When
Oct 8-10
Thurs EVE throughSat NOON
Metro Church · East Falls, Philadelphia
RE:NEW
Metro Church-Wide Conference 2026 · October 8-10
01The invitation
RE:NEW2026
Battling Spiritual Drift
Spiritual drift is a gradual movement of the heart away from a steadfast faith, hope, love, and obedience to the Lord, not through an intentional choice to reject or rebel against God, but through neglect, distraction, and misplaced loves that feed unbelief.
What is the cause of our neglect? One of the biggest enemies of spiritual flourishing is the notion of more: more wealth, more work, more children, more square-footage, and more expenses, leading to less energy, less motivation, less passion, less time, and less focus dedicated to the inner being (Ephesians 3:14-18).
Join us prayerfully for Metro's first-ever church-wide conference, that we may return to the Scriptures, be strengthened by God's Spirit so that Christ would dwell in our hearts—and experience spiritual renewal.
02At-a-glance
Where
Metro Church
East Falls CampusPhiladelphia
Who
The ENTIRE church
Both CampusesALL Services
Cost
Per Adult $90
Per College $70Children/Youth Free
IncludedWorshipKeynote sessionsBreakout sessionsChildren and youth programsBookstore and swag store
03Our keynote speakers
Our keynote speakers
Three days of worship and teaching for people of all ages (over two). Our keynote sessions are for everyone, with two additional breakout sessions that help us apply the gospel into our regular rhythms of life.
Our children will also be taught in the Word of God regarding what it means to be bold in our faith, and our youth and college students will have age-appropriate sessions to help deepen their understanding as fellow believers.
The following are our keynote speakers, all of whom are brothers, fathers, and intimate partners with our pastors:
Main Sessions
Our keynote speakers
Ajay Thomas was born and raised in New York to first generation immigrant parents. After college, Ajay moved to Boston to attend Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, where he received his MDiv. In 2008, he and his wife Shainu were sent to plant Seven Mile Road Church in Philadelphia (they have two children). In 2015, Ajay partnered with a group of South Asian leaders who shared his passion for church-planting to begin The Advance Initiative. He stepped away from pastoring at Seven Mile Road Church to serve as the full-time Executive Director of The Advance Initiative. We are pleased to have such a good friend, partner, and gifted preacher as a part of our inaugural church-wide conference.
Doug Logan is the founding President of Grimké Seminary and Dean of the School of Urban Ministry. He is also a Teaching Pastor at Remnant Church in Richmond, VA. Prior to his work at Grimké Seminary, Doug planted and pastored Epiphany Fellowship Church in Camden, NJ. He is the author of On the Block: Developing a Biblical Picture for Missional Engagement, The Soul-Winning Church, The Weightiness of Preaching: Applying Francis Grimké's Enduring Wisdom to Your Preaching, and the upcoming Spiritual Fathers. Doug and his wife, Angel, have been married since 1996 and have three sons. It is only fitting to have a wonderful friend and champion for Metro since its inception be a part of our inaugural church-wide conference.
04Our breakout sessions
Applied theology
Each adult can select two breakout sessions across the weekend, led by a guest speaker, based on specific topics (tentative) that will nourish, empower, and move us towards biblical application.
Breakout 1
Pick any topic
Choose one of the four sessions below.
+
Breakout 2
Pick another
Pick another you didn't take in Breakout 1.
Breakout 01
A Public Faith
This session provides a glimpse of what it means to have a Scriptural framework that enables one to identify cultural idols and thought culture without compromising one's faith and identity in Christ.
Bryan Laughlin
Chancellor, CEO, and Professor of Theology and Missiology at Grimké Seminary | Lead Pastor, Remnant Church in Richmond, VA
Breakout 02
Biblical Fatherhood
Our society has done much to diminish, even denigrate, the important role that a father plays in upholding the spiritual health and flourishing of a family and society at large. What does it mean to be a good father in a professed Christian home?
Marc Becton
Professor of Spiritual Formation at Grimké Seminary
Breakout 03
Biblical Femininity
The primary purpose of this session is to Scripturally challenge women in the church to identify and confront the cultural idols and influences that easily ensnare believers in society today.
Jayne Clark
Professional Biblical Counselor | Former Chief of Staff at the Christian Counseling & Educational Foundation (CCEF)
Breakout 04
Why Church Is Vital to Your Spiritual Growth
Many people view the role of the church as optional today. This session provides a concise understanding of the importance of the local church to your spiritual health and flourishing.
Joe Holland
Professor of Christian Ministry at Grimké Seminary and Dean of Grimké College
05Registration & pricing
Reserve Your Spot
Early-bird · limited time
Adult
$90
$120 full priceFri lunch add-on +$12
Early-bird · limited time
College
$70
$100 full priceFri lunch add-on +$12
Always
Children / Youth
Free
Fri lunch add-on +$12
The early-bird pricing will change when we reach either a target number of early registrants, or a specific date: adults by 8/16, college by 9/13. Early registrations are strongly encouraged.
06For families
Everyone is invited
Children's Program
The children's program will run with its own theme concurrently with our keynote and breakout sessions and will be administered by our Crossroads Fellowship. All children over the age of two who attend Thursday through Saturday will be able to participate. Our guest speaker is Ms. Karen Williams, from Open Air Campaigners, who has partnered with many of our pastors and leaders for 20+ years.
Karen Williams
Children's Speaker
Youth program
MetroNext will have a separate program apart from the keynote worship sessions for all youth who attend Thursday through Saturday. A more defined program will be provided prior to the conference.
Donald Han
Youth Director
Children and youth can register free.Register →
07Practical information
For your information
ParkingOn-site and overflow available
What we provideID lanyard, conference booklet, special swag
Meals providedCoffee and light snacks | Friday lunch available if elected. Please plan your own meals throughout the weekend.
What to bringBible, pen, notebook
What to wearCasual dress
What to purchaseA bookstore and swag store will be available
08Questions
Questions
FAQs are added as common questions arise.
Yes, it is still necessary to register your children if they intend to participate in the conference.
All children are registered along with their parents as part of the same registration.
Light snacks and coffee will be provided each morning, but no meals will be provided as part of the program. We will provide lunch boxes to a limited number of folks who elect to eat in the building; due to space limitations, we encourage most people to take the opportunity to go out to eat as the schedule allows. We will provide a map of restaurants in the area.
Yes, you are welcome to join in for as much of the conference as possible. However, there are no reduced prices for part-time attendance.
Of course. We would hate that you are unable to attend, but we can certainly refund you for most of the fee (minus minimal processing fees) if you request a refund prior to September 27.
