Overview
The Holy Joys Healthy Church Conference is a gathering of devoted laypeople and growing pastors who come together in person to learn from one another about the beliefs, values, practices, and culture of a healthy local church. The conversation is led by qualified practitioners who love the church and want to see it grow in holy happiness. We encourage open and constructive dialogue in a relaxed and prayerful setting. Email your questions to contact@holyjoys.org.
“This conference was set apart in a class all its own from anything I have ever experienced.” —First-time attender
The 2027 Conference
The next Healthy Church Conference is August 19–21, 2027 in St. Louisville, Ohio. The keynote speaker is Caleb T. Friedeman (PhD, Wheaton College), a Wesleyan pastor-theologian dedicated to teaching, preaching, and writing in service to the church. He currently serves as David A. Case Chair of Biblical Studies and research professor of New Testament at Ohio Christian University. Learn more at calebfriedeman.com.
Download this year’s flyer and schedule (PDF): Healthy Church Conference 2027 — coming soon
What to Expect in 2027
- The conference is relaxed. Even in the evening sessions, most people dress casual (e.g., jeans and a polo) or business casual (e.g., chinos and a button-down).
- In 2027, there will be refreshments after the Thursday evening session but not after the Friday evening session (to allow for extra rest before Saturday).
- Breakfast is still provided on Friday and Saturday morning.
- New in 2027 is that lunch will be provided on Friday to maximize our time together, and a panel discussion will be held during the lunch break.
- Dinner is not provided. See a list of local restaurants below.
- Morning prayer will follow the basic structure of the Daily Office with a “praying the Psalms” portion using the ACTS method.
- There will now be six Friday afternoon sessions, each 30 minutes in length with 15 minutes of Q&A and a 5-minute break before the next session.
Lodging
- Several families from the host church are willing to lodge people in their homes during the conference. If the cost of lodging is a concern for you, please email contact@holyjoys.org about this opportunity.
- Airbnb
- Cherry Valley Hotel
- DoubleTree by Hilton
- Hampton Inn Heath Newark
- Holiday Inn Express & Suites Heath Newark
- Courtyard by Marriott Newark Granville
- TownePlace Suites by Marriott Newark Heath
- Americas Best Value Inn Heath Newark
- Super 8 by Wyndham Heath/Newark
- Econo Lodge
- Best Western Lakewood Inn
Local Restaurants
- Red Oak Pub and Restaurant
- Elliot’s
- Craftsman Kitchen & Terrace
- 1922 On The Square
- Stockyard Grill
- Shipp Brothers Brewing
- Big Apple Cafe
- City Barbeque
- Texas Roadhouse
- Old Bag of Nails Pub
- Puerto Vallarta
- La Paloma Restaurant
- Tlaquepaque Restaurant
- Royal Thai
- Bombay Garden Indian Cuisine
- Lucky Bamboo
- Kanji Japanese Steak House
- Olive Garden
- Red Lobster
- LongHorn Steakhouse
- Raising Cane’s
- Earthworks Cafe & Lounge
- Trout Club
- Bob Evans
- Roosters
- Watts
- Jimmy John’s
- Jersey Mike’s Subs
- Chipotle Mexican Grill
- Raising Cane’s
- Panda Express
- Five Guys
- Steak ’n Shake