2020 Conference Recap
Not able to attend the 2020 GARBC Conference? Read news and view photos from each day of the conference. Audio of conference messages is also …
Remembering Those Who Have Departed
“Each year, we make note of faithful servants of Christ that have gone to be with the Lord,” David Strope said at the 2020 business …
Give People a Track to Run On: Leadership Development
“We pastors are good about challenging people to run, but we don’t give them a track to run on.” —W. Thomas Younger (1929–2003), pastor and …
The Greatness and Grandeur of God
“The God that you think you know is greater than you can begin to imagine,” says Pastor Steve DeWitt, closing out the 2020 GARBC Conference.
The 2020 GARBC Conference Speaker’s Panel
Tuesday’s speaker’s panel at the 2020 GARBC Conference provided virtual conferees a candid experience with this year’s speakers as they fielded questions related to ministry …
The Beauty of Christ
“What do we perceive in Jesus?” Steve DeWitt asked as he began the third general session of this year’s conference. “If God is displaying the …
Voting Messengers Approve Updated Purpose Statement and Article of Faith
During the business meeting on Monday, voting messengers approved an update to the GARBC’s official Purpose Statement. As national representative Mike Hess explains, there were …
New Council of Eighteen Elected
The messengers of the Regular Baptist Churches meeting in session on June 29, 2020, elected six new or returning members to the Council of Eighteen: …
The Supremacy of Christ
Many have had their world upended by the events of 2020, including believers and church leaders. A key to staying on level ground is having …
2020 Annual GARBC Business Meeting
David Strope, Council of Eighteen chairman, called to order the 2020 business meeting. This year’s business meeting presented some unique challenges in its virtual format. …
Resolution: God’s Goodness
This has been an eventful year. The COVID-19 pandemic has swept across the globe, wreaking havoc in the forms of sickness, death, and devastated economies. …
When Adult Children Wander
To parents whose adult children have wandered from faith in Christ, Strope says, “You are not alone.”
Resolution: Racial and Ethnic Harmony
In recent days, hateful and murderous actions against African Americans have dominated the news cycle and our national conversation. This has served to heighten the …
Interpreting Scripture Well
“In my opinion, the subject of hermeneutics—the art and science of interpreting the Scriptures—is probably the most important issue or question in Christendom today,” said …
Stay in Your Lane
Mike Hess, national representative of the General Association of Regular Baptist Churches, opened the 2020 GARBC Conference by welcoming guests and reading Romans 8:31–39. He …
First Ever Virtual GARBC Conference Ready to Roll
The virtual 2020 GARBC Conference is ready for you wherever you may be! Since GARBC churches began conferring in 1932, this year’s conference is only the second time in which conferees have not been able to meet in person.
Council of Eighteen Meets before 2020 Conference
The annual Council of Eighteen meetings were held on June 26 ahead of the 2020 annual conference. Every year, the council meets to settle outstanding …
Virtual GARBC Conference Registration Now Open!
Get ready to connect! Registration for conferees and exhibitors is now open for the 2020 GARBC Conference, to be held exclusively online June 29–30.
GARBC Conference Goes Exclusively Virtual
Our 2020 GARBC Conference will now be exclusively virtual!
2020 Conference Update: Virtual Attendance
On the association level, major decisions are being made regarding our annual conference. The Council of 18 conference committee has developed an alternative option, which was met with full council approval. Virtual Attendance will now be available for the 2020 annual conference.
Council of Eighteen Nomination Deadline Extended
The Council of Eighteen nominations have been extended until April 15, 2020.
GARBC Conference and the Coronavirus
Like the rest of the world, we have been keeping a close eye on the news of the coronavirus (COVID-19). Our prayers for wisdom, comfort, …
Make a Memory: Vacation around GARBC Conference!
California has natural beauty and many venues for family fun. A great way to see sights you normally wouldn’t visit is to plan a vacation before or after the 2020 GARBC Conference, Mon., June 29–Thurs., July 2, in Sacramento.
Plan Now! GARBC Conference Mon., June, 29–Thurs., July 2
A spectacular 2020 GARBC Conference is scheduled to take place in Sacramento, California, Monday, June 29–Thursday, July 2.
Day by Day Recap: 2019 GARBC Conference
Not able to attend the 2019 GARBC Conference? We’ve brought the conference to you! If you did attend the conference, you may find yourself in the photo galleries! Read news and view photos from each day of the conference. Audio of conference messages is also available.
Farewell to Des Moines
The lobby of the Des Moines Holiday Inn conference center is quiet now, seemingly for the first time in five days. The conferees and exhibitors …
The Clarity of the Throne
As 2019’s GARBC Conference came to a close, Jon Jenks, vice president of training for Baptist Church Planters and state representative of the Wisconsin Association …
Minigolf, Ministry, and Marshmallows
Another day of excitement and fellowship ensued for the students at this year’s conference as they met Thursday at Soteria Church. After they kick-started their …
The Minor Key of Worship
How should we respond to suffering? How can believers rejoice in their pain? Mark Vroegop suggests that perhaps what believers need is lament. In Thursday …
2019 Annual GARBC Business Meeting
David Strope, Council of Eighteen chairman, called to order the 2019 business meeting. After a full year of service, Mike Hess began his first annual …
The Harmony of Worship
“Last evening, we looked at the purpose of worship,” Mark Vroegop said as he kicked off Thursday morning’s first general session. “This morning, I want …
Students Have a Jam-Packed Day of Learning and Fun
Students met Wednesday morning to play games, wake up, and prepare for the first of three services at the Students Alive! Conference held at Soteria …
The Purpose of Worship
“Worship is really, really important,” Mark Vroegop, lead pastor of College Park Church in Indianapolis, Indiana and this year’s keynote speaker, stated emphatically in his …
The Burdens and Blessings of a Larger Church
Scott Polling, pastor of Harvest New Beginnings in Oswego, Illinois, led a training module Wednesday on the burdens and blessings of ministering in a larger …
Putting Together a Worship Service
Dan Parker, associate pastor of worship and music at First Baptist Church, Elyria, Ohio, led a module Wednesday on the art and science of putting …
Abounding Belief in Jesus Influences Deeper Empathy
Diane Scallon, pastor’s wife of Grace Baptist Church, Laurel, Maryland, spoke on building relationships with God and others, during the Wednesday afternoon module for women. …
The DNA of a Healthy Tech Ministry
How important is a tech ministry to a healthy church? Daniel Chin, systems administrator for Regular Baptist Ministries, and Rich Fuchs, president of Ministry Tech, …
True Worshipers
All people are worshipers of one thing or another, according to Mike Augsburger. “God has created all humanity to worship, to stand in wonder of the things we’re passionate about,” he says. And that passion inevitably overflows into worship. For far too many people, the problem isn’t that they’re not worshiping; it’s that they’re worshiping the wrong things.
Big Little Church: The Joys, Challenges, and Strengths of Small Church Ministry
With more than half of American churches retaining fewer than 100 members, small congregations must impact the world for Christ in a big way. Tom …
Unpacking the Forgiveness Debate (Defining Forgiveness)
What is forgiveness? Of what does it consist? Is Biblical forgiveness totally unconditional, or does it come with strings attached? These are just a few …
Worship as Giving Yourself to God
Wednesday morning opened with a message from Ross Shannon, senior pastor of First Baptist Church in Lapeer, Michigan. Continuing to develop the theme “Essence of …
Open Enrollment for the GARBC Retirement Program Begins
GARBC National Representative Mike Hess opened the first general session of the 2019 Annual Conference by announcing the opening of enrollment in a national 403(b) …
How the Holiness of God Fuels Our Worship
“We serve a holy, holy, holy God,” Mike Hess proclaimed in his inaugural conference session as national representative. As he opened the 2019 conference’s first …
Floats and Fun
Students Alive! kicked off the 2019 conference at Soteria Church in Des Moines, Iowa. They began the evening by worshiping the Lord through song, followed …
Developing an Evangelistic Environment in the Local Church
A great need exists for churches to develop a culture of intentional evangelism. This was the subject of Tuesday’s module by Pat Nemmers (lead pastor …
Council of Eighteen Meets ahead of 2019 Conference
The Council of Eighteen, governing body for the Regular Baptist Churches, met on Monday evening and Tuesday morning ahead of the 2019 conference. Every year, …
GARBC Conference, Here We Come!
Regular Baptist staff members are paving the way for guests to have a great time at the 2019 GARBC Conference in Des Moines, Iowa, June 25-28.
Networking Is Big at GARBC Conference
The GARBC Conference is your place of national networking to help you in your ministry.
GARBC CONFERENCE FEATURES STRONG SPEAKER LINEUP
Conference speakers to bring “Essence of Worship” from God’s Word.
Why Attend the GARBC Conference? Why Not?
Missing the 2019 GARBC Conference may mean missing one of the biggest blessings of your year! Register now to attend.
Relax and Reconnect at 2019 GARBC Conference
Enjoy yourself! The 2019 GARBC Conference host, Holiday Inn-Airport Hotel and Conference Center, offers an ideal arrangement for relaxing, meeting friends, and enjoying time with your family.
Refresh through 2019 GARBC Conference Modules
Plan now to attend the GARBC conference in Des Moines, Iowa, June 25–29, and gain valuable ongoing training.
Nominate Now for Council of Eighteen Election
Take part in determining your association’s leadership. Submit your Council of Eighteen nominations by March 27.
The ‘Why’ of the National GARBC Conference
By Mike Hess As I look back over the past couple of decades, I’m reminded of great privileges and opportunities God has blessed me with. …
June Conferees to Welcome Churches into the Association
Now is the time for churches who are considering fellowshipping with the GARBC to apply. The benefits of applying for fellowship are many.
GARBC Conference Preparations Well Underway
The 2019 GARBC Conference local committee is working hard to prepare for the association’s annual conference June 25–28.
2019 GARBC Conference Promises to be Bright!
DES MOINES, Iowa—Planning for the 2019 GARBC Conference is well underway. Don’t miss the opportunity to be part of this exciting week, focusing on the …
Day by Day Recap: 2018 GARBC Conference
Not able to attend the 2018 GARBC Conference? We’ve brought the conference to you! If you did attend the conference, you may find yourself in the photo galleries! Read news and view photos from each day of the conference. Audio of conference messages is also available.
Farewell to Fishers
As Friday morning turns into Friday afternoon, the 2018 GARBC Conference winds down. The exhibitors begin packing up their displays, and the attendees begin wending …
Parting Thoughts on the Way out the Door
On Friday morning, John Greening delivered his last conference sermon as national representative. “This could not have been a more delightful experience,” he said, referring …
A Moving Tribute and Fond Farewell to John and Daria Greening
On Friday morning of the conference, attendees honored John and Daria Greening and bade them a fond farewell. Although the Lord surely has many years …
2018 Grand Prize Drawing
There was great excitement and anticipation Friday morning as the Grand Prize Winners were announced. At 9 a.m., RBP business director Tony Randolph randomly drew …
Walking in the Way
“Paul’s theme for tonight, for us, is how we walk,” said Thomas White in Thursday evening’s general session. Walking is one of Paul’s favorite metaphors …
Official Dedication of Mike and Christina Hess
On Thursday evening, the Council of Eighteen and outgoing national representative John Greening formally dedicated incoming national representative Mike Hess and his wife, Christina, to …
2018 Annual GARBC Business Meeting
The 2018 business meeting began with John Greening’s final annual report as national representative. Greening updated the messengers on many of the associational developments during …
How God Wants You to See Your Church
Incoming national representative Mike Hess shared from 1 Timothy 3:14–16 Thursday morning. “Just as Jesus reveals who the Father is, the church reveals who Jesus …
United We Grow
“We find ourselves at a seam or a hinge in the argument of the book of Ephesians,” said David Gunn, director of Regular Baptist Press, …
Mike Hess Approved as New GARBC National Representative
At the annual business meeting on June 28, messengers voted to approve Mike Hess as the new national representative of the GARBC. The vote was …
Turning Guests into Family
What pastor isn’t in search of the right formula to see his local church grow? But what does growth mean, and how is it to …
Webster Frowner Honored
During the Wednesday evening service, the association honored Webster Frowner, a longtime pastor in the GARBC and currently the representative for the Mid-Continent Association of …
The Mystery and Glory of the Church
“I really began to understand ‘fathers do not provoke your children,’ when my own children became teenagers,” said Dr. Stephen Pettit, president of Bob Jones …
Gospel-Rooted Ethnic Unity
John Jasper (1812–1901) lived in fascinating and historic times. Born into slavery before the Civil War, Jasper became a Christian in 1839 and, later, an …
“Open Mike” Q&A Session with NR Candidate
National representative candidate Mike Hess took questions from conferees on Wednesday afternoon. In a session lasting 80 minutes, Hess fielded 30 questions on a broad …
From Grace to Glory
“I don’t know everything,” said Duke Crawford, pastor of Emmanuel Baptist Church of Toledo, Ohio, in Wednesday morning’s first general session. “But I do know …
Love That Church in Christ
“Who am I? Who are you? What is my identity?” asked Thomas White, president of Cedarville University, at the beginning of the 2018 conference’s first …
Council of Eighteen Meets before 2018 Conference
The annual Council of Eighteen meetings were held on June 25 and 26 ahead of the 2018 annual conference. Every year, the council meets to …
2018 GARBC Conference Grand Opening
FISHERS, Ind.—The 2018 GARBC Conference grand opening happens June 25, 2018! Pastor Mark Neal and the staff of Hamilton Hills Church, conference hosts, extend a …
Exceptional Preaching at 2018 GARBC Conference
The 2018 GARBC Conference will feature expository preaching at its finest. As speakers present the book of Ephesians, attendees will focus on the conference theme, …
Searching for a National Representative
For some time John Greening had been telling the Council of Eighteen, “I am planning to retire soon, and I would prefer a search process begin sooner rather than later. Don’t wait to seek God’s man.”
Mike Hess’s Journey
Mike Hess, nominated to be the next national representative of the GARBC, shares his ministry journey.
National Representative Candidate Named
The Council of Eighteen announces its recommendation of Pastor Mike Hess to serve as the next national representative of the GARBC.
2018 GARBC CONFERENCE: EMBARK ON A NEW ERA
Register early for discount! Interact with national rep candidate at conference!
Plan Now to Attend the 2018 Conference
Mark your calendars and get ready to be blessed! Plan now to attend the 2018 GARBC Conference at Hamilton Hills Church in Fishers, Indiana, June …
Cedarville University Hosts Alumni Reception
More than 75 Cedarville University alumni, parents of alumni, and current students attended a special ice cream social at the recent GARBC national conference in …
Farewell to Sandy Cove
Hearts were stirred and spirits were lightened on Friday morning as conference attendees departed North East, Maryland, for their respective places of residence and ministry. …
Mentoring Young Men for Ministry
“Mentoring Young men for Ministry” was the final “best church practice” examined at the 2017 GARBC Conference in North East, Maryland. One of the most …
Best Church Practices in Corporate Worship
“It’s been a real passion of mine to try to help people think Biblically about worship,” said Ken Pyne as he introduced his workshop topic, …
Harmonizing Marriage and Ministry
Anyone in vocational ministry knows the pressure upon marriage that it can bring. As conference attendees prepared to head home to their ministries on the …
New Council of Eighteen Selected
The messengers of the Regular Baptist Churches meeting in session on June 29, 2017, at North East, Maryland, elected six new or returning members to …
The Duties, Dangers, and Delights of Church Planting
Planting churches is a little like hunting elk, says Jim Tillotson, president of Faith Baptist Bible College and Theological Seminary. In both cases, lots of …
A Special Tribute to a Faithful Christian
On Thursday night of the 2017 GARBC Conference, National Representative John Greening paused to pay special tribute to Ruth Van Pelt for her many years …
Association Business Meeting 2017
National Representative John Greening announced his retirement plans on Thursday morning at the annual business meeting of the 2017 GARBC Conference. “I can honestly say …
Thursday Morning Speaker’s Panel
“Pastor Mike Hess, could you fulfill faithful gospel ministry if you, perchance, got the job of team chaplain for the St. Louis Cardinals?” “You know, …
Long-Haul Leadership
Stay in one place for very long and you will certainly stand out, as Pastor Don Shirk said in the Thursday morning general session of …
Students Play Hard, Learn to Build Up the Body of Christ
Students Alive! kicked off day three of the 2017 conference with two great sessions featuring Matthew Malin (Piedmont International University) and Caleb Acree (Faith Baptist …
National Representative to Retire; Search Committee Formed
John Greening reported to the attendees of the 2017 GARBC business meeting on Thursday, June 29, that he will be retiring as national representative of …
Faith Baptist Bible College Hosts Reception
Alumni and friends of Faith Baptist Bible College and Theological Seminary enjoyed cheesecake, fellowship, and giveaways following the last evening session of the 2017 GARBC Conference. …
Taking the Gospel to the City
“What you have to decide is, is the church going to be a haven of grace?” The question Steve Viars poses is a probing one. …
Youth Ministry: Obstacles . . . or Opportunities?
In his youth ministry workshop on Wednesday morning, Josh Jones of Breesport (New York) Baptist Church asked a question that can be transformative to any …
Compassion Ministry
“If we asked our neighbors to just brainstorm words that come to their minds when they think about our church, how long would it be …
When God Purifies His Church
“It pays good money to be a hypocrite today,” said Pastor Mike Hess of Calvary Baptist Church in Mount Pleasant, Iowa, at the beginning of …
Students Alive! Wednesday in Review
Students Alive! began the morning with two great sessions with Edward Estes (Virginia Beach Theological Seminary) and Dr. Jim Lytle (Clarks Summit University). Students were …
How Not to Lose Heart in Ministry
In a timely, relevant fashion, Jerry and Sherry VanHooser offered hope and encouragement to those in ministry in their workshop titled “How Not to Lose …
Social Justice and the Role of the Church
It’s a shame that secular activists and civil governments have managed to corner the market on social justice, because that’s really a cause the church …
Clarks Summit University Hosts Alumni Reception
Over 100 alumni spanning 50 years of graduations from Clarks Summit University enjoyed fellowship on the opening night of the GARBC Conference. President Jim Lytle …
Best Church Practices: Devoted to Essentials
“Ultimately, orthodoxy requires that we move beyond the abstract of doctrine to implementation,” said national representative John Greening during the first general session of the …
Fire-Roasted Fun
Fire and teens don’t always make the best combination, but in this case they made for a great start to the week! After joining the …
Council of Eighteen Meets ahead of 2017 Conference
The Council of Eighteen, governing body for the Regular Baptist Churches, met on Monday morning ahead of the 2017 conference. Every year, the council takes …
Worth Your $, Plan to Attend the GARBC Conference!
Don’t let the savings pass you by! GARBC Conference preregistration ends Friday, June 9.
Best Practices Workshops To Encourage You in Ministry
When serving the Lord, pastors and church members desire to give Him their best. Workshops at the 2017 GARBC Conference June 27–30 will offer practical, …
2017 GARBC Conference Preview Video
Think Maryland, think refreshment! Get a taste of the 2017 GARBC Conference, June 27–30, through the following short video. Conference week is a great opportunity …
The GARBC Difference: A Family Conference!
Children make the GARBC Conference complete! From babies to high schoolers, children enjoy going to the conference.
2017 Conference Committee Plans for Your Relaxation!
NORTH EAST, Maryland—Members of the 2017 GARBC Conference committee recently met in the beautiful setting of Sandy Cove Ministries Center to plan the association’s annual …
Conference Speakers Bring Best Church Practices
Excellent speakers will bring Biblical instruction on best practices of the church at the 2017 GARBC Conference, June 27–30. Plan now to attend.
Farewell to Oswego
Friday, July 1, 2016. As the conference attendees and exhibitors head out to their vehicles, preparing for their journeys home, there is a palpable sense …
The Suffering Servant-Messiah, Part 2
Daniel Davey finished out the 2016 conference’s sermon series, “Preaching Christ from the Old Testament,” with a message from Isaiah 53. “When we look at …
Serve King Jesus
Dr. Jim Lytle delivered the sermon on Thursday’s final session. His text was Psalm 2, an enthronement Psalm that is shot through with references to …
Church Planting Module Opens Eyes to Needs and Possibilities
Just as God expects living things to be fruitful and multiply, so He expects churches to do the same, suggested Dr. Ken Davis at the …
Mastering the Art of Narrative Preaching
Storytelling is a part of all cultures and is a great way to communicate spiritual truth, Mike Augsburger shared in his workshop during the GARBC Conference.
Outreach Workshop Focuses on Three Statements
Mickey Farlow, evangelism and discipleship pastor of Harvest New Beginnings, led a workshop on outreach at the 2016 GARBC Conference, which was held at Harvest …
Module Instructs on How to Preach Christ from the Old Testament
“Preaching Christ from the Old Testament” was a preconference module offered in connection with the 2016 GARBC conference, which took place at Harvest New Beginnings, …
The Suffering Servant-Messiah, Part 1
“Some have called this the fifth gospel,” Daniel Davey said on Thursday morning of the GARBC Conference, referring to the book of Isaiah.