I.F.O.C. Connections Conference 2026
The Power of Presence
September 10-12, 2026
(Optional pre-conference ICISF classes: September 8-10)
Our 2026 conference theme is “The Power of Presence.”
The power behind the ministry of presence we bring to others flows out as an overflow of God’s presence with and in us. At our 2026 Connections conference in September, we highlight the Power of Presence in our lives.
Every I.F.O.C. conference is packed with excellent learning opportunities for Chaplains. 2026 is no different!
There will be time to talk, encourage, share stories, pray, connect, and build friendships. These are the Connections that breathe life into us. These relationships are the heart of why we gather together every other year at Connections!
We lowered the cost of Connections this year to help make it easier for you to come connect! Register until August 11 for only $99!
You’re Present During Life’s Hardest Moments
A chaplain’s work can be heavy. Without the right tools and a community to come alongside you and a daily, intimate relationship with God, it can sometimes feel like too much to carry.
As Chaplains, we know how important it is to be together and recharge with one another. That’s why the I.F.O.C. Connections Conference exists: to be present, experience God’s presence, and breathe life into your ministry so that you can better serve your community.
Spend Two Days Surrounded by Community and Calling
When you join us at the I.F.O.C. Conference this September, you’ll get:
Practical Training and Breakout Sessions
Real-world training designed to equip chaplains who serve first responders, in workplaces, in the community, and beyond.
Connection with other Chaplains
Fellowship, peer learning, worship, and powerful keynote sessions are designed to refresh and encourage you.
Pre-Conference ICISF Training & Certifications
(Optional) Save hundreds on ICISF certifications like Peer ParaCounseling and Resilient Leadership during pre-conference trainings.
Early Bird pricing ends 8/11 — register today!
NEW! Pre-conference ICISF Classes
Come early and join us for amazing advanced crisis intervention classes. If you want to attend one or both pre-conference classes, be sure to select those options when registering for the conference.
September 8th & 9th 8am-4:30pm
ICISF’s Crisis Informed Peer ParaCounseling Course
Crisis Informed Peer Para-Counseling (CIPPC) equips peer supporters with advanced tools to respond to trauma, disasters, and high-stress events through a structured, resilience-focused model.
Building on Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM), this two-day course strengthens one-on-one follow-up care, deepens understanding of mental health and trauma, and enhances skills in empathy, psychological first aid, and peer support. Participants earn 14 contact hours and are eligible for an ICISF Certificate of Completion.
Please note: Students must have completed both Group Crisis Intervention and Assisting Individuals in Crisis.
September 10th 8am – 4:30pm
ICISF’s Resilient Leadership Course
Resilient Leadership for Emergency Services and Healthcare Professionals is a science-based course designed to help leaders build a culture of resilience in high-stress environments. Participants learn the core pillars of resilient leadership, the key traits of effective crisis leaders, and practical strategies to strengthen communication, avoid common leadership pitfalls, and implement 20 actionable resilience “prescriptions.” This one-day course provides 7 contact hours and eligibility for an ICISF Certificate of Completion.
Early Bird pricing ends 8/11 — register today!
Keynote Speakers
Steve Sewell
Steve has 30+ years of leadership, counseling/coaching, and teaching experience in churches, community development, chaplaincy, bereavement, and as a business owner. Steve travels nationally as a conference speaker, seminar leader, team facilitator, and chaplain endorser.
Steve will present I.F.O.C.’s keynote session on The Hallmark of a Chaplain is Faithful Presence Connected in Calling, Practice, and Trust.
Nick Braschler
Nick Braschler serves as the Director of Chaplain Services & Community Giving at Simmons Foods, where he leads the company’s efforts to provide care, support, and encouragement to employees and oversees community engagement and giving. Nick recently collaborated on I.F.O.C.’s Workplace Chaplain Training Course, where he taught multiple subjects.
Worship Friday & Saturday
Nate Hamner
Nate Hamner is passionate about helping believers know Christ as Savior and understand their identity and responsibility as kings, priests, and worshippers. Nate leads worship from a place of authenticity and vulnerability, creating a safe atmosphere for encountering the Lord.
This Year’s Sponsors
Interested in having a booth at the I.F.O.C. Connections Conference?
Sponsors & Vendors may exhibit from 9-10-2026 through 9-12-2026 during the main conference. Interested Exhibitors and Vendors, please call the I.F.O.C. office at (254) 314-2159 for further information.
Deadline to have logo on printed material is 8-15-2026
Register Early and Save
Register before 8/11 and join us at Connections for only $99!
$99
Early Bird Pricing
Ends 8/11
$124
Standard Registration
$100
ICISF Peer ParaCounseling
(September 8-9)
$50
ICISF Peer Resilient Leadership
(September 10)
Early Bird pricing ends 8/11 — register today!
What’s Included With Your Registration
The I.F.O.C. Connections Conference is open to active Chaplains, recent I.F.O.C. Graduates, along with their spouses.
- All general sessions and breakout tracks
- Worship sessions
- Keynote presentations
- Saturday evening commissioning & impartation
Early Bird pricing ends 8/11 — register today!
Conference Schedule
September 10-12, 2026
Temple, TX
(Optional pre-conference ICISF classes: September 8-10)
Registration Opens & Fellowship:
September 10, 5 PM – 7 PM
The conference will include a ceremony on Saturday to pray over, for impartation, and formally commission Chaplains who have been licensed and ordained since the 2024 conference or have not had the opportunity to experience this in person.
Tuesday, September 8
Optional Pre-Conference
| Time | Event |
|---|---|
| 8 AM – 4:30 PM | Peer Paracounseling ICISF class (day 1) |
Wednesday, September 9
Optional Pre-Conference
| Time | Event |
|---|---|
| 8 AM – 4:30 PM | Peer Paracounseling ICISF class (day 2) |
Thursday, September 10
Optional Pre-Conference
| Time | Event |
|---|---|
| 8 AM – 4:30 PM | Resilient Leadership ICISF class |
| 5 PM – 7 PM | Registration & Fellowship Time |
Friday, September 11
| Time | Event |
|---|---|
| 7 AM – 8 AM | Doors Open & Registration |
| 8 AM – 8:30 AM | Worship |
| 8:30 AM – 8:45 AM | Welcome & Announcements |
| 8:45 AM – 9:45 AM | I.F.O.C. Leadership & 9-11 Remembrance |
| 9:45 AM – 10 AM | Break |
| 10 AM – 11:30 AM | General Session 1 |
| 11:30 AM | Break for Lunch |
| 1:30 PM – 2:30 PM | Break Out Sessions A |
| 2:45 PM – 3:45 PM | Break Out Session B |
| 4 PM | Break for Dinner |
| 6 PM – 6:30 PM | Worship |
| 6:30 PM – 8 PM | Keynote – Chaplain Nick Braschler |
Saturday, September 12
| Time | Event |
|---|---|
| 7:30 AM | Doors Open |
| 8 AM – 8:30 AM | Worship |
| 8:30 AM – 9:30 AM | Keynote – Steve Sewell |
| 9:30 AM – 9:45 AM | Break |
| 9:45 AM – 10:45 AM | General Session 2 |
| 10:45 AM | Break for Lunch |
| 1 PM – 2 PM | Break Out Session C |
| 2:15 PM – 3:15 PM | Platinum Sponsor & Manna |
| 3:15 PM – 4 PM | General Session 3 |
| 4 PM | Break for Dinner |
| 6:00 PM – 6:30 PM | Worship |
| 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM | General Session 4 |
| 7:30 PM – 8 PM | Commissioning & Impartation |
Accomodations & Transportation
The hotel providing discounted pricing does not have a shuttle service to the Conference Center.
Hampton in Temple
Use the link to book and enjoy a special block rate of $99/night, available for September 7-13. Discount available until rooms are sold out.
RV Spots
The convention center has 12 RV spaces with electric hookup (30 & 50 amp) for $25/night. Contact the office at (254) 314-2159 to reserve your spot. No water or sewer.
Closest Airports
Killeen-Fort Hood (GRK)
25-minute drive, daily AA flights from DFW
Austin-Bergstrom (AUS)
1-hour drive, many direct flights nationwide
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Do I need to register for the pre-conference ICISF classes?
If you plan to attend either or both of the ICISF pre-conference training, you will need to add them to your registration at checkout.
2. Are meals included?
No. This year, we’ve built extended lunch and dinner breaks into the schedule so you have flexibility to eat on your own or with fellow chaplains.
3. Can I attend if I’m not yet an I.F.O.C. Chaplain?
Yes! Recent graduates of the I.F.O.C. Training Class (within 60 days) are welcome while they are working on their application packet.
4. What certificates will I receive?
All conference attendees receive an I.F.O.C. Training Certificate on Saturday evening. If you register for the optional pre-conference classes, you’ll also receive ICISF Training Certificates for each course you complete (Peer ParaCounseling and/or Resilient Leadership). These are internationally recognized ICISF certifications.
We look forward to seeing you soon!
0Months0Days0HoursYay, the conference is here!
Experience the Power of Presence. Register Before August 11!
Register today and lock in your spot at the early bird rate. After August 11, prices go up. Join us in September to experience God’s presence, connect with chaplains who understand your calling, and gain the training you need to thrive.
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