The North American Division (NAD) invites Sabbath School leaders, teachers, pastors, volunteers, and church members to participate in the 2026 Sabbath School Alive Conference, a free virtual event taking place August 28-29, 2026.
Designed to inspire, educate, and empower participants in their ministry, the conference will provide practical tools, innovative teaching techniques, and opportunities to connect with others who share a commitment to strengthening Sabbath School in their local churches.
Formerly known as the Do It Together Virtual Sabbath School Training, the newly renamed Sabbath School Alive Conference reflects an expanded vision to help local churches cultivate vibrant, mission-focused Sabbath Schools that nurture spiritual growth, foster meaningful relationships, and engage members in service and outreach. Sponsored by the NAD Sabbath School and Personal Ministries (SSPM) department, the event also includes program participation from Youth and Young Adult Ministries; Children’s Ministries; Adventist Community Services; Archives, Statistics, and Research; Office of Volunteer Ministries; and Women’s Ministries.
[Registration opens July 1, 2026, at www.nadsabbathschool.org. The registration fee has been waived, making the event free for all participants.]
“When Sabbath School thrives, the church grows! Sabbath School is still the heartbeat of the church,” said Andre Bill Watson-Payne, NAD SSPM director. “Can you feel its pulse in your church? Help us resuscitate Sabbath Schools across the North American Division!”
The conference is designed for the entire Sabbath School community. Whether participants are new to Sabbath School ministry or have served for decades, the training is intended to provide real-world ideas, renewed inspiration, and effective ministry tools for local church service.
General sessions will be presented by Dwain Esmond, associate director of the Ellen G. White Estate. Additional training will be led by experienced Sabbath School practitioners, ministry leaders, educators, pastors, and department directors from across the North American Division and beyond.
Participants may choose from specialized learning tracks focused on adult, children’s, youth, and young adult Sabbath School ministries, as well as outreach and community engagement. Presenters will share ministry-tested strategies designed to strengthen discipleship, Bible study, fellowship, mission, and outreach. And both Children’s Ministries and Adult Sabbath School have Spanish-language workshops available.
The conference continues to grow in attendance and impact across the church. During the February 2025 training event, every conference in the North American Division was represented, with participation from 1,177 churches. An additional 141 churches outside the division also took part. The September 2025 event attracted 1,867 registrants.
Because the conference is fully virtual, participants can join from anywhere. Churches and individuals, especially those who plan to focus on a similar track, are encouraged to organize local watch parties in homes or church facilities, creating opportunities for fellowship, discussion, and collaborative learning.
Each participant must register individually, even when attending as part of a watch party. Registered participants who are unable to attend live sessions will receive access to conference recordings following the event.
Churches are encouraged to begin promoting the conference now.
To watch a special promotional video, and to register beginning July 1, sign up for registration notifications, and access promotional resources — including videos, posters, and social media graphics in English and Spanish — visit www.nadsabbathschool.org.
