Ministry Leadership Conference 2025
I N F O R M A T I O N
“Salutamu! We are going to Sicily!”
Location
The Saracen Sands Hotel in Isola delle Femmine – Palermo, Sicily, will be the location of our Ministry Leadership Conference this year.
The hotel covers an area of over 3 hectares characterized by a large main building, recognizable from the surroundings and the sea for its pure white color, surrounded by a lush garden, and located a few steps from the beach. Between the Mollica and Raffo Rosso mountains, the Capo Gallo promontory with its Natural Reserve and the suggestive seaside villages of Mondello and Sferracavallo.
SARACEN SANDS HOTEL
Via Libertà, 128/A
90040 Isola delle Femmine
Palermo
https://www.saracenhotelpalermo.com/en/
info@saracenhotelpalermo.com
+39 091 8671423
Travel/Directions
From Palermo airport “Falcone Borsellino” you can reach Saracen Resort by car or taxi (about 15 minutes). For more information on planes, trains, ferries, and automobiles, see https://www.saracenhotelpalermo.com/en/contacts/
Schedule
Seminars
We have a large selection of seminars geared towards equipping staff and volunteer leaders in the international church context.
The sessions will take place late morning, following the worship service from 11:00 to 12:30 on Saturday, Sunday, and Monday.
Join our WhatsApp Community for updates!
Sightseeing On Your Own
Palermo is rich in history and the culture capital of Sicily. It is a showcase for Art Nouveau villas, noble palaces, 18th century squares, churches and monuments of the Arab-Norman period. Among these are the beautiful Cathedral and the Church of the Martorana.
Sunday afternoon we have arranged for a handful of local Italian University students to spend time with us as “unofficial tour guides.” They will be available to take some groups out into the city of Palermo. More details at the conference.
Cefalù is a marvelous medieval village, situated above a promontory overlooking the Mediterranean and it is famous for the Norman Cathedral. Located between the Madonie and the sea, it is one of the most beautiful villages in Italy with its tiny streets from which offer you nice views. Cefalù is an estimated 2-hour car drive from the hotel or 2-3 hours by local transit.
We found other options you might be interested in such as famous attractions and food options especially gelato!
Conference Tour and Dinner Out
We have arranged a wonderful day out together to take in some of the beautiful sights and culture of Sicily!
1:15 Departure from Hotel Saracen
3:00 Arrival at Erice
Erice is a wonderfully preserved medieval village towering over the western coast of Sicily and offering breathtaking vistas. Wandering along its cobbled alleys, you can discover an ancient temple, a Norman castle, and medieval churches.
4:15 Departure from Erice
4:45 Arrival in Trapani
Set along the coast of Sicily, Trapani is a city rich in history and natural beauty. Known for its captivating myths and strategic maritime significance, Trapani has evolved from an ancient agricultural hub into a vibrant modern city.
5:45 Departure from Trapani
6:30 Arrival Agorà di Segesta Event Venue - exclusive dinner
The hill that hosts the venue is located a few meters from the archaeological park, which impeccably preserves the Greek theater and temple - jewels of tradition.
The cuisine is renowned for its traditional Sicilian dishes prepared with simple ingredients.
8:30 Departure from dinner venue
9:30 Arrival back to Hotel
Confirm tour, dinner out and box lunch
Please fill in the form to confirm if you will join us on the tour and dinner, and/or if you would like to order a box lunch. There will be box lunches available to purchase and eat before departure on the tour. Box lunches consist of 2 sandwiches, 1 fruit, 1 dessert, 1 bottle of water. Cost is 12 euros to be paid in cash at Friday night registration. Please find the form below.
Additional Info
3 private buses for guests.
4 tour guides + 2 assistants.
Dinner includes aperitifs, starters, first course, second course, coke, water, desserts and wine. Children’s menu - pasta and a second course, dessert, coke, and water.
Cultural music entertainment during dinner.
Tips are welcome (not mandatory) and can be given directly to tour guides at the end of day.
Bottles of water will be on sale on the bus for 1 euro.
MLC Kids Information
Hi IBC Parents,
My name is K.J. Pugh, and I'm the lead pastor of Alberta Baptist Church in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. Some of you may remember me from my time with the IBC while planting a church in Paris (from 2017 to 2021) and/or from last year's MLC in Malaga. For everyone else, I'm very much looking forward to meeting you for the first time!
