Urban tribes
Conference
from 21-23 May
Welcome to Urban Tribes Conference 2025!
This year, we’re seeing clearer than ever. As we gather in Durban for Urban Tribes Conference 2025, our theme “Optics” invites us to sharpen our spiritual vision, refocus our mission, and gain a fresh perspective. It’s time to see what God sees—people, purpose, and potential in every corner of Africa’s urban spaces.
Over the next few days, expect powerful sessions, real connections, and visionary conversations that will challenge and inspire. Let’s align our focus and move forward with clarity and courage.
Conference
Schedule
Day 1: Wednesday, May 21, 2025
Info
09:00
Registrations Open!
Info
We encourage all attendees to arrive early to check in, pick up conference materials, and get settled before the morning session begins. Our welcome team will be ready to greet you, and coffee will be available to help you start the day refreshed and connected.
Let’s kick off the conference together with energy and expectation!
Sessions
11:00
Core Four Optics: Vision System
Vision is essential for the church fulfill its mission. Discover the keys to clarify a compelling vision for the future and the five-step process to cast inspiring vision to others.
Listen to Session
Stephen Blandino
13:30
Core Four Optics: Organizational System
For the church to experience forward momentum, leaders must create organizational alignment. Discover how to align your vision, strategies, measurements, team, and finances to accomplish the church’s vision.
Listen to Session
Stephen Blandino
Open Sessions: 19:00 - 21:00
Optics
Visionary leadership is a discipline not a personality trait. Regardless of your bent or preferences, you are capable of developing strategic foresight, thinking and planning.
Listen to Session
DR Randy Freeman
Urban Tribes
Info
21:00
After Party
After a powerful first day of conference, we’re just getting started! Join us Wednesday night after the evening service for the After Party—a time to unwind, connect, and celebrate.
Enjoy a lively atmosphere with food vendors, inflatable rides, entertainment, and plenty of opportunities to hang out and build relationships. Whether you’re coming with friends or meeting new ones, it’s the perfect way to close out Day One.
Day 2: Thursday, May 22, 2025
Sessions - 9:00AM - 11:00AM
09:00
Interview: Media
Listen to Interview
DR Randy Freeman
Urban Tribes
09:00
Interview: Bam
Listen to Interview
DR Randy Freeman
Urban Tribes
10:00
Tensions Well Held
Leading in the gray of team ministry
Listen to Session
DR Nathan Rouse
Faith Church
Breakout 1
11:00
Leadership Culture
The primary task of leadership is creating, cultivating, and contending for culture.
Listen to Session
DR Bryan Jarrett
Northplace Church
11:00
The Art of Guest Experience
First impressions matter. In this breakout, we’ll explore how to create a guest experience where every person feels seen, valued, and loved – from the parking lot to the follow-up. Whether you’re launching soon or looking to strengthen your culture, you’ll leave with practical tools to turn first-time visits into lasting connections.
Listen to Session
Manny Provenzano
11:00
Studio and Media Tools for Ministry
Discover practical tools for building an effective media ministry. Learn about studio setup, podcasting, video production, livestreaming, and team training to equip your church or mission with powerful media resources.
Argenis Matos
Breakout 2
13:30
Dear Pastor: Questions Marketplace Believers Wish Their Pastors Knew they were Asking
A reflection on healing the sacred/ secular divide and activating marketplace believers as Gospel agents. Attendees will be able to articulate what marketplace believers are primarily asking about work and their role in the kingdom. They will be able to implement strategies to disciple marketplace believers in integrating faith and vocation in their current context.
Listen to Session
Erik Cooper
13:30
Building an Effective Preaching Team
Every pastor needs a group of communicators they can trust in their pulpit. In this session we will learn how to cultivate a passion for preaching among leadership, create a system for consistent sermons, and discover a helpful follow-up process for continued growth.
Lesson to Session
Jason Patterson
13:30
Turning Dreams into a Reality
Discover how to move from inspiration to action. In this session, we’ll explore practical steps, mindset shifts, and strategies to help you clarify your vision, set achievable goals, and take bold steps toward making your dreams a reality
Lesson to Session
DR Zack Whitt
Multiply Church
13:30
Studio and Media Tools for Ministry
Discover practical tools for building an effective media ministry. Learn about studio setup, podcasting, video production, livestreaming, and team training to equip your church or mission with powerful media resources.
Argenis Matos
Session: 15:00-16:30
15:00
Core Four Optics: Engagement System
The Engagement System: How to Create a Pathway to Connect Every Guest
Listen to Session
Stephen Blandino
Open Sessions: 19:00 - 21:00
Drop the Rock
This message is intended to help leaders propel into their God designed future. It will tie into the optics theme.
Listen to Session
DR Darryl Wotton
Oklahoma AOG
Day 3: Friday, May 22, 2025
Session: 9:00AM - 11:00AM
09:00
Servant Leadership
Listen to Session
Stephen Blandino
Breakout 1
11:00
Music Direction and the Implementation of Technology in Worship
This session will explore the vital role of the Music Director (MD) in modern worship. Learn how to lead a worship team musically through effective MD communication, transitions, and flow. We’ll also introduce practical tools for implementing technology in worship— covering how to use Ableton Live, run tracks, and acquire the right resources for your team. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to grow in excellence, this workshop will equip you with the skills and systems to enhance your worship experience and to answer the question, “So what
Listen to Session
Judah & Jonah Crowder
11:00
Stay in your Lane
This will be a fun session intended to help leaders understand their role on a team. I will encourage them to stay in their “God-gifted groove” but also teach them how to use their “turn signal” when changing lanes is necessary.
Listen to Session
DR Darryl Wootton
Oklahoma AOG
Breakout 2
13:30
Social Media - Using Digital Platforms as an Outreach Ministry for Your Church
Social Media is one of the most widely used ways of communication globally. As churches, social media can be one of our greatest outreach tools, if utilized well. We’ll spend our time discussing how to approach your social media account as a way deepen connection with regular attenders and provide hope to everyone who comes across your account.
Listen to Session
Esther Reznicek
13:30
BAM! When Business Meets the Great Commission
This workshop explores how business can be a powerful vehicle for advancing the Gospel in both open and closed nations. Church leaders will be able to articulate how business can serve as a strategic platform for missions within the global church. They will be able to develop actionable strategies for mobilizing business leaders to engage in cross-cultural missions efforts.
Listen to Session
Erik Cooper
13:30
The Last 10%
Leading Hard Conversation with Courage and Compassion.
Listen to Session
DR Nathan Rouse
Faith Church
Session
15:00
Core Four Optics: Leadership System
Leaders can become the lid to the church. Discover how to maximize your growth as a leader and how to invest in the growth and development of the leaders around you.
Listen to Session
Stephen Blandino
Open Sessions: 19:00 - 21:00
Holy Curiosity
Lessons in how to become who God wants us to be, accomplish what He planned for our lives, and enjoy the journey more than ever.
Listen to Session
Jason Patterson
The
Speakers
Check that
Merch out
