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2027 Student Leader Summit

Sponsored by Samford University

Student Leadership Summit

A unique leadership experience for high school students interested in worship ministry.

Whether you are already serving on your church’s worship team or are beginning to sense God’s call to worship ministry, the Student Leadership Summit is designed to encourage, equip, and connect you with other students pursuing that same calling.
Hosted as part of the larger Southern Baptist Church Music Conference, this 24-hour immersive experience combines practical training, meaningful worship, instruction from experienced ministry leaders, and opportunities to build relationships with students from across the country.

Designed for emerging leaders

What You’ll Experience

01

Practical Leadership Training

Learn from experienced worship pastors, musicians, production leaders, educators, and ministry mentors who want to invest in your growth.
02

Worship and Community

Worship alongside SBCMC attendees and connect with high school students from across the country who share your interest in worship and ministry.
03

College and Ministry Connections

Meet college, seminary, and ministry leaders who can help you continue developing your gifts and exploring God’s call.

You Are Invited

Who Should Attend?

The Student Leadership Summit is for students who will be in grades 9–12 at the time of the 2027 conference and who are interested or involved in worship and music ministry.

    • Student worship leaders and vocalists
    • Instrumentalists and church musicians
    • Students interested in songwriting
    • Students serving in audio, video, lighting, or media
    • Students exploring a future call to ministry

    Students do not need to have already decided on a ministry career. The Summit is designed to help them grow, ask questions, and explore where God may be leading.

    Parent or Guardian Attendance

    Each student must attend with one parent or legal guardian. The parent or guardian remains responsible for the student throughout the Summit.

    • One student and one parent or guardian are included
    • Sunday-night lodging is included
    • Meals and Summit activities are included
    • Space is limited to 100 students

    Churches are encouraged to help identify and support students who may benefit from this opportunity.

    Included with Registration

    Everything You Need for the Summit

    Thanks to the support of Samford University, the cost has been underwritten to make this experience accessible to students and families.

    $65

    Covers one student and one parent or guardian

    1

    Hotel room for Sunday night

    3

    Monday lunch, Monday dinner, and dessert fellowships

    100

    Maximum number of participating students

    • Student Leadership Summit sessions and breakout experiences
    • Access to designated SBCMC main sessions and concerts
    • Sunday-night hotel accommodations
    • Monday lunch and dinner
    • Sunday and Monday dessert fellowships
    • Student Leadership Summit T-shirt
    • College and ministry connections
    • Summit materials and resources

    Please note: Transportation to and from Birmingham is not included. Students and parents or guardians are responsible for their own travel.

    Tentative Schedule

    Sunday–Monday, April 11–12, 2027

    The schedule below is tentative and may be adjusted as conference plans are finalized.

    Sunday, April 11

    • 3:00 PM:

      Registration and Check-In

    • 7:00 PM:

      Opening Concert

    • 8:30 PM:

      Dessert Fellowship and Student Hangout

    Monday, April 12

    • 9:00 AM:

      Worship

    • 10:00 AM:

      Large-Group Session

    • 11:15 AM:

      Breakout Session 1

    • 12:00 PM:

      Lunch

    • 1:15 PM:

      Conference Concert

    • 2:45 PM:

      Breakout Session 2

    • 3:45 PM:

      Conference Concert

    • 6:30 PM:

      Commissioning During the Evening Concert

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Before You Register

    Who is eligible to attend?
    The Summit is designed for students who will be in grades 9–12 at the time of the conference and who are interested or involved in worship and music ministry.
    Does a parent or guardian need to attend?
    Yes. Each student must attend with one parent or legal guardian. The $65 registration covers one student and one parent or guardian.
    What does the registration fee include?
    Registration includes the Summit experience, Sunday-night hotel accommodations, Monday lunch and dinner, Sunday and Monday dessert fellowships, a T-shirt, materials, and access to designated SBCMC sessions and concerts.
    Can additional family members attend?
    The Summit registration is designed for one student and one parent or guardian. Additional family members who wish to attend SBCMC events should complete the appropriate conference registration.
    Does the student need to be currently serving in worship ministry?
    No. Students may already be serving, may be exploring ministry, or may simply want to develop their gifts and learn more about worship leadership.
    Is transportation included?
    No. Students and parents or guardians are responsible for their own transportation to and from Birmingham and throughout the Summit.
    What is the refund and cancellation policy?
    Registrants may receive a full refund through February 11, 2027, which is 60 days before the conference begins.

    Student Leadership Summit

    Registration Opens September 1, 2026

    Mark your calendar. Registration for the 2027 Student Leadership Summit will officially open on September 1, 2026. Because space is limited to just 100 high school students, we encourage students, parents, and church leaders to register early.

    Registration Coming Soon

    We are putting the finishing touches on this year’s registration. Check back on September 1 to reserve your place at the Student Leadership Summit.
    Registration Opens September 1st
    Questions about the Student Leadership Summit?
    Email the SBCMC Team