From the Ark Encounter to Everyday Ministry

I just returned from the Answers in Genesis Conference for Pastors and Leaders at the Ark Encounter in Williamstown, Kentucky—and what a Spirit-filled, life-giving experience it was.

The Ark itself is a breathtaking attraction (and I’ll share more about that in a future post), but what struck me most this past week wasn’t the massive wooden structure—it was the voices, stories, and wisdom of the pastors, teachers, and leaders gathered there.

The Power of Being Present

There’s something unique about setting aside time to attend a conference. It isn’t just another event on the calendar. It’s a sacred pause, a chance to step out of the daily grind of ministry and allow God to fill your heart again.

Throughout the week, I found myself scribbling furiously in my notebook, trying to capture every nugget of truth I could. When I wasn’t writing, I was exploring booths and connecting with ministries doing incredible work across the country. It felt like being a child, wide-eyed with wonder, encountering the Ark for the first time.

Why Conferences Matter

Conferences aren’t just for pastors. They’re for anyone who longs to grow deeper in faith.

• They refresh your spirit and remind you why you serve.

• They equip you with practical tools to meet today’s challenges.

• They connect you with a larger body of believers, reminding you that you’re not in this alone.

For me, this week was about seeing how the Church can address cultural challenges—like gender ideology, critical race theory, and questions of identity—not with fear or hostility, but with truth spoken in love. I also saw firsthand how churches are incorporating apologetics into their ministries, equipping the next generation to answer tough questions in their schools and communities.

Continuing Education for the Soul

As pastors, we often think of continuing education in terms of reading, studying, and preparing sermons—and those are vital. But continuing education also means understanding what spiritual battles the Church is facing right now.

It means asking:

• How can we equip believers to stand firm in a shifting culture?

• How do we answer difficult questions without compromising the gospel?

• How can we shepherd people through confusion with clarity and compassion?

Conferences are one of the best ways to engage those questions alongside others who are walking the same path.

More Than One Option

While this week’s Answers in Genesis conference was powerful, it’s not the only one worth attending. There are so many opportunities to grow:

• The Gospel Coalition

• Great Commission Collective

• Church Multiplication Network

• Denominational and interdenominational gatherings

Each one is an opportunity to be sharpened, renewed, and sent back into ministry with fresh fire.

A Final Encouragement

If you’ve never attended a conference like this, I encourage you to make a plan. Build it into your rhythm. Whether you’re a pastor, a leader, or a layperson hungry for more of God, you will leave with your spirit refreshed and your calling renewed.

This week at the Ark reminded me that we never stop learning, we never stop growing, and we never outgrow our need for the Holy Spirit to breathe new life into us.