Dear Friends in Christ:

I am cordially inviting you to “Save the Date” for the Great Rivers Region Biennial Gathering 2026. This year it will be held at The First Baptist Church of Bloomington, Illinois October 15-17. There will be many great speakers this year to help and challenge us in the ministry. This year’s theme is Transforming Lives Through Christ: Reach, Restore, and Revive.

We will begin on Thursday October 15 in the afternoon at the church with a Ministers Conference. Dr. Kathy Maxwell, Vice President of Central Seminary, will be leading us through Biblical Storytelling. Dr. Ed Rogers will be present to talk about Renew Transformation Strategies and GRR Leaders will also introduce you to the partnership utilizing Congregational Health Tools. Dr. Robin Stoops will also be present to share about the American Baptist Foundation and The Antioch Center.

On Friday afternoon, October 16, the Gathering will begin with Dr. Ryan Burge (pastor, author, and Political Scientist) sharing about his new book, The Vanishing Church. The keynote speaker for our event will be Dr. Karl Vaters, author, and pastor, who has experience in pastoring all sizes of congregations and shares his insight on being faithful to reach people for Jesus Christ today. Karl will also share on Saturday morning and we will finish by noon.

You will be updated on ministries of the GRR and will experience uplifting worship. It is always a wonderful time when we get together as the ABCGRR family.

Please begin thinking about how YOU can share new and exciting ministries your congregation is engaging in to make a difference in your community, especially where you are reaching, restoring, and reviving.

Mark your calendar now to be present and a part of our family gathering. October 15-17, 2026.