Pastor Trevor Cooper Presents: Sabbath Conference 2026 | Dec 4-5 Sumter, SC

SabCon26 is a homecoming. Sumter native Pastor Trevor Cooper is bringing the Sabbath Conference home. This is a clarion call to his generation and all Sumter area natives living out of state and abroad, every son and daughter who moved away from Sumter to: come back home, feel deeply, listen, reconnect, rest and serve. Proceeds support the Sons of Sumter male empowerment initiative, which is being publicly introduced at SabCon26.

For two days this December, Mount Zion Missionary Baptist Church becomes a place to rest, worship, and invest in the next generation. SabCon26 brings together music, teaching, and community for the public introduction Sons of Sumter, a four-year mentoring program being developed for juniors and seniors at Sumter-area high schools.

Friday, December 4: Opening Session with Conference Host, Pastor Trevor Cooper + an Evening with Ann Nesby formerly of the Sounds of Blackness

Sumter native Pastor Trevor Cooper opens SabCon26 with a welcome home to every son and daughter returning to serve. He'll introduce this year's theme, "Receiving the Master's Rest," drawn from Matthew 11:28-30, where Jesus invites the weary to come to Him and find rest. He'll also share his vision for the weekend. Arrive early and settle in, because the fireside chat with Grammy-winning Ann Nesby follows at 5:30 PM right before the evening ends with the Music Showcase of some Ms. Ann's biggest hits such as "Optimistic", "I Believe", and "I'm Going All The Way."

Saturday, December 5: Music Workshop and Clinic

A daytime program of clinical teaching, hands-on sessions on ministry and music, and gospel music industry insights, featuring Dr. Herbert Johnson and other gospel music leaders from the city and surrounding region. This hands-on music and vocal teaching block session runs from 9:30 to 11:30 AM. All musicians and singers are invited to participate in this dynamic space.

Community Empowerment & Listening Panel, 12:30 to 2:30 PM

Pastor Trevor Cooper hosts Sumter community leaders for a conversation centered on Sumter-area youth: where young people stand today, what empowers them, and the opportunities that help them thrive. Bring your questions. The panel closes with audience Q&A.

Public Introduction: Sons of Sumter Male Empowerment Initiative, 2:30 to 3:30 PM

Building on the panel, Amasha Hope introduces Sons of Sumter, a mentoring initiative being developed for young men in their junior and senior years at Sumter-area high schools. Hear the vision and learn how mentors, families, and community partners can take part.

Saturday evening: One Night Citywide Revival

Bishop T.L. Penny of Shabach World Cathedral in Sumter closes SabCon26 at 7:00 PM with the One Night Citywide Revival, free and open to all. It requires its own free registration and is not included in paid passes. Be sure to register for the One Night City Revival in the tickets section.

Choose your experience

• All-Access Pass: Preferred seating in the venue at the Fireside Chat, Music Showcase, Community Empowerment & Listening Panel on both Fri 12/4 and Sat 12/5. The best value.
• VIP All-Access: All-Access plus preferred parking, priority check-in, and commemorative memorabilia/merchandise. Don't procrastinate. Limited quantity available and there is no upgrade or value transfer option from All-Access Pass.
• Single-program tickets: Friday evening only.

Early-bird pricing ends November 3 or when early-bird tickets sell out. Prices shown plus fees.

Why it matters

Every registration supports Sons of Sumter, connecting young men in Sumter with mentors who grew up on these same city blocks and in the same halls. SabCon26 is presented by Amasha Hope, a California nonprofit public benefit corporation. Amasha Hope is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization and is registered as a charity with the South Carolina Secretary of State (Public Charity ID: P102941).

Info: Welcome to Day 1 of SabCon26 at Mount Zion Missionary Baptist Church. Pick up your credential at the welcome table, find your seat and settle in before the evening begins. All VIP guests and All-Access registrants enjoy early entry and priority check-in, respectively and preferred parking.

Info: Sumter native Pastor Trevor Cooper opens SabCon26 with a welcome home to his classmates, the Sons of Sumter mentors and every son and daughter returning to serve. He’ll introduce this year’s theme, “Receiving the Master’s Rest,” drawn from Matthew 11:28-30, where Jesus invites the weary to come to Him and find rest. He’ll also share his vision for the weekend and for Sons of Sumter, the mentoring initiative being publicly introduced on Saturday. Arrive early and settle in, because the fireside chat with Grammy-winning Ann Nesby follows at 5:30 PM.

Info: Grammy-winning vocalist Ann Nesby sits down for an intimate, one-hour conversation about faith, music, and a life in ministry. Hear the stories behind the songs in a setting made for listening. Interviewer: Justin O. Cooper — NAACP Image Award–Nominated Filmmaker & CEO, JOCMedia & Entertainment (Los Angeles)

Info: Take a few minutes before the Music Showcase.

Info: An evening of gospel music and the arts, opened by Dr. Kabra Benford & Psalm 100. The night builds to a closing performance by Ann Nesby.

Info: Start Day 2 with coffee, a light breakfast and fellowship at Mount Zion Missionary Baptist Church. Pick up your credential at the welcome table, then get settled before the Music Workshop & Clinic begins at 9:30 AM. VIP guests receive priority check-in and preferred parking.

Info: Dr. Herbert Johnson, choir director at Sumter High School and former assistant professor of music at Morris College, leads a hands-on morning of vocal technique, ensemble blend and worship leadership. Singers and musicians from across the region will rehearse together as one ensemble, preparing to lead worship at the 7:00 PM One Night Citywide Revival. Come ready to sing, learn and be part of the sound that closes SabCon26.

Info: Pastor Trevor Cooper hosts Sumter community leaders for an honest conversation about Sumter-area youth. The panel looks at where young people stand today, what empowers them and the opportunities that help them thrive. The session includes a 15-minute break and closes with audience Q&A, so bring your questions.

Info: Building on the Empowerment & Listening Session, Amasha Hope introduces Sons of Sumter, a mentoring initiative being developed for young men in their junior and senior years at Sumter-area high schools. Hear the vision and learn how mentors, families and community partners can take part.

Info: The venue closes while the team resets the space and the ensemble rehearses for the evening. Use this time to rest, get dinner and return refreshed for the revival.

Info: Doors open at 6:30 PM for the free One Night Citywide Revival at Mount Zion Missionary Baptist Church. Revival registration is free for check-in, and arrive early for the best seating.

Info: Bishop T.L. Penny of Shabach World Cathedral in Sumter closes SabCon26 with the One Night Citywide Revival, a night of worship and the Word for the whole city. The ensemble prepared in Dr. Herbert Johnson’s morning clinic leads worship. The service is free and open to all, with separate registration required.

Event venue & nearby stays

Mt Zion Missionary Baptist Church, 325 West Fulton Street, Sumter, United States

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