Christian leaders from around the world are expected to gather at London’s Royal Albert Hall for the Alpha International Leadership Conference, scheduled for May 4–5, 2026.
The annual event, hosted by Alpha International, brings together church leaders and practitioners from a wide range of denominations and traditions, and all spheres of influence for two days of talks, worship, prayer and networking. Organizers say it is an opportunity to encounter Jesus, be filled with the Holy Spirit, and grow in Christ-centred leadership.
Alpha pioneer Nicky Gumbel, former vicar of Holy Trinity Brompton in London, said the conference offers leaders a chance to gather in worship and encourage one another in their faith.
“The Leadership Conference is a unique opportunity for leaders in every sphere – across contexts, traditions, generations, and cultures – to gather as one, encounter Jesus, and be filled with the Holy Spirit,” Gumbel told Christian Daily International.
“Our aim is to grow in Christ-centred leadership, which has the power to change lives and transform the world."
Over the years, speakers have included leaders from across traditions, among them former Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby. In 2024, the late Pope Francis addressed the gathering via video, and several Roman Catholic cardinals have also participated.
Nearly 5,000 leaders from 82 countries attended the May 2025 conference, which featured speakers such as Dr. Arthur Brooks, Priscilla Shirer, Dr. Johannes Hartl, Andrés Spyker, Bear Grylls and Rachel Gardner.
Alpha is a 15-session program to explore the meaning of life, which is currently running in 39,000 locations in 153 countries around the world. It is an informal introduction to the Christian faith primarily intended for those who do not go to church and would not describe themselves as Christian.
It is one of the most known Christian initiatives in the world and is run by all the major denominations across traditions including Anglican, Roman Catholic, Orthodox, Methodist, Presbyterian, Baptist, Pentecostal, Assemblies of God and independent churches.
Alpha’s material has been developed over decades with input from theologians across denominations and presents the core of the Christian faith as affirmed by major church traditions.
Sessions usually include a meal and are held weekly. Every encouragement is given for guests to express their own views, to ask any question and to learn together.
Since its inception, the program has been attended by more than 32 million guests, many of whom have spoken of the real impact it has had on their lives.
Registration for the 2026 Leadership Conference is available at leadershipconference.org.uk/lc26.
