The first Men of the Word Conference took place in 1985 at the Holiday Inn in Manitowoc, Wisconsin. A local pastor, Pastor Dan Olson of Triumphant Christian Church, had a vision to build men up to be mighty leaders of God in their churches and homes, and so he pioneered the Men of the Word Conference, which has continued for 40 years. Pastor Olson now pastors Living Word Church in Branson, Missouri, and is a continuous example of strength, longevity, and leadership for the Men of the Word Conference and all attending.
In 1997, the vision was handed to Pastor David Hawley of Christian Life Church in Delavan, Wisconsin. The Men of the Word Conference moved, first to the Lake Lawn Resort in Delavan, and then to the Grand Geneva Resort & Spa in Grand Geneva, Wisconsin. Pastor Hawley has been the spearhead of the Men of the Word Conference, keeping the fire burning for men’s lives to be changed over and over again. Pastor Hawley exemplifies the joy of the Lord and has been a firm foundation for the Men of the Word Conference to grow over 40 years. Pastor Hawley was the President of the Midwest Word Pastors Association until his retirement in 2024, transferring the leadership back to Pastor Dan Olson, and the continuation of the Men of the Word Conference to Pastor Mark Clements.
In 2025, the torch will pass to Pastor Mark Clements of Living Word Christian Church in La Crosse, Wisconsin, and the 40th Annual Men of the Word Conference will be hosted at the Stoney Creek Hotel & Conference Center in La Crosse. Pastor Clements has attended the Men of the Word Conference since the beginning, and is the Vice President of the Midwest Word Pastors Association. Pastor Clements continues to run with the vision of building mighty leaders of God, and ignites a spirit of excellence, passion, and boldness in everyone he meets. The Men of the Word Conference continues to develop warriors, men after God’s heart, and strong leaders for the days ahead.
