From Small Prayer Group to Regional Conference [Christian Living Spotlight]

When a handful of men began meeting to pray inside a grocery store cafe in Star, Idaho, they didn’t know God would turn their small gathering into a movement to impact thousands of men across the Treasure Valley.

On a recent episode of Christian Living Spotlight, host Sandy Jones, publisher of Christian Living Magazine, talked with Jim Berg, organizer of the Treasure Valley Men’s Conference, about how it all began and where it’s going.

LISTEN TO CHRISTIAN LIVING SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW WITH CONFERENCE ORGANIZER. LINKS: KSPD BOISE’S SOLID TALK PODCASTS, APPLE PODCASTS AND SPOTIFY:

From Small Prayer Group to Regional Conference

The conference grew out of a men’s prayer group at Calvary Chapel Star. Instead of praying only for distant needs, the men asked, What can we do? They began praying in ways that led directly to action—serving, sharing the gospel, and looking for opportunities to engage men where they were.

A simple practice became a key tool: when eating out, they would ask their server, “We’re about to pray for our meal. Is there anything we can pray for you about?” That question opened doors to tears, testimonies, and changed lives—including a server whose son started attending a youth group.

As the prayer group grew, God gave them a big vision: impact 50,000 men in the Treasure Valley. After seeing the number of volunteers show up to help serve for a church men’s breakfast, Jim knew the time was right to launch a conference.

Christian Living Spotlight, host Sandy Jones, publisher of Christian Living Magazine, talked with Jim Berg, organizer of the Treasure Valley Men’s Conference, about how it all began and where it’s going.

Cross‑Denominational and Local

Though the concept started at Calvary Chapel Star, the conference is intentionally cross‑denominational, focused on “the men of the Treasure Valley,” not one church or label. 

Partner churches include Restored Church (Eagle), Golgotha Fellowship (Nampa), Eagle Nazarene, and others.

Pastors inquiring about the conference have rightly asked about the doctrine and theology related to the event, said Jim and Sandy. Both affirm that good shepherds protect their flock—but also that Bible‑believing, Bible‑teaching churches across traditions are part of one church under Christ.

When, Where, and What to Expect

  • Date: August 29

  • Location: The Center, the new indoor venue at the Canyon County Fairgrounds, Caldwell

  • Facility: Large, air‑conditioned, seating around 3,000–3,500, with free parking

Tickets are $30. Men can bring their own lunch or choose from four food vendors ($12–$14). Merchandise will also be available. The goal is simply to break even, with a long‑term prayer of one day making the event free.

To learn more about the speakers for the event visit the Treasure Valley Men’s Conference website (TVMEN.ORG)

The conference also features:

  • An outdoor men’s area hosted by outdoor writer Tom Claycomb, with elk calling and other outdoor displays.

  • A professional BMX team performing demonstrations during lunch, especially aimed at youth.

Evangelism and Follow‑Up

At the heart of the day is a clear call to Christ:

  • A call from one of the guest speakers will come before a break for lunch.

  • Men responding to the Gospel will be offered immediate ministry and baptism.

  • Resource tables, prayer teams, and Bibles will be available.

Jim emphasizes that “the work starts when the conference ends.” A major focus is plugging men into local, Bible‑believing churches, follow up discipleship and resourcing them beyond the event. The TVMEN website will stay active year‑round with articles, blogs, and tools for men.

In a rapidly growing metro area—one of the fastest in the nation—the need and opportunity to share the Gospel are huge. 

To learn more, register, or explore conference involvement, visit www.tvmen.org.

Above content includes a summary story of Christian Living Spotlight interview from AI Chat.

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Treasure valley men: The Battle is Real. Are You Ready?