On March 13 and 14, 2025, pastors from all over the United States and Canada gathered at Tree of Life Ministries in Lynchburg, Virginia, for the first National Pastors Conference (NPC) in 20 years. The atmosphere was electric, filled with excitement and anticipation, as the pastors and spouses connected with new and old friends. The event was organized and executed by Clergy Development Director Steve Ely and his Administrative Assistant, Abbigale Weatherford. They worked alongside the members of the IPHC’s General Superintendent’s Office, the Extension Loan Fund, Discipleship Ministries, EVUSA, and World Missions. Tree of Life Ministries, the largest PH church in America, under the leadership of Mike and Debbie Dodson, generously provided the use of their beautiful campus.
Tree of Life Ministries
NPC was an on-time event, and as Pastor Lydia Figueroa shared: “We have been in the presence of the Lord with our IPHC family. Special thanks to Steve Ely and all those who have made this National Pastors Conference possible. We have been encouraged, strengthened, and renewed.” Zach Royer said this about his experience: “What a tremendous time we have had this week at the IPHC National Pastors Conference! We’ve been both challenged and encouraged. Looking forward to implementing lessons learned from this time as we continue to load heaven and unload hell!”
The structure of the event allowed for pastors and their spouses to choose from sessions that are specific to the needs of their ministry. Session leaders included Mike Dodson, Bill Rose, David Kinnaman, Sam Marin, Merle Gilley, and Jared Fabec. The designers of NPC also gave special thought to Spanish-speaking pastors with sessions led by Eduardo Gonzalez and Luis Avila, while tapping into wisdom and encouragement from Janice Marshburn and Gladys Lara for IPHC women holding licensure and credentials. Sessions for worship leaders were led by Matt Bartlett and Julie Ely. Sharon Atkinson and Alison Boggs ministered to the ministers’ wives’ hearts. Discipleship Ministries also brought together kids and student ministers for “The Huddle” with Dr. Jolene Erlacher. Garryt Bryant and the ARISE IN PRAYER team offered several opportunities to gather for prayer. Pastor Tony Suarez delivered the message during Thursday’s evening service, while Pastor Kevin Wallace spoke at Friday’s evening service.
Tony Suarez
Kevin Wallace
Many in attendance felt that Pastor Tony Suarez’s words were especially impactful. Lori Hambrick Rowsey said: “It was the thought that no one had picked up Elisha’s mantle and that anointing was buried. The thought of the anointing being buried so much so that it took a dead man to bring another man back to life. Let our children and their children not grow up without knowing what Pentecost sounds like!” Pastor Melanie Vadala Seibold shared about Suarez’s message: “The message will be long remembered. So powerful!” Pastor Tony Suarez was also touched by his time at the National Pastors Conference, saying: “A landmark night as we unburied mantles of old to carry on for another generation of Pentecost!”
Pastor Scott Varney said this about the event: “The Thursday night service and prayer time was refreshing. Tree of Life were great hosts for this gathering. Thank you IPHC for the investment!” Pastor Derrick Gardner summed up his thoughts this way: “Best IPHC event I have been to in many years. It was spiritually rich and intellectually deep. Big shout out to our friend Steve Ely who made the event all come together.” Bishop Randell Drake of New Horizons Ministries shared: “Wonderful Day 2 at IPHC National Pastors Conference!” Pastor Wyatt Cook said: “So thankful to be at the National IPHC Pastors Conference in Lynchburg, VA!”
Each session and speaker were chosen to relay the Word of God and encourage the hearts and minds of the church’s “frontline.” The pastors and spouses in attendance at the 2025 National Pastors Conference returned home with a fresh anointing and excitement for the next season of ministry.
We hope you will join us at the next National Pastors Conference and also make plans to attend the General Conference in July 2026!
