New Jersey First Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction

2027 NJ First Leadership Summit

January 28th-30th, 2027

The Westin Mount Laurel | Mount Laurel, New Jersey

Hosted by Bishop Mark K. Reid, Jurisdictional Prelate, and the New Jersey First Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction

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BOOK YOUR STAY

Join leaders from across the New Jersey First Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction for three days of spiritual development, practical training, meaningful connection, and leadership growth.

January 28-30, 2027

The Westin Mount Laurel

555 Fellowship Road, Mount Laurel, NJ 08054

Equipping Leaders. Empowering Ministry. Advancing the Kingdom.

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Equipping Leaders to Carry the Assignment

Equipping Leaders to Carry the Assignment

FROM CALLING
TO CAPACITY.

From Calling to Capacity is a call for leaders to move beyond simply recognizing their assignment and intentionally develop the spiritual maturity, character, knowledge, skills, systems, and leadership capacity necessary to fulfill it with excellence.

As ministry continues to grow and evolve, leaders must be prepared not only for where they are, but for where God is taking them. Greater responsibility requires greater preparation. We must strengthen our character, sharpen our leadership skills, develop others, build healthy systems, communicate vision effectively, and create ministries capable of sustaining growth and Kingdom impact.

The 2027 New Jersey First Jurisdiction Leadership Summit is designed to meet leaders within their specific areas of service and provide practical, relevant, and spiritually grounded development for the work they have been called to do.

Whether serving in pastoral leadership, music and worship, youth ministry, church growth, protocol, administration, or another area of ministry, the goal is the same: to become better equipped to carry the assignment God has placed in our hands.

We are not gathering simply to celebrate the call. We are preparing to carry it.

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Our mission

The mission of the NJ First Jurisdiction Leadership Summit is to equip, empower, and align leaders through intentional training, spiritual development, and practical instruction so that every leader is prepared to serve with excellence, integrity, and effectiveness in their God-given assignment.

Our PURPOSE

The Leadership Summit exists to strengthen the foundation of leadership across the New Jersey First Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction.

We believe leadership development is not optional—it is essential to sustainable growth, healthy churches, effective ministries, and a thriving jurisdiction.

  • Develop leaders Spiritually

    Strengthen each leader’s personal walk with God, character, spiritual maturity, and commitment to their calling.

  • Equip Leaders Practically

    Provide relevant tools, strategies, resources, and systems that support effective ministry.

  • Align leaders Visually

    Ensure leaders understand, embrace, and carry the vision of the Jurisdictional Prelate and the New Jersey First Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction.

  • Empower Leaders Relationally

    Build unity, collaboration, accountability, and stronger relationships across churches, districts, departments, and ministries.

  • Prepare Leaders for Growth

    Position leaders to develop people, strengthen churches, build effective teams, and expand the work of the Kingdom.

what to expect

More Than a Conference. An Investment in Leadership.

The NJ First Leadership Summit is intentionally designed to provide leaders with an experience that is both spiritually enriching and practically useful.

Over the course of the Summit, attendees can expect:

Morning Manna

Begin the day with spiritual impartation and a focus on preparing the leader before preparing the ministry.

general sessions

Powerful sessions designed for all leaders, addressing areas that impact leadership across every level of ministry

leadership tracks & breakout sessions

Focused training that allows attendees to receive instruction relevant to their specific ministry roles, responsibilities, and leadership challenges.

panel discussions

Candid conversations with experienced leaders addressing real questions, real ministry challenges, and practical solutions.

thursday night meet & greet

Start the Summit with an opportunity to connect, fellowship, and prepare for the days ahead.

breakfast & lunch

Breakfast and lunch are included for registered attendees on both Friday and Saturday.

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coming soon

coming soon

Meet Our 2027 Speakers & Presenters

The 2027 Leadership Summit will feature an outstanding group of pastors, ministry leaders, professionals, teachers, and subject-matter experts who will provide both spiritual and practical instruction.

Speaker announcements will be added as presenters are confirmed.

We believe that before God grows the ministry, He grows the leader.

When leaders are prepared, the church is empowered.

When leaders are aligned, the Jurisdiction moves forward in excellence.

This Summit is not just an event, it is an investment in YOUR future and the future of NJ First.

— Bishop Mark K. Reid
Jurisdictional Prelate

public registration opens

NJ FIRST PRIORITY REGISTRATION

September 23 - October 31, 2026

$200

Registration opens first exclusively to members and leaders of the New Jersey First Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction.

  • Thursday Evening Meet & Greet

  • Friday Breakfast & Lunch

  • Saturday Breakfast & Lunch

  • Morning Manna

  • Two General Sessions

  • Leadership Tracks & Breakout Sessions

  • Panel Discussions

  • Summit Materials/Resources

Hotel accommodations are NOT included in the registration fee.

Register Now

public
REGISTRATION

November 1 – December 26, 2026

$235

Beginning November 1, registration opens to all ministry leaders, churches, and organizations outside of NJ First. We welcome leaders from across the Church of God in Christ and the broader faith community to join us for this leadership experience.

  • Thursday Evening Meet & Greet

  • Friday Breakfast & Lunch

  • Saturday Breakfast & Lunch

  • Morning Manna

  • Two General Sessions

  • Leadership Tracks & Breakout Sessions

  • Panel Discussions

  • Summit Materials/Resources

Hotel accommodations are NOT included in the registration fee.

Register Now

Additional registration
options

summit access only -
no meals

$150


Includes Thursday Meet & Greet and access to all Friday and Saturday Summit programming, but does not include breakfast or lunch.

one day experience

$125 NJ First / $150 Regular


Choose Friday OR Saturday. Includes all programming and breakfast/lunch for the selected day.

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Hotel & Travel

book your stay

schedule at
a glance

thursday, january 27th

  • Registration / Check-In 

  • Meet & Greet 

friday, january 28th

  • Morning Manna 

  • Breakfast 

  • General Session 

  • Leadership Tracks / Breakout Sessions 

  • Lunch 

  • Leadership Tracks / Breakout Sessions 

  • Panel Discussion 

  • Evening Worship

saturday, january 29th

  • Morning Manna 

  • Breakfast 

  • General Session 

  • Leadership Tracks / Breakout Sessions 

  • Lunch 

  • Leadership Tracks / Breakout Sessions 

  • Closing Session

secure your tickets

faqs

  • The Leadership Summit is designed for leaders throughout the New Jersey First Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction, including pastors, first ladies, elders, missionaries, ministry leaders, auxiliary leaders, emerging leaders, and those preparing for greater leadership responsibility.

  • The Leadership Summit is open to both NJ First leaders and leaders outside of the New Jersey First Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction. The Summit is designed for current and emerging leaders who desire to grow spiritually, strengthen their leadership capacity, and become more effective in their God-given assignments.

  • No. While the Leadership Summit is hosted by the New Jersey First Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction, we welcome leaders from outside of NJ First to attend and participate.

  • NJ First leaders receive exclusive priority registration from September 23 through October 31, 2026. Registration opens to leaders outside of NJ First beginning November 1, 2026.

  • The Summit will be held January 28-30, 2027, at The Westin Mount Laurel in Mount Laurel, New Jersey.

  • Registration includes the Thursday Meet & Greet, Friday and Saturday breakfast and lunch, Morning Manna, General Sessions, Leadership Tracks and Breakout Sessions, Panel Discussions, and Summit resources.

  • No. Hotel accommodations are separate from Summit registration.

  • The special Summit rate is $149 per night at The Westin Mount Laurel. Rooms must be reserved by December 27, 2026, to receive the group rate, subject to availability.

  • No. However, attendees are encouraged to stay at the host hotel to enjoy the complete Summit experience.

  • Yes. One-day registration will be available for attendees who are unable to participate in the entire Leadership Summit. Attendees may select either Friday, January 29, or Saturday, January 30. One-day registration includes access to all scheduled sessions, General Sessions, Breakout Sessions, Panel Discussions, and breakfast and lunch for the selected day.

  • Yes. Breakfast and lunch are provided on Friday and Saturday for registered attendees that register for the Full Summit Experience.

  • No. Dinner is not included in Summit registration.

  • Yes. Registration transfers are permitted; however, all transfer requests must be submitted to and approved by Leadership Summit Staff in advance. Registrations may not be transferred to another individual without prior approval.

  • No. All Leadership Summit registration fees are non-refundable. We encourage attendees to carefully review the Summit dates and details before completing registration. If you are unable to attend, you may request to transfer your registration to another individual; however, all transfers must be approved in advance by Leadership Summit Staff.

  • The attire for the Leadership Summit is business casual with relaxed, comfortable fits. We encourage attendees to dress polished yet comfortable, as Summit days will include multiple sessions, activities, and opportunities for fellowship.

  • Leadership Summit Contact:
    Joy Stokes
    missjoyreid@gmail.com
    609-929-7404

See What You Missed

The NJ First Leadership Summit is an experience!

Take a look back at moments from our inaugural Leadership Summit as leaders from across New Jersey First gathered for worship, instruction, fellowship, and leadership development.

You saw what happened last year. Now it's time to experience 2027.

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ABOUT OUR HOST

Bishop Mark K. Reid
Jurisdictional Prelate

Bishop Mark K. Reid serves as the Jurisdictional Prelate of the New Jersey First Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction of the Church of God in Christ. A respected pastor, administrator, and visionary leader, Bishop Reid has devoted his ministry to strengthening the local church, developing leaders, and advancing the work of the Kingdom through service, structure, and spiritual excellence.

Since assuming leadership of New Jersey First, Bishop Reid has emphasized a vision of unity, excellence, accountability, and intentional growth. His leadership is centered on strengthening the Jurisdiction by strengthening its people, creating opportunities for pastors, ministry leaders, and emerging leaders to be equipped for the responsibilities God has entrusted to them. He believes that healthy, effective ministry requires leaders who are not only spiritually grounded, but also prepared to lead with wisdom, integrity, vision, and excellence.

That commitment to leadership development is at the heart of the NJ First Leadership Summit. Bishop Reid's vision is for the Summit to be more than an annual gathering; it is an intentional investment in the present and future leadership of the Church. Through relevant training, spiritual impartation, practical resources, and meaningful collaboration, leaders are challenged to grow beyond simply holding positions and develop the capacity necessary to effectively carry their God-given assignments.

Bishop Reid continues to lead New Jersey First with a forward-focused vision, honoring the foundation upon which the Jurisdiction was built while preparing a new generation of leaders for what is ahead. His desire is to see churches strengthened, leaders developed, ministries working together, and New Jersey First advancing the Kingdom with excellence, integrity, unity, and purpose.