Welcome!
Welcome to the ARW 2026 Conference!
We’re excited to welcome you to this inspiring gathering of arts, recreation, and worship! Whether you're a longtime attendee or exploring a dynamic continuing education opportunity to fuel your creativity, this is the place to be.
Dates: May 4-9, 2026
Location: Montreat Conference Center, Montreat, NC
Registration: LAST CALL $700 (includes program fee, double occupancy lodging, and meals)
Limited Housing in Assembly and Winnsborough - space may be available in Glen Rock Inn
Join us for a week of learning, connection, and renewal!
We’re excited to welcome you to this inspiring gathering of arts, recreation, and worship! Whether you're a longtime attendee or exploring a dynamic continuing education opportunity to fuel your creativity, this is the place to be.
Dates: May 4-9, 2026
Location: Montreat Conference Center, Montreat, NC
Registration: LAST CALL $700 (includes program fee, double occupancy lodging, and meals)
Limited Housing in Assembly and Winnsborough - space may be available in Glen Rock Inn
Join us for a week of learning, connection, and renewal!
Need to Edit Your Registration? Click this LINK to set up an account on our registration page
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Dive into arts, recreation, and worship classes that turn things upside down—in the best way. Explore creative tools for ministry in a topsy-turvy world.
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Each conference is guided by a team of experienced ministry leaders who are passionate about arts, recreation, and creative worship in the life of the church.
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Flipping Tables
In a world that often feels chaotic and unpredictable, ministry can feel like an act of holy disruption. Inspired by the image of Jesus flipping tables in the temple, this year’s theme - "Flipping Tables: Ministry in a Topsy-Turvy World" - challenges us to rethink, reimagine, and reinvigorate the ways we serve, lead, and create in our communities.
Ministry today isn’t about maintaining the status quo—it’s about responding with courage, creativity, and conviction to a rapidly changing world. Whether you're navigating shifting congregational dynamics, seeking innovative ways to engage your community, or feeling the weight of burnout, ARW 2026 invites you into a space of renewal, reflection, and action.
Join us as we embrace the unexpected, turn things upside down, and rediscover the power of bold, faithful leadership in a topsy-turvy world.
Learn more about this year's leadership & classes
Ministry today isn’t about maintaining the status quo—it’s about responding with courage, creativity, and conviction to a rapidly changing world. Whether you're navigating shifting congregational dynamics, seeking innovative ways to engage your community, or feeling the weight of burnout, ARW 2026 invites you into a space of renewal, reflection, and action.
Join us as we embrace the unexpected, turn things upside down, and rediscover the power of bold, faithful leadership in a topsy-turvy world.
Learn more about this year's leadership & classes
What Is ARW?
ARW is a week long experiential opportunity to participate in recreation, worship, community, creativity and the arts. The conference is designed for those who want to deepen their creativity, broaden their leadership skills and experience personal spiritual renewal. In addition to whole group worship and recreation events, participants select from a wide range of unique classes. Our collaborative learning environment fosters a sense of community that embraces all participants.
The weekly schedule is generally:
The weekly schedule is generally:
- Monday: Arrival and housing check-in beginning at 3 pm. Registration from 3-5 pm, dinner at 5:30 pm, Opening Program at 7 pm, optional late-night activities from 9:30 pm onward.
- Tuesday - Friday: Morning gathering from 8:45-10 am, classes from 10:15 am - 12:30 pm, lunch from 12:30-1:30 pm, afternoon classes from 2:30-4:45 pm, dinner from 5:30-6:30 pm, evening programming from 7-8:30 pm, optional late night activities from 9 pm onward.
- Thursday's schedule varies, with a free afternoon and classes held from 6:45-9 pm.
Register Today!
Sign me up for 2026 Arts, Recreation, and Worship Conference!
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Montreat Conference Center is a ministry of the Mountain Retreat Association, nestled in the mountains of Western North Carolina, about 20 minutes from Asheville, NC. Each year, the conference center welcomes over 30,000 guests as they seek to explore, renew, and connect with their faith and their communities.
Sponsored and planned by re:create and Montreat™ Conference Center. |
