What Makes Ministers Gathering So Special? Here's What You Need to Know
Over the years, our annual Ministers Gathering has seen much change and progression. This event has become one that is a cornerstone of our District, continuing to expand and break new ground each year.
If you're new to the ABNWT or have never attended before, here's what you can expect from Ministers Gathering (or "MG" for short, if you'd like to sound like a seasoned attendee 🙂):
MG is a Space for Renewal
Set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Rocky Mountains in Banff, the setting couldn't be more picturesque. We intentionally start our morning sessions later and keep the afternoons free of plenary sessions, giving you the opportunity to pray, practice self-care, and connect with others at your own pace.
A "Build-Your-Own" Schedule
Everyone has a unique way of engaging at MG. Some attendees look forward to connecting with colleagues and friends, while others enjoy immersing themselves in all the sessions and activities. Others use this time for personal renewal and reflection. That's why we've designed a flexible schedule, allowing you to curate your experience and attend the sessions that serve you the best.
Intentional Points of Connection
Attending an event for the first time can be intimidating, especially when it comes to finding new people to connect with. To make it easier, we offer Meetups—informal gatherings where you can connect with others who share similar areas of interest or expertise. We also offer a Newcomers Meetup, which introduces you to other fellow first-time attendees to journey together through the event with.
Main Sessions to Inspire You
Our plenary sessions are a highlight for a lot of our attendees. These services bring pastors and ministry leaders from across our District together. Our hope is that these sessions inspire and equip you in your ministry throughout the year.
Celebrating Growth
As an event organizer, I get to witness firsthand the momentum building around this gathering. Last year, in 2024, we broke records by selling out for the first time, creating a new satellite meeting space, and increasing volunteer involvement tenfold. This year, we saw more exciting growth:
A Sell-Out Event
This year, the Ballroom tickets were 80% sold out within the first 24 hours of registration launch. They completely sold out within five days—our fastest sell-out ever! We are grateful for the enthusiasm of everyone who purchased tickets so quickly (plus, it really helped our planning team!)
No One Turned Away
Despite selling out the ballroom, we were able to offer overflow ticket sales right up until the registration deadline. This meant that everyone who wanted to attend was still able to. If you missed out this year because you thought it there was no room, don't worry—join us next year! There is room for everyone.
Young Leaders on the Rise
Another ground-breaker for 2025 is that 45% of our attendees were under the age of 35. In total, we hosted 155 young leaders, along with the 103 children who were registered for our kids' program. This growing demographic brings fresh energy and a valued perspective to our meetings. We are thrilled to see how this event is helping to invest in the next generation.
Creative Budgeting
As a non-profit organization operating in a challenging economic climate, we understand the importance of making good use of every dollar. We are incredibly thankful for the more than 100 volunteers and staff who made this event possible. A special thanks to our in-kind sponsor, Production World, for their outstanding audiovisual setup and to Banff Park Lodge for hosting us each year. This event wouldn't be possible without them!
Save the Date!
Ministers Gathering is a space for leaders like you to gather together, build community, and invest in your own personal well-being. Our goal is to "refresh, connect, and grow," and it's been exciting to see that vision come to life.
If you have an idea for a Meetup next year, we'd love to hear from you. Contact our Meetups Coordinator, Bob Jones with your idea, and we’ll help you make it happen. Meetups are informal, don't require a budget, and can be led by someone just like you. These moments of connection are part of what makes this event so impactful.
And, of course, Mark your calendars for the next Ministers Gathering: February 9-12, 2026. We hope to see you there!
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