A three-day gathering of ministry leaders, pastors, and volunteers — called to lead boldly, serve faithfully, and advance the Kingdom with unified purpose.
Pastor Dexter B. Upshaw Jr.
Three days. Six topic tracks. Zero cost for day sessions. The Servant Leadership Summit 2026 is a working conference for ministry leaders, pastors, entrepreneurs, creatives, and Kingdom builders — gathered to move from ministry to the marketplace and beyond.
Hosted by Pastor Dexter B. Upshaw Jr. and New Vision International Ministries in Bridgeport, Connecticut, SLS 2026 brings together candid panels, live AI demos, cooperative economics deep-dives, structured networking, and Spirit-led worship — all under one roof.
This isn't a conference to attend. It's a mission to enlist for.
Six tracks. One mission. Every directive is built to send you back into your sphere stronger.
A candid conversation with Kingdom-minded entrepreneurs on building businesses that reflect faith — what does Christian stewardship look like in the marketplace?
Not just flyers and copy — AI as a systemic Kingdom tool. Build platforms, solve real problems, and create unprecedented solutions for ministry and business.
A deep dive into cooperative Kingdom economics — community currency, cooperative wealth-building, and a practical framework for your church and marketplace.
Ministry isn't confined to Sunday morning. Your vocation, calling, and everyday work is a valid and vital expression of Kingdom purpose in the world.
Structured meet-ups by profession and calling — Pastors, Entrepreneurs, Creatives, Tech Leaders, Educators, and more. Connect with your people.
Pastor Dexter B. Upshaw Jr. is a Yale University graduate, former Division I athlete, and the Senior Pastor and Founder of New Vision International Ministries (NVIM) in Bridgeport, Connecticut.
He is also the founder of the Institute of Applied Ministry (I AM) — a training ground for the next generation of Kingdom leaders — and the Generational Thinking brand, which equips believers to build durable, multi-generational impact across ministry and the marketplace.
Pastor Dex anchors SLS 2026 with a vision that refuses to separate the sacred from the everyday: ministry, business, creativity, and technology are all valid sites of Kingdom assignment.
Bishop Derek L. Calhoun joins SLS 2026 as the keynote speaker for the Friday Evening Worship & Word Service — a centerpiece moment of the summit.
A seasoned voice in the body of Christ, Bishop Calhoun brings prophetic clarity, pastoral depth, and a heart for awakening leaders to the assignments God has placed on their lives, their ministries, and their marketplace work.
Friday · July 10, 2026 · 7:30 PM · Evening Worship & Word
The Servant Leadership Summit 2026 runs Thursday, July 9 through Saturday, July 11, 2026 in Bridgeport, Connecticut, hosted by New Vision International Ministries at 1010 Atlantic Street, Bridgeport, CT 06604. Thursday opens with a 7:30 PM Kickoff Worship Service, Friday holds the full day of sessions, and Saturday is the Annual Church Cookout.
We've secured a discounted group rate for New Vision Ministries at the Courtyard by Marriott Shelton, available $179–$209 per night. The room block covers Wednesday, July 8 through Sunday, July 12, 2026.
By air: Most travelers fly into JFK or LaGuardia (LGA); other options include Newark (EWR), Westchester County (HPN), Tweed New Haven (HVN), and Bradley International (BDL).
By ground: Every airport is roughly 1–2 hours one way from campus; rent a car or carpool from the airport. The campus is at 1010 Atlantic Street, Bridgeport, CT 06604.
Admission to the day sessions is completely free this year — normally a $99 value. There is no charge to enlist; just register and show up! There will be opportunities to donate and give, according to how SLS blesses you.
Built for pastors, ministry leaders, and volunteers — and anyone called to lead in the marketplace. Networking is organized by category: Pastors & Leaders, Entrepreneurs, Creatives, Tech & AI Innovators, Educators, Nonprofit & Community, and Young Adults & Emerging Leaders.
Use the "Enlist Now" button to complete the registration form. You'll get a confirmation email with your details and the full itinerary. Nothing to print or scan — our crew will check you in by name at the door. Check-in opens one hour before each session.
Friday is the heart of the Summit: Corporate Prayer (9:00 AM), Christian Business & Entrepreneurship (10:00 AM), AI in Ministry & Marketplace (11:45 AM), lunch with on-site vendors (available for purchase), The TRUST Exchange (2:30 PM), Meet-Ups (Networking Opportunity) (4:00 PM), and Evening Worship (7:30 PM). Full itinerary is in the schedule section above.
Hosted by Pastor Dexter B. Upshaw Jr., Senior Pastor and Founder of New Vision International Ministries, who also leads The TRUST Exchange. Bishop Derek L. Calhoun brings the Word during Friday's Evening Worship.
On Friday, lunch is available for purchase from on-site vendors. On Saturday, the Annual Church Cookout (11:00 AM–4:00 PM) serves free food beginning at noon, with a main-stage program at 1:30 PM.
Yes! T-shirts and apparel will be for sale at the NVIM Corner Store throughout the Summit.
Absolutely — every leader is encouraged to bring others. Since registration is free, just have each guest enlist individually so everyone gets their own confirmation email.
Day sessions are free for SLS 2026. Seats are limited — enlist below.