Messengers at the 2024 RBM Annual Conference officially confirmed Clare Jewell as the National Representative of the GARBC during the Annual Business Meeting. Praise God for His provision, and join us in celebrating and praying for Clare’s leadership of our ministry!
Are you seeking
- Relevant sessions that speak to your specific challenges in ministry?
- Encouragement from like-minded leaders?
- Applicable strategies you can take back to your church?
As a ministry leader, you need a time to be refreshed and get excited about what’s next.
You’re looking for powerful, relevant insights that can help you bring more people to Christ as you share the gospel in your local church and community.
Connect. Encourage. Serve.
When you attend this year’s RBM Conference, you’ll find opportunities to connect, encourage, and serve alongside fellow attendees, benefiting from the connectivity and interdependence fostered by our association. Be sure to join us on Monday night for a special session featuring a panel discussion on deepening relational connections within our fellowship. And on Wednesday, delve into region-based breakout sessions aimed at enhancing your relationships with other ministry leaders in your area and strengthening personal growth and collaboration.
At the RBM Conference, you’ll experience:
Engaging Sessions
Hear speakers, teachers, and leaders provide valuable insight that’s relevant to your ministry context, church, and community.
Building Relationships
Network with like-minded ministry leaders to build relationships, receive encouragement, and be reinvigorated in life and ministry.
Forward Thinking
Be equipped, build momentum, and become a part of what’s next as we make disciples through healthy local churches.
Don’t miss this opportunity to be equipped and refreshed in your ministry.
Join the 2024 RBM Annual Conference virtually!
Watch Live
How to Attend
1. Register for the Conference
See PricingRegister Today2. Attend the Conference
Join us on June 24-27, 2024 in Elgin, Illinois!
Harvest Bible Chapel
1000 North Randall Road, Elgin, IL 60123
3. Be Encouraged and Transformed
Be equipped and revitalized in your ministry as you seek to share the gospel and make disciples.
Why the RBM Annual Conference?
For over 90 years, our fellowship’s annual conference has been transforming lives and motivating leaders to continue to make disciples in our communities and around the world. Your participation in the conference helps keep our organization strong as we move forward and seek God’s will.
Conference Speakers
Mike Bullmore serves as senior pastor of CrossWay Community Church in Bristol, Wisconsin. He earned a diploma in Bible and theology at Moody Bible Institute and a B.A. in Biblical studies from Wheaton College. He then earned an M.Div. and Th.M. from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School (TEDS), followed by a Ph.D. in rhetorical history and criticism from Northwestern University. Prior to leading the launch of CrossWay Community Church in 1998, Mike served for 15 years as professor of homiletics and pastoral theology, as well as chairman of the practical theology department, at TEDS. He is a founding member of the council of The Gospel Coalition. Mike lives in his childhood home with his wife, Beverly. They have three grown children and four grandchildren.
David E. Strope serves as interim national representative of the GARBC. Prior to serving in this role, he was a pastor for 45 years in four New York churches and, most recently, at Ankeny (Iowa) Baptist Church.
David has served on several councils, including the GARBC Council of 18, the Northeast Fellowship Council of 10, the Iowa Association of Regular Baptist Churches Council of 10, and the elected council of Baptist Mid-Missions. David was awarded an honorary doctorate from Faith Baptist Bible College and Theological Seminary in 2022.
David and his wife, Debbie, hail from First Baptist Church, Newark Valley, N.Y., and have been married and in pastoral ministry 48 years. They have three children and eleven grandchildren.
Ken Fields has served as Lead Pastor at Bethel Baptist Church since January 2020. Before that, Ken served as Senior Pastor (12 years) and Associate Pastor (5 years) at Delhi Baptist Church, Jerseyville, IL. He entered the ministry in the summer of 1994 after graduating from Faith Baptist Bible College. Ken has completed Masters Degree work at Central Baptist Theological Seminary.
Ken grew up in a pastor’s home and is thankful for the legacy of faithfulness passed along to him. His passion is to preach and teach the Word of God in a way that calls people to think higher thoughts of Christ and to fall deeper in love with Him.
Ken married Joanna in June 1994, and God has blessed them with five children. He enjoys bass fishing and golf, and is an avid fan of the St. Louis Cardinals, Kansas City Chiefs, and Kansas Jayhawks. Ken especially enjoys family vacations and the funny things his children say and do!
Clare serves as the Executive Director for ABWE EveryEthne, which seeks to mobilize the church to reach every ethnic group in North America through disciple making that multiplies leaders and churches.
Clare also serves as the Director for Generate, a Regular Baptist Ministry focused on fueling the health and reproduction of leaders and churches within the GARBC.
Clare has been with ABWE EveryEthne since 2014 and with Generate since 2016. He has also taught Missional Living at Corban University for 7 years. Prior to these ministry opportunities, Clare served as the Senior Pastor of Lakewood Park Baptist Church in Auburn, IN, for 21 years.
Clare received his undergraduate degree in pastoral ministry from Baptist Bible College of Pennsylvania. He has a Master of Social Science Degree from Eastern Michigan University and will graduate from Corban University with his Doctor of Ministry degree in Strategic Leadership on May 4, 2024.
Clare loves to hike, golf, ski, and read. His passion is to engage people in God's mission so they can experience the enormous joy of introducing people to Jesus and discipling them to become more like Him.
Clare has been married to Donna for nearly 43 years. They have four daughters and 13 grandchildren.
Sam Choi has served as lead pastor of Prior Lake (Minn.) Baptist Church since 2014. He earned B.A. and M.A.B.S. degrees at Northland International University, and is continuing his graduate studies through Faith Baptist Theological Seminary, Ankeny, Iowa.
Sam and his wife, Sarah, have five children. Christ’s words in John 14—17 have shaped Sam’s desire to glorify God by making Christ known through the Word. His philosophy of life and ministry flows from Galatians 6:14 and 2 Timothy 2:1.
Conference Speakers
Mike Bullmore serves as senior pastor of CrossWay Community Church in Bristol, Wisconsin. He earned a diploma in Bible and theology at Moody Bible Institute and a B.A. in Biblical studies from Wheaton College. He then earned an M.Div. and Th.M. from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School (TEDS), followed by a Ph.D. in rhetorical history and criticism from Northwestern University. Prior to leading the launch of CrossWay Community Church in 1998, Mike served for 15 years as professor of homiletics and pastoral theology, as well as chairman of the practical theology department, at TEDS. He is a founding member of the council of The Gospel Coalition. Mike lives in his childhood home with his wife, Beverly. They have three grown children and four grandchildren.
David E. Strope serves as interim national representative of the GARBC. Prior to serving in this role, he was a pastor for 45 years in four New York churches and, most recently, at Ankeny (Iowa) Baptist Church.
David has served on several councils, including the GARBC Council of 18, the Northeast Fellowship Council of 10, the Iowa Association of Regular Baptist Churches Council of 10, and the elected council of Baptist Mid-Missions. David was awarded an honorary doctorate from Faith Baptist Bible College and Theological Seminary in 2022.
David and his wife, Debbie, hail from First Baptist Church, Newark Valley, N.Y., and have been married and in pastoral ministry 48 years. They have three children and eleven grandchildren.
Clare serves as the Executive Director for ABWE EveryEthne, which seeks to mobilize the church to reach every ethnic group in North America through disciple making that multiplies leaders and churches.
Clare also serves as the Director for Generate, a Regular Baptist Ministry focused on fueling the health and reproduction of leaders and churches within the GARBC.
Clare has been with ABWE EveryEthne since 2014 and with Generate since 2016. He has also taught Missional Living at Corban University for 7 years. Prior to these ministry opportunities, Clare served as the Senior Pastor of Lakewood Park Baptist Church in Auburn, IN, for 21 years.
Clare received his undergraduate degree in pastoral ministry from Baptist Bible College of Pennsylvania. He has a Master of Social Science Degree from Eastern Michigan University and will graduate from Corban University with his Doctor of Ministry degree in Strategic Leadership on May 4, 2024.
Clare loves to hike, golf, ski, and read. His passion is to engage people in God's mission so they can experience the enormous joy of introducing people to Jesus and discipling them to become more like Him.
Clare has been married to Donna for nearly 43 years. They have four daughters and 13 grandchildren.
Ken Fields has served as Lead Pastor at Bethel Baptist Church since January 2020. Before that, Ken served as Senior Pastor (12 years) and Associate Pastor (5 years) at Delhi Baptist Church, Jerseyville, IL. He entered the ministry in the summer of 1994 after graduating from Faith Baptist Bible College. Ken has completed Masters Degree work at Central Baptist Theological Seminary.
Ken grew up in a pastor’s home and is thankful for the legacy of faithfulness passed along to him. His passion is to preach and teach the Word of God in a way that calls people to think higher thoughts of Christ and to fall deeper in love with Him.
Ken married Joanna in June 1994, and God has blessed them with five children. He enjoys bass fishing and golf, and is an avid fan of the St. Louis Cardinals, Kansas City Chiefs, and Kansas Jayhawks. Ken especially enjoys family vacations and the funny things his children say and do!
Sam Choi has served as lead pastor of Prior Lake (Minn.) Baptist Church since 2014. He earned B.A. and M.A.B.S. degrees at Northland International University, and is continuing his graduate studies through Faith Baptist Theological Seminary, Ankeny, Iowa.
Sam and his wife, Sarah, have five children. Christ’s words in John 14—17 have shaped Sam’s desire to glorify God by making Christ known through the Word. His philosophy of life and ministry flows from Galatians 6:14 and 2 Timothy 2:1.
Schedule
| Monday, 6/24 | Tuesday, 6/25 | Wednesday, 6/26 | Thursday, 6/27 |
| Prayer and Devotion: Jeremy Scott | 8:40 am | Prayer and Devotion: Mark Wood | 8:40 am | Exhibitors’ Prize Drawings | 8:15 am | |
| Council of 18 Meetings: 8:00 am – 12:00 pm | Plenary Session 2: Clare Jewell | 9:00 am | Plenary Session 5: Ken Fields | 9:00 am | Prayer and Devotion: Stephen Muindi | 8:40 am |
| Q&A, C18 & National Rep Candidate | 10:00 am | Plenary Session 6: Mike Bullmore | 10:00 am | Plenary Session 8: Mike Bullmore | 9:00 am | |
| Plenary Session 3: Mike Bullmore | 11:00 am | Breakouts: Establishing Ministry Connection | 11:00 am | ||
| Lunch (catered on-site for C18 & RBM staff) | Lunch (Harvest cafeteria) | 12:00 pm-1:15 pm | Lunch (Harvest cafeteria) | 12:00pm-1:15 pm | |
| Chaplaincy module | 12:30 pm – 4:30 pm | Annual Business Meeting | 1:30 pm | Workshop Sessions | 1:30 pm | |
| INR Report | Creating a Discipleship Pipeline | Clare Jewell | ||
| Registration | 3:30 pm – 5:45 pm | RBP Report | Ministry Bound: Recruiting & Training the Next Generation | Mike Augsburger | |
| Treasurer’s Report | Revitalize: First Steps Toward Health | Terry Thompson | ||
| C18 Election & NR Confirmation Vote | Pastoral Connections: Lifeline for Lasting Ministry | Will Hatfield | ||
| Creating a Culture of Outreach | Brian & Jenni Cederquist | |||
| Learning Sessions | 3:30 pm | Dealing With the Inevitable…Conflict | Ken & Sharon Floyd | ||
| Retirement Planning | Servant Solutions | Prioritizing: First steps, priorities and questions to ask as you join a new ministry | Ross Shannon | ||
| Child Protection 101 | ECAP | |||
| Dinner … “On your own!” | Dinner … “On your own!” | Dinner … “On your own!” | |
| Plenary Session 1 – David Strope | 6:30 pm | Plenary Session 4: Mike Bullmore | 6:30 pm | Plenary Session 7: Sam Choi | 6:30 pm | |
| Council of 18 Panel | 7:45 pm | RBP VBS 2025 Unveiled | ||
| Faith Baptist Bible College & Seminary Reception | 8:30 pm | Clarks Summit University Reception | 8:00 pm | Reception: TBA | 8:00 pm | |
Monday, 6/24
- Council of 18 Meetings: 8:00 am–12:00 pm
- Chaplaincy module | 12:30 pm–4:30 pm
- Registration | 3:30 pm–5:45 pm
- Dinner … “On your own!”
- Plenary Session 1 – David Strope | 6:30 pm
- C18 Panel | 7:45 pm
- Evening Reception | 8:30 pm
Tuesday, 6/25
- Prayer and Devotion: Jeremy Scott | 8:40 am
- Plenary Session 2: Clare Jewell | 9:00 am
- Q&A, C18 & National Rep Candidate | 10:00 am
- Plenary Session 3: Mike Bullmore | 11:00 am
- Lunch (Harvest cafeteria) | 12:00 pm-1:15 pm
- Annual Business Meeting | 1:30 pm
- Learning Sessions | 3:30 pm
- Helpful updates from our ministry partners on topics such as retirement planning, risk management & more!
- Dinner … “On your own!”
- Plenary Session 4: Mike Bullmore | 6:30 pm
- Evening Reception – 8:00 pm
Wednesday, 6/26
- Prayer and Devotion: Mark Wood | 8:40 am
- Plenary Session 5: Ken Fields | 9:00 am
- Plenary Session 6: Mike Bullmore | 10:00 am
- Breakouts: Establishing Ministry Connection | 11 a.m.
- Lunch (Harvest cafeteria) | 12:00 pm-1:15 pm
- Workshop Sessions | 1:30 pm
- Creating a Discipleship Pipeline | Clare Jewell
- Ministry Bound: Recruiting & Training the Next Generation | Mike Augsburger
- Revitalize: First Steps Toward Health | Terry Thompson
- Pastoral Connections: Lifeline for Lasting Ministry | Will Hatfield
- Creating a Culture of Outreach | Brian & Jenni Cederquist
- Dealing With the Inevitable…Conflict | Ken & Sharon Floyd
- Prioritizing: First steps, priorities and questions to ask as you join a new ministry | Ross Shannon
- Dinner … “On your own!”
- Plenary Session 7: Sam Choi | 6:30 pm
- Evening Reception – 8:00 pm
Thursday, 6/27
- Exhibitors’ Prize Drawings | 8:15 am
- Prayer and Devotion: Stephen Muindi | 8:40 am
- Plenary Session 8: Mike Bullmore | 9:15 am
Conference Youth Program
All events located in Harvest Kids Theater on 3rd floor unless otherwise noted.
See Youth Schedule
| Monday, 6/24 | Tuesday, 6/25 | Wednesday, 6/26 | Thursday, 6/27 |
| OUR BIG DAY! | |||
| 8:40 am | Devotional and Instructions | 9:00 am – 12:00 pm | Evangelism Training | 9:00 am – 11:00 am | Wrap-up Session | |
| Worship, challenge, snacks and testimonies as we reflect on our accomplishments and learning. | |||
| 9:30 am – 1:30 pm | Just for Fun Outing | |||
| Bowling, laser tag, ropes course, arcade, lunch and more at Main Event Entertainment in Hoffman Estates. | |||
| 12:00 pm | Lunch in Harvest cafeteria | |||
| 1:30 pm – 3:30 pm | Street Evangelism in Dundee area | |||
| 2:30 pm – 4:00 pm | Service Project | |||
| Volunteer project packing meals at Feed my Starving Children in Schaumburg. | |||
| 3:30 pm – 4:30 pm | Debrief and Testimonies | |||
| 5:00 pm | Return to Harvest | 5:00 pm – 8:30 pm | Dinner and Evening Session with parents/family (No youth program during this time) | ||
| Dinner with parents or Duke’s BBQ for those attending from local churches. | |||
| 6:30 pm | Rally and Worship Service | |||
| A time of music and a challenge from God’s Word. | |||
| 8:30 pm | Welcome to Chi-town Party Connect Room near auditorium | |||
| Enjoy pizza and pop while getting to know each other and your leaders! We’ll also share details about planned activities. | |||
Monday, 6/24
- 8:30 pm | Welcome to Chi-town Party
Connect Room near auditorium
Enjoy pizza and pop while getting to know each other and your leaders! We’ll also share details about planned activities.
Tuesday, 6/25
- OUR BIG DAY!
- 8:40 am | Devotional and Instructions
- 9:30 am – 1:30 pm | Just for Fun Outing
Bowling, laser tag, ropes course, arcade, lunch and more at Main Event Entertainment in Hoffman Estates. - 2:30 pm – 4:00 pm | Service Project
Volunteer project packing meals at Feed my Starving Children in Schaumburg. - 5:00 pm | Return to Harvest
Dinner with parents or Duke’s BBQ for those attending from local churches. - 6:30 pm | Rally and Worship Service
A time of music and a challenge from God’s Word.
Wednesday, 6/26
- 9:00 am – 12:00 pm| Evangelism Training
- 12:00 pm | Lunch in Harvest cafeteria
- 1:30 pm – 3:30 pm | Street Evangelism in Dundee area
- 3:30 pm – 4:30 pm | Debrief and Testimonies
- 5:00 pm – 8:30 pm | Dinner and Evening Session with parents/family
(No youth program during this time)
Thursday, 6/27
- 9:00 am – 11:00 am | Wrap-up Session
Worship, challenge, snacks and testimonies as we reflect on our accomplishments and learning.
Workshop Details
Creating a Discipleship Pipeline
Clare Jewell, Director of Regular Baptist Generate and Executive Director for ABWE EveryEthne
Discipleship and leadership development can go hand-in-hand in any size church. Connect with pastors and leaders who are striving to develop healthy disciple makers within their ministry context.
Ministry Bound: Recruiting & Training the Next Generation
Mike Augsburger, Lead Pastor at Soteria Des Moines, West Des Moines, Iowa
There is a great need for more men in ministry. Connect with pastors and leaders who are encouraging men toward ministry within a church context.
Revitalize: First Steps Toward Health
Terry Thompson, Founder of Small Church USA and Leadership Development Pastor at Rock Point Church, Crawfordsville, IN
Help! My church needs revitalization; where do I start? Connect with pastors and leaders who are actively helping churches grow toward health.
Pastoral Connections: Lifeline for Lasting Ministry
Will Hatfield, Lead Pastor at Crossroad Baptist Church, Ames, Iowa
One of our greatest strengths as an association is the opportunity to build healthy connections with one another for accountability, discipleship, growth, fellowship and counsel. Connect with pastors and leaders to strengthen these relationships.
Creating a Culture of Outreach
Brian & Jenni Cederquist, Brian is Pastor at Good News Baptist Church, Grand Rapids, Michigan
Outreach can easily give way to apathy within aging churches. Connect with pastors and leaders who are working toward creating a culture of outreach within their churches.
Dealing With the Inevitable…Conflict
Ken & Sharon Floyd, Ken is Pastor of Leadership Development at Grace Baptist Church, Canton, Ohio
Distraction can easily rear its ugly head when you are creating or implementing a ministry plan. Connect with pastors and leaders who are navigating these potential hindrances.
Prioritizing: First steps, priorities and questions to ask as you join a new ministry
Ross Shannon, Senior Pastor at First Baptist Church, Lapeer, Michigan
Starting out in a new ministry has its own challenges. Juggling change, courage, first steps, questions to ask are all part of this new responsibility. Connect with pastors and leaders to start out on the right foot.
Musical Worship
led by Chris Anderson
Chris served as a church planter and pastor for 25 years before pivoting to full-time missions. Currently, Chris travels as Senior VP for Global Opportunities with Biblical Ministries Worldwide preaching, teaching, recruiting, and championing the cause of the Great Commission wherever and however he can. He’s written more than 30 hymns including “His Robes for Mine,” “I Run to Christ,” “My Jesus, Fair,” and “Reformation Hymn.”
Chris is the lead editor and a contributing author of the Gospel Meditations devotional series, and he has recently published his third full-length book with Church Works Media, Theology That Sticks: The Life-Changing Power of Exceptional Hymns. He and his wife Lori live in the greater Atlanta area and have four daughters.
Registration Rates
| Entire Conference (includes conference notebook) | Early Bird (through May 24) | After May 24 |
| Husband & wife | $175 | $200 |
| Individual | $125 | $150 |
| First & second child or teen (each) | $50 | $50 |
| Additional child or teen (each) | $25 | $25 |
| First-time attendee – husband & wife (vocational ministry personnel) | Free | $25 |
| First-time attendee – individual (vocational ministry personnel) | Free | $25 |
| College student (must be a full-time student with valid student ID) | $25 | $50 |
| Church planter (in church or mission church listed in the GARBC Directory) | $75 | $100 |
| Workshop sessions | Included | Included |
| Adult | Child | |
| Lunch at Harvest Christian Academy cafeteria (Tue/Wed, each) | $15 | $15 |
Looking for a place to stay while you attend the GARBC Conference?
We have arranged special rates with several nearby hotels
Comfort Suites
2480 Bushwood Dr, Elgin, IL 60124 | (224) 293-0026
Special rate available through May 31; subject to availability.
Country Inn & Suites by Radisson
2270 Point Blvd, Elgin, IL 60123 | (847) 426-6400
Special rate available through June 21; subject to availability.
Holiday Inn & Suites Northwest
495 Airport Rd, Elgin, IL 60123 | (847) 488-9000
Special rate available through June 11; subject to availability. Mention “GARBC Room Block” if making reservations via phone.
Quality Inn Elgin I-90
500 Tollgate Rd, Elgin, IL 60123 | (847) 608-7300
Special rate available through June 3; subject to availability.
Exhibitors
Exhibiting at the conference allows you to connect with pastors and churches from across the country. Share how God is at work through your ministries and the ways local churches can benefit by networking with you.
Join Our Team as a Volunteer
Help enhance this year’s conference by volunteering in our dynamic youth ministry, engaging children’s programs, nursery care, or supporting our audio/visual operations.
Can't join us at the conference in-person?
Participate in the vote to elect our next slate of Council of 18 members, as well as the next National Representative by registering for the conference virtually.
Council of 18 Nominees:
Michael J. Banks was born and raised in Michigan. He came to faith in Jesus at a young age and committed to serving his Lord as a young teen. A graduate of Cornerstone University and Grand Rapids Theological Seminary, Mike has served as lead pastor in three churches in the U.S. and has assisted in church planting by providing theological education to church leaders while living in E. Asia. He adores his wife, Kelly, whom he was blessed to marry in 1989. Mike and Kelly have three adult children and one daughter-in-law and presently reside in Fort Myers, Florida where Mike is serving as lead pastor of Daniels Road Baptist Church.
David Burman, Jr. is the pastor at First Baptist Church of Elyria. He graduated from Faith Baptist Bible College (’99), then served in pastoral ministry for over two decades, both as a youth pastor at First Baptist Church of Elyria, OH and as the pastor of First Baptist Church of Niles, OH. In 2021, he returned to Elyria to become the lead pastor at First Baptist. God has blessed him immeasurably with a wonderful wife of 26 years, Jen, and three children, David III (and Janelle), Derek, and Kate.
Tim was saved as a young adult after a brief career as a civil engineer. He then attended and graduated from Faith Baptist Bible College followed by 28 years of pastoral ministry in Iowa. Tim currently lives in Ankeny with his wife Sandy, and has served as the State Representative for the Iowa Association of Regular Churches since May of 2014.
Doug began serving as the Executive Director of Bridge Fellowship on January 1, 2023, after shepherding West Cannon Baptist Church in Belmont for almost 45 years. Doug and his wife of 45 years, Kathy, have six children, 17 grandchildren, and 2 great grandchildren.
Ken Doan has served as Pastor of Orchard Avenue Baptist Church in Vacaville, CA for the past 26 years. During most of those years he has served on the State Council, often being the Chairman.
For the past 32 years Dave & Cindy have been serving the good folks of Grace Church in Springfield, IL (which also happens to be the home church Dave grew up in!). Their daughter works for the Illinois State Police, their son is an artist and pastry chef, and they have four incredibly cute little grandboys. Dave also serves as a member of the IL-MO Council of 8, on the board of Camp Manitoumi, as well as various community involvements.
David has been the lead pastor since 2005 at CrossPoint, Jasper where he is actively involved in the community with the youth and travel soccer programs, religion release program and mayor’s council. David is married to Leesa and has 7 children, and is a graduate of Faith and Clarks Summit University.
Tim has been the Lead Pastor at Faith Baptist Church in Mason City, Iowa since January 2017. Prior to serving in Mason City Tim served as Lead Pastor at LeClaire Baptist Church in LeClaire, Iowa for 17 years. Before that he served as a youth pastor in Minnesota and Michigan. Tim and his wife Brenda have been married for 37 years. God has blessed them with four adult children and three granddaughters.
Married and father of five, Chris Rogers serves as lead pastor and chairman of the board of 15 at Discovery Baptist in Gig Harbor, WA (discoverybaptist.org). He also serves on the Baptist Network Northwest Council of 15 (revitalization committee; baptistnetworknw.org). Chris taught classical/sacred piano for 24 years and ministered as a Christian recording/concert artist before transitioning to vocational pastoral ministry in 2013.
Dave Ryan has served as pastor of Grace Baptist Church, Canton, Ohio, since 1999. He says, “It has been a joy to serve alongside this faithful and growing church family!” During his ministry in Canton, Dave has enjoyed the unity of the greater Body of Christ through his involvement in pastors’ fellowships, the Ohio Association of Regular Baptist Churches Council of 12, and multiple trips to engage with missionary partners.
John has been the Lead Pastor of Emmanuel Baptist Church of Flint, Michigan, for the past eleven years. Before his time at Emmanuel, he was a youth pastor for 17 years. His passion is reaching people with the Gospel as Emmanuel launched their first campus two and a half years ago. He is a graduate of Maranatha Baptist University, and he currently is a board member of Lake Ann Camp. He is married to his beautiful wife Tami, and they have three adult children, two of which are students at Cedarville University.
Tim Walker is the Lead Pastor of Restored Church in Wilkes-Barre, PA, an urban church that he planted with a team of friends in 2012. Tim met and married his wife Heather at Restored - They've been married for almost 9 years, have two girls, Lucy & Emily, and they love living on mission together as a family in Wilkes-Barre. Since planting Restored, the church has never had a Sunday without new people, and they have now celebrated over 200 baptisms.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who should attend this conference?
This conference is designed for pastors and their wives, ministry leaders, Christian college staff, and anyone who is a part of a GARBC church.
How should I plan for meals?
There are a variety of restaurants within a 10 or 15-minute drive of this year’s conference location.
To offer a convenient midday option and provide more opportunity for fellowship, the Harvest Christian Academy cafeteria will be open for lunch on-site Tuesday and Wednesday, offering a variety of delicious options. These meals are priced affordably at $15 each.
On-campus lunch meals should be purchased through the registration portal and will not be available for on-site purchase. If you’ve already registered and need to add meals, you can return to the portal and log in using the email address you registered with. If your meal plans change, please contact registration@garbc.org for refunds and adjustments.
Can I bring my family?
Families are welcome at the GARBC conference!
We have activities and programs for all ages, including nursery and preschool care; fun and games combined with Kids4Truth training for grade school children; and a special program for teens that includes a recreational outing, community service projects, and Biblical challenges by local church youth leaders.
Our carefully vetted workers and volunteers are ready to make this week memorable for your children while enriching their spiritual lives.
What’s the dress code?
Most attendees dress in business casual attire, but we invite you to dress to your comfort level.
Can I attend the conference if I’m outside the U.S.?
Yes, attendees from outside of the U.S. are welcome.
Can I register on-site at the conference?
While online registration in advance is highly preferred (to let us prepare to host you), you can also register on-site at the conference. There is a $25 fee in addition to regular rates for on-site registration.
Can I attend the conference virtually?
We are planning to stream the general sessions live as well as offer the recordings for viewing after the conference. More details on this feature will be added soon.
How can I register for workshops?
This year, there is no need to register for workshops in advance! Please feel welcome to attend the learning opportunity (Tue) or workshop (Wed) of your choice. We will be announcing more information about the workshops during the plenary sessions preceding them.
How can I nominate candidates for the Council of 18?
Council of 18 nominations can be made online using this link. Please note this year’s deadline of May 14 at 12:00 PM Central, and review Article VI, Section 4 of the GARBC Constitution for specific requirements.
Will there be any special offers or discounts at local hotels?
Yes! We have arranged special rates with several hotels convenient to the conference location. Check out the hotels section above for more information and booking links.
I have another question - who can I contact?
For other questions, please email registration@garbc.org.
Conference Testimonies
Conference Archives
Explore recordings from past GARBC conferences.
2023
Information coming soon.
2022
Do the Truth
Clare Jewell
Quieting a Noisy Soul through Truth Incarnate
Dr. Nicolas Ellen
Training and Transformation through the Truth of God’s Word
Dr. Nicolas Ellen
Truth in Advertising
Ken Floyd
Truth Matters
Truth to the Nations
Paul Davis
“What Is Truth?” Abstract Idea or Incarnate Grace?
Dr. David E. Strope
2021
Unleash the Spirit of Conviction
General Session: Thursday Morning, July 1, 2021 Knute Larson, Pastoral Coach and Pastor Emeritus, The Chapel, Akron, …
Unleash the Spirit of Love
General Session: Wednesday Evening, June 30, 2021 Knute Larson, Pastoral Coach and Pastor Emeritus, The Chapel, Akron, …
Abide in Christ
General Session: Wednesday Morning, June 30, 2021 David King, Pastor, CrossPoint Fellowship Church, Jasper, …
Unleash the Spirit of Help
General Session: Tuesday Evening, June 29, 2021 Knute Larson, Pastoral Coach and Pastor Emeritus, The Chapel, Akron, …
Peace in a World at War
General Session: Tuesday Morning, June 29, 2021 Dr. David Strope, Ankeny Baptist …
Christ’s High Priestly Prayer and The Holy Spirit
General Session: Tuesday Morning, June 29, 2021 George Gunn, Vice President, Shasta Bible College & Graduate …
Plugging into Your Ultimate Power Source
General Session: Monday Evening, June 28, 2021 Mike Hess, National Representative, General Association of Regular Baptist …
Incomprehensible God
General Session: Tuesday Evening, June 30, 2020 Steve DeWitt, Pastor, Bethel Church, Crown Point, …
The Beauty of Christ
General Session: Tuesday Afternoon, June 30, 2020 Steve DeWitt, Pastor, Bethel Church, Crown Point, …
The Supremacy of Christ
General Session: Monday Evening, June 29, 2020 Steve DeWitt, Pastor, Bethel Church, Crown Point, …
Stay in Your Lane
General Session: Monday Afternoon, June 29, 2020 Mike Hess, National Representative, …
The Clarity of the Throne
General Session: Friday Morning, June 28, 2019 Jon Jenks, State Representative, Wisconsin Assoc. of …
Thank you to our generous sponsors
