 15, a $100 fee applies for all cancellations. Exceptions may be made on an individual basis.
Substitutions will be accepted from the same church or institution, provided the registration and fee paid are the same for the new registrant as for the original registrant. To make any substitutions, email events@covchurch.org. Make sure to include the name, address, telephone number, and email address of the substitute.
Image Policy
Your participation at the NextGen Conference implies permission for the Covenant to reproduce your image, likeness, or voice in connection with any recorded display or reproduction of Midwinter in post-event publicity and publicity for other such events sponsored by the Covenant. Thank you!
Questions?
Contact (800) 910-2442 or events@covchurch.org.
