We’re excited to invite workshop proposals for the 2027 Messy Church USA National Conference, happening April 15–17, 2027, in Greenville, South Carolina.
In a fragmented, anxious, divided, and exhausted world, God still gathers us—right in the middle of the mess. Messy Churches are making space for communities of hope to flourish, and this conference will help leaders imagine how we can continue creating places of hope and belonging in our churches and communities.
We are seeking engaging and practical workshops that will inspire and equip leaders to start, sustain, or grow their Messy Church communities. Workshops should reflect the five core values of Messy Church—Hospitality, Creativity, Celebration, All Ages Together, and Christ-centered—and connect with the 2027 conference theme.
Workshops will be approximately 60 minutes, with a maximum length of 75 minutes. Possible topics might include:
- Creative approaches to Messy Church activities, celebration, or meals
- Building and sustaining a strong team
- Welcoming people of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds
- Connecting Messy Church with the wider community
- Prayer, storytelling, service, and other faith practices
- Hospitality, belonging, and relationship-building
- Leadership, sustainability, and adapting Messy Church to your context
- Lessons learned from your own Messy Church experience
While presenters should be familiar with the Messy Church model and its five core values, and proposed workshops should be clearly grounded in the Messy Church ethos, you don’t have to consider yourself an “expert” to submit a proposal. Some of the most valuable workshops grow from the discoveries, experiments, and lessons learned in local Messy Churches. If you have an experience, idea, or practice that could encourage others, we would love to hear from you!
As a thank-you for the time, preparation, and wisdom they share with our conference community, accepted workshop presenters will receive complimentary conference registration. Presenters will be responsible for their own travel and lodging expenses. Our hope is to welcome presenters who are excited not only to lead a workshop, but also to participate fully in the conference—learning, worshiping, and building relationships alongside other Messy Church leaders.
Submit your proposal by September 15, 2026:
https://forms.gle/9s8vUo5rkyACAs56A
Please feel free to contact the Messy Church USA Team if you have questions or would like to talk through a possible workshop idea. We hope you’ll consider sharing your gifts and experience as we come together in the mess!