shepherds Summit 2024

february 8-10

Northside Bible Church

2700 university blvd. n mobile, al 36618

Small church pastors! Do you feel the overwhelming weight, burden, and intense pressure of ministry life like never before? Have you recently isolated yourself just to maintain sanity? Ever feel like you're trying to pull a train uphill while all the passengers onboard are busy shifting it into reverse? You are not alone! Shepherding and leading a small to midsize church in America is one of the most difficult endeavors in today's culture. And for pastors, it is physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually draining. How can you find time to care for yourself when your calling is to spend your life pouring into others?

At 6:14 Ministries, we are dedicated to providing small and mid-size church pastors with the tools and resources they need in order to lead more effectively. Part of leading effectively is knowing when and how to rest and when and care for yourself, neither of which come easy for the majority of small church pastors in America today. 

The link above will take you to this year's registration form and payment information.

The cost for the Summit will be $150/person or $225 if you bring your team, staff, or a group of associate pastors, etc. If you would like to remain after the Saturday session and stay in town to join us at Northside on Sunday for worship, we certainly encourage and welcome you to do so! Please feel free to inquire about any additional lodging in the area. There are some wonderful Airbnb homes and hotels nearby.

Let's meet this year's speaker!

karl vaters

Founder — KarlVaters.com
Teaching Pastor — Cornerstone Christian Fellowship: Fountain Valley, CA


Karl has spent over 40 years in pastoral ministry. He's the author of four books on church leadership and he produces resources for Helping Small Churches Thrive at karlvaters.com

Karl is also the teaching pastor of Cornerstone Christian Fellowship, a healthy small church in Orange County, California, where he has ministered for over 27 years with his wife Shelley. 

Detailed Itinerary

thursday, February 8

1:45PM-2:45PM — Intro and Session #1 — "Beyond the Numbers" — Karl Vaters

2:45PM-3:15PM — Discussion Groups

3:15PM-3:30PM — Break [Snacks provided] 

3:30PM-4:15PM — Session #2 — "De-Sizing the Church" — Karl Vaters

4:15PM-4:45PM — Discussion Groups

4:45PM-5:30PM — Session #3 — Church Comms — Josh Givens

5:30PM-6:00PM — Discussion [Topics of the day] 

6:30PM — Dinner and Testimonies [Location TBA] 


FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 9

8:30AM-9:00AM — Breakfast & Fellowship

9:00AM-10:00AM — Session #4 — Discipleship Fixes Everything — Karl Vaters

10:00AM-10:45AM — Discussion Groups

10:45AM-11:00AM — Break

11:00AM-12:00PM — Session #5 — Lessons From Veterans

12:00PM-1:00PMPM — Lunch & Fellowship

1:00PM-1:45PM — Session #6 — A Time To Laugh

1:45PM-2:00PM — Break

2:00PM-2:45PM — Session #7 — The Future of Small Churches — Karl Vaters

2:45PM-7:00PM — Your Time [Free Time]

     Options include: 

  • Tour of Discipleship Homes [Ryan Lantaff] 
  • Free Tour of USS Alabama Battleship
  • Free golf time [courses nearby] 
  • Website/digital & social media evaluation [Josh Givens] 
  • Rest; study; network   


SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 10

8:30AM-9:30AM — Breakfast & Fellowship

9:30AM-9:45AM — Worship

9:45AM-10:15AM — Session #8 — Q&A with Karl & Stan

10:15AM-10:45AM — Challenge from Pastor Stan

10:45AM-11:30AM — Prayer for one another

11:45AM — Photo ops and invitation to free lunch

Recommended hotels

if you need a place to stay, we suggest the following:

There are several local hotels to choose from throughout Mobile and several great locations near Northside Bible Church, where the Shepherds Summit will be held. Mobile is also home to many fantastic Airbnb options. If you need help finding lodging or have questions, please reach out to us via email, phone, or social media. Scholarship funding and financial assistance is available for those who need help with lodging. 

  • Holiday Inn Express & Suites Mobile - University Area, an IHG Hotel

    109 Long St, Mobile, AL 36608 | (251) 241-9979

  • Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Saraland, AL

    1130 Joaneen Dr, Saraland, AL 36571 | (251) 675-3580

  • Holiday inn express & suites — mobile/saraland

    1401 Industrial Pkwy, Saraland, AL 36571 | (251) 378-6300