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Get Equipped To Go The Distance
The BLDRS Conference is a 2-day event happening on July 7 - 8, 2026, for church leaders to transform the way they lead so they can build sustainable, thriving ministries.
Take Your Leadership Skills Up A Notch
Between main session keynotes, choose from a range of focused breakout topics to build skills in areas like discipleship models, creative outreach, stewarding growth, pastoral health, and more. With dedicated time woven throughout the event for connecting with fellow leaders, you’ll build community and leave with concrete ideas, frameworks, and partnerships to launch the enduring ministry God’s placed on your heart.
Learn From The Best
Over the course of two inspiration-packed days, you'll hear from influential keynote speakers with proven models of leading churches that stand the test of time. We've assembled some of the brightest minds and most engaging voices in the church growth space to pour into you.
BLDRS
Equipping you to build a thriving ministry that lasts.
Meet Your Hosts
Stephen Chandler brings over 20 years of real-world ministry experience, equipping pastors and church leaders to grow healthy, thriving ministries. From humble beginnings with just 50 members, he understands firsthand what it takes to lead and scale a growing church.
As Senior Pastor of Union Church and founder of The Builders Network, Stephen is committed to walking alongside pastors—providing the wisdom, practical strategies, and community needed to flourish and avoid common pitfalls.
Grounded in his books Stop Waiting for Permission and Relationship Road Map, Stephen offers clear, no-nonsense guidance for both ministry and life. He is a sought-after speaker dedicated to helping leaders build with confidence and maximize their Kingdom impact.
Learn more about Pastor Stephen here.
Zai Chandler is a passionate and joy-filled communicator committed to helping people experience the love of God and walk confidently in their calling. Alongside her husband, Stephen, she serves as Senior Pastor of Union Church, leading a thriving, life-giving community across Maryland, Virginia and Charlotte, North Carolina.
Known for her warmth, wit, and wisdom, Zai has a unique ability to encourage and equip pastors and leaders to build healthy ministries while staying true to who God created them to be. Her heart is to see leaders thrive—not just in what they do, but in who they are.
When she’s not preaching or leading, Zai enjoys discovering new restaurants, talking about her dogs, and being a proud mom to Zoe, Roman, and Jade.
Learn more about Pastor Zai here.
Speakers
Ticket Pricing
Empowering Purpose-Driven Leaders
Join us for the BLDRS Conference and unlock the potential of your ministry.
FAQs
Still have questions before registering and joining us on July 7th and 8th, 2026. We've compiled a FAQ list addressing everything from parking to childcare availability to hotel suggestions near the venue so your experience is seamless. We can't wait to see you soon at this one-of-a-kind church leaders conference!
Event Details
Any member of your church staff or team is welcome to attend. Childcare will not be provided.
Union Church
681 Hollins Ferry Rd, Glen Burnie, MD 21061
Tuesday, July 7, from 6:30 – 9 p.m.
Wednesday, July 8, from 9 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Please note that times and itinerary are subject to change.
CONFERENCE SCHEDULE
Tuesday, July 7
• 6:30 p.m. - Doors Open
• 7:00 p.m. - Main Session
• 9:00 p.m. - Afterparty
Wednesday, July 8
• 8:30 a.m. - Breakfast
• 9:00 a.m. - Main Session
• 12:00 p.m. - Lunch
• 1:00 p.m. - Main Session
• 2:00 p.m. - Breakout Sessions
• 3:00 p.m. - Main Session
• 7:00 p.m. - Main Session
Yes, The BLDRS Conference venue and all spaces are fully wheelchair accessible, including parking, entrances, restrooms, and breakout session rooms. Please email info@thebuildersnetwork.org if you require wheelchair accessible accomodations.
As a general policy, photo and video recording is permitted in common conference areas for personal use, but prohibited during private sessions, workshops, and other restricted program elements which will be signed. Media must acquire official press passes.
Tickets & Pricing
General admission $119 per ticket. We also offer a group discount for ten or more guests at $99 per ticket. You can purchase tickets here.
The BLDRS Conference tickets are non-refundable. However, if you are unable to attend, you may transfer your ticket to another person.
Getting There
Union Church is conveniently located 10 minutes from the BWI Airport and is accessible via public transportation. Rideshare services and taxis are also available in the area.
Parking will be available at the selected venue and our parking team will be readily available to navigate you to the proper parking areas upon your arrival.
The nearest airport is BWI, located about 10 minutes (3.8 mi) from Union Church. If you’re coming from out of town, rideshare, public transit, and other ground transportation options are available to transport you to the venue.
At The Conference
Yes, all attendees will have access to WiFi.
Yes, you are welcome to bring laptops, tablets, and other devices to the conference. There are select areas designed for working and recharging devices if needed. We simply request that devices remain silent out of respect for speakers and attendees.
There will be two entrances to enter the venue. Please keep a look out for way-finding signage and the parking team to direct you.
Unfortunately, bag check will not be available to conference attendees.
A variety of snacks and beverage options will be available for free throughout the conference at designated mealtimes and during select breaks. Options include continental breakfast spreads, hot lunch buffets, fresh packaged snacks, as well as coffee/tea, juices, sodas, and energy drinks. Specific menus and pricing will be provided in your digital event program. Please specify during your registration if you or anyone in your group has any dietary restrictions.
We generally allow guests to bring their own food and non-alcoholic beverages for personal consumption during their visit. However, there are a few important guidelines to be aware of:
- Outside food and drink are permitted at the venue, including in the auditorium. It is strongly encouraged that it be during designated meal/snack times and during breaks.
- Food and drinks should be kept in small personal coolers or containers. Large picnic baskets or extensive setups are generally not permitted.
- We reserve the right to inspect bags and containers to ensure outside items comply with our policies. If you have any other questions about outside food and drink policies, please don't hesitate to ask one of our staff members. We want to ensure everyone has an enjoyable experience during their visit!
Still have questions?
BLDRS Conference Ministry Partners
At The Builders Network, we believe in not doing ministry alone. We have some great ministry partners that we work together with. These are organizations that believe in our mission and invest eagerly to help us provide the best resources possible for our annual BLDRS Conference. They are committed to building the Kingdom above all else, and we are proud to partner with them in ministry.
INTERESTED IN BECOMING A MINISTRY PARTNER?
If you are interested in becoming one of our Ministry Partners, please contact us at info@thebuildernetwork.org or by filling out this form.
STAY CONNECTED
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