Ministry Highlights

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 available.

Churches like ours—theologically conservative, cessationist, Baptist churches—are not widely thought of as having a deep appreciation or passion for the Holy Spirit. Whether or not …

How did you get to where you are? In the final session of the 2021 GARBC Conference, keynote speaker Knute Larson challenged conference attendees to …

The messengers of the General Association of Regular Baptist Churches meeting in session on June 30, 2021, elected six members to the Council of Eighteen: …

Continuing his three-part series on “Unleash the Spirit,” Knute Larson preached his sermon “Unleash the Spirit of Love!” from John 13:31–35. Knute was the keynote …

David Strope, chairman of the Council of Eighteen, called the 2021 GARBC business meeting to order, saying, “We do have some significant issues to address, …

The church today is facing a significant leadership crisis as fewer and fewer men are choosing to pursue pastoral ministry. This leaves many churches without …

“I’ll pray for you” can be meant sincerely or haphazardly. But as Dr. George Gunn pointed out in his message “Christ’s High Priestly Prayer and …

As Regular Baptists we unashamedly embrace cessationism—the view that some of the spiritual gifts (namely, the revelatory and sign gifts) ceased to be operative early …

David King, pastor of CrossPoint Fellowship, a Baptist church in Jasper, Indiana, opened the third day of the 2021 GARBC Conference June 30. The conference …

Knute Larson, keynote speaker at the 2021 GARBC Conference in Schaumburg, Illinois, began his sermon “Unleash the Spirit of Help!” observing that many Christians feel …

“Cessationism doesn’t teach that miracles have ceased. We still believe our God is a miracle-working God and that, if He chooses, He can work a …

How can followers of Christ experience the peace of God in tumultuous, fearful times? This is the question David Strope asked attendees of the 2021 …

The indwelling power of the Holy Spirit is greater than the power of the flesh.

The Council of Eighteen, governing body for the GARBC, met on Monday morning ahead of the 2021 conference. Every year the council takes this opportunity …

Now is the time to nominate candidates for the GARBC Council of Eighteen.

Join us at Bethel Baptist Church in Schaumburg, Illinois, as we gather together in person. This year’s conference is a great investment that will bless you and your church.

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 …

“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 …

“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 God that you think you know is greater than you can begin to imagine,” says Pastor Steve DeWitt, closing out the 2020 GARBC Conference.

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 …

“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 …

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 …

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: …

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 …

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. …

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. …

To parents whose adult children have wandered from faith in Christ, Strope says, “You are not alone.”

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 …

“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 …

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 …

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.

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 …

Enjoy the “stayadvantage” of the virtual GARBC Conference beginning Monday, June 29, at 11 a.m.

For the first time in history, you and your church can attend the GARBC Conference without the cost of travel, a hotel, and meals.

Register now for our virtual conference! Then on Monday, June 29, the first day of the conference, grab a cup of coffee and join us at 2:30 p.m. as we interact with association business together.

During this year’s virtual GARBC Conference, June 29–30, our churches will come together online to grow spiritually and gain ministry skills.

By registering for our virtual GARBC Conference June 29–30, you will be able to join a breakout session each day, choosing from three dynamic modules.

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.

Our 2020 GARBC Conference will now be exclusively virtual!

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.

The Council of Eighteen nominations have been extended until April 15, 2020.

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, …

The Word of God is the basis for all events planned for the upcoming GARBC Conference. Plan on joining David Gunn as he presents the conference module “Interpreting Scripture Well: The Need for a Sound Hermeneutic” on Tuesday, June 30.

Refreshing days of spiritual renewal await you at the upcoming GARBC Conference, Monday, June 29-Thursday, July 2. Conference registration is now open! Take advantage of …

Now is the time to nominate candidates for the GARBC Council of Eighteen. You can help shape the future of the association by contributing nominations.

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.

A spectacular 2020 GARBC Conference is scheduled to take place in Sacramento, California, Monday, June 29–Thursday, July 2.

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.

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 …

Fun-filled drawings of merchandise provided by vendors is a much anticipated event at the GARBC Conference.

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 …

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 …

At the 2019 GARBC business meeting on June 27, six members were elected to the Council of 18 for three-year terms.

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 …

“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 met Wednesday morning to play games, wake up, and prepare for the first of three services at the Students Alive! Conference held at Soteria …

“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 …

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 …

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 …

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. …

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, …

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.

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 …

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 …

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 …

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) …

“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 …

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 …

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 …

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, …

Conferees are arriving for a spiritually rich time at the 2019 GARBC Conference, June 25–28.

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.

The GARBC Conference is your place of national networking to help you in your ministry.

Conference speakers to bring “Essence of Worship” from God’s Word.

Save money for GARBC Conference registration! Early bird rates end May 15.

New resources, helpful conversations, and beneficial giveaways make the exhibit area a popular feature at the GARBC Conference. Register today to exhibit at the GARBC Conference in Des Moines June 25–28.

Missing the 2019 GARBC Conference may mean missing one of the biggest blessings of your year! Register now to attend.

Worship is an integral part of Christians’ lives, but what exactly is worship? Find out what God says about worship by attending the 2019 GARBC Conference in Des Moines June 25–28.

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.

Plan now to attend the GARBC conference in Des Moines, Iowa, June 25–29, and gain valuable ongoing training.

Registration for the 2019 GARBC Conference is now a click away. Enjoy the convenience of registering online and receive an early bird discount.

Take part in determining your association’s leadership. Submit your Council of Eighteen nominations by March 27.

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. …

Now is the time for churches who are considering fellowshipping with the GARBC to apply. The benefits of applying for fellowship are many.

The 2019 GARBC Conference local committee is working hard to prepare for the association’s annual conference June 25–28.

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 …

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.

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 …

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 …

“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 …

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 …

“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, …

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 …

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 …

“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 …

“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 …

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 …

The GARBC Conference is a great opportunity to connect with ministries and organizations that are doing God’s work and have resources that will benefit your …

The 2018 GARBC Conference is almost here! Excitement is building for our time together, June 26–29, at Hamilton Hills Church in Fishers, Indiana. Don’t miss …

What direction is your church heading? Do you have a plan for growth, both spiritually and numerically? Are your classes, programs, and events working together …

Be sure to join ministry leaders and colleagues for lunch at the GARBC Conference! In addition to the meal, this year’s luncheons will serve up …

The 2018 GARBC conference is sure to be historic due to the vote to confirm the association’s next national representative. Be sure to read the …

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, …

The frenzy of preparation for the 2018 GARBC Conference is in full swing! Those who are prepping for and presenting at the conference are busy …

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, nominated to be the next national representative of the GARBC, shares his ministry journey.

The Council of Eighteen announces its recommendation of Pastor Mike Hess to serve as the next national representative of the GARBC.

Register early for discount! Interact with national rep candidate at conference!

Couldn’t make it to the 2017 GARBC Conference? We’ve got stories, photos and audio for you!

“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 …

“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, …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

“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. …

“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 …

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 …

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 …

“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 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 …

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 …

As conferees arrive for the 2017 GARBC Conference, their first words are often, “It’s so beautiful here!” The Sandy Cove lodge with its glass-plated dining …

Eastward ho! Sandy Cove, here we come for the 2017 GARBC Conference, June 27-30. A great reunion is about to take place!

Don’t let the savings pass you by! GARBC Conference preregistration ends Friday, June 9.

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, …

Don’t let the savings pass you by! Register by Friday, May 12 for the GARBC Conference and receive the discount rate.

The GARBC Conference offers excellent workshops to grow in the knowledge of God’s Word and gain ministry skills.

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 …

Children make the GARBC Conference complete! From babies to high schoolers, children enjoy going to the conference.

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 …

Excellent speakers will bring Biblical instruction on best practices of the church at the 2017 GARBC Conference, June 27–30. Plan now to attend.

Mark June 27–30, 2017, on your calendars and plan now to attend the GARBC Conference at Sandy Cove in Maryland.

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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.

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 …

“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, …

“Some have called this the fifth gospel,” Daniel Davey said on Thursday morning of the GARBC Conference, referring to the book of Isaiah.

On Wednesday evening, National Church Planting Coordinator Clare Jewell enthusiastically introduced the Genesis initiative to GARBC Conference attendees. The goal of the initiative is to plant 100 new Regular Baptist churches by 2025.

In the days of Isaiah, Judah was a kingdom in decline. “If only Israel could have a king that would exude all of David’s good traits and none of his bad ones,” Daniel Davey mused in his sermon on Wednesday evening.

Ladies attending the GARBC Conference enjoyed the beautiful grounds of Emerson Creek Pottery during a ladies’ get-together.

National Representative John Greening and his wife, Daria, were honored after the Wednesday evening session of the GARBC Conference. With a surprise ceremony celebrating the Greenings’ two decades of leadership ministry to the association, Council of Eighteen chairman Ken Floyd Spink delivered a touching tribute.

On June 29, the new 2016–17 Council of Eighteen was formally introduced to the attendees of the GARBC Conference. Voting messengers had cast their ballots …

Pastors’ wives of all ages gleaned from the instruction and encouragement given by Tonda Curry at a GARBC Conference women’s workshop.

“You had a chance to hear a workshop on culture wars or outreach and preaching, and yet you chose to attend one on continuity and …

“Nothing can prepare a dad to see his son suffer,” said Pastor Scott Poling as he opened Wednesday’s second general session. Poling, senior pastor of …

Using Genesis 3:15 as his focal passage, Dr. Jim Lytle spoke on the simple message of “Jesus Saves” on Wednesday morning of the GARBC Conference.

At 11:15 Thursday morning at Harvest New Beginnings, Dr. Scott Carroll will share a presentation on ancient manuscripts of the Bible and related artifacts.

Two thousand years ago, two disciples were confused, dejected, and dismayed. Today our world is filled with people just as dejected and perplexed. “Are we, like Christ, intersecting with people who are confused and disappointed by life’s circumstances?” asks John Greening.

The GARBC’s Council of Eighteen met on Monday, June 27, for its first business and planning meeting of 2016. Opening the meeting, chairman Ken Floyd commented on the continuing seismic shifts in the nation’s social arena.

Harvest New Beginnings, Oswego, Illinois, is graciously hosting the 2016 GARBC Conference, June 28—July 1.

For many attending the GARBC Conference, it’s a reunion of connecting with friends and acquaintances. What better to include in a reunion than a picnic!

Be encouraged in God’s Word! Attend the GARBC Conference at Harvest New Beginnings Church, in Oswego, Illinois, June 28—July 1. Value the richness of Christ …

“Inspired: Scrolls to Scriptures,” a portable, hands-on museum exhibit that tells the story of the composition and preservation of the Bible, will be featured at …

Get in on great savings! Plan now to attend the 2016 GARBC Conference in Oswego, Illinois.

Attend the GARBC Conference, and leave not just as informed people but as people who have been transformed by the glory of the gospel.

New to the GARBC Conference this year are two modules. These modules are incredible opportunities to enhance your ministry through seminary-level teaching at an affordable …

Each year, 18 of your peers, colleagues, pastors, and ministry leaders serve a vital role in the association by representing you on the Council of …

The 2016 Conference in Oswego, Illinois, is shaping up to be a great conference! Get a sneak preview at the brochure and plan on attending. …

Plan now to attend the 2016 GARBC Conference June 28—July 1 in Oswego, Illinois.

GARBC churches met for the association’s 2015 National Conference June 29—July 3 in Omaha. Read stories, view photos, and listen to audio from each day of the conference.

John Greening, national representative for the GARBC, preached the final message of the 2015 conference on Friday morning. His title was “The Benediction-Driven Church.” Benedictions …

To one degree or another, trials and persecutions are likewise inevitable for every faithful Christian. The pressing issue, then, is not if trials are coming, but how believers will respond when they do.

The singing of the classic hymn “The Church’s One Foundation” is a perfect segue to the morning message, “Union with Christ: Our Future.”

“I just want God to be the main focus,” says Gabrielle Gerber of Indianola, Iowa. She is one of several teens competing in the national Talents For Christ competition in Omaha.

God’s prescriptions for preparation in the midst of trouble are always trustworthy, reliable, and perfect, even when at first blush they don’t seem to make sense.

Christmas Day, 1914. It is bitterly cold on the Western front. British soldiers are hunkered down in their trenches sipping hot beverages and trying to wrap their uniforms just a little tighter to ward off the stinging bite of the wintry air.

Pastor’s wife Melissa Wiita made an instant connection with women attending the 2015 GARBC Conference workshop “Walking Life’s Tightrope: Maintaining Balance.”

During a well-attended business meeting on June 30, voting messengers from GARBC churches elected new members to the Council of Eighteen.

The timing could not have been more serendipitous if it had been orchestrated. Just three days before the GARBC’s 2015 annual conference, the United States Supreme Court legalized same-sex marriage nationwide.

What pops into your mind when you think of coffee, hot chocolate, or tea? Is it fellowship, conversation, and hospitality?

The relationship of Christians to the Law is a sticky theological issue. Paul Hartog kicked off Tuesday morning’s conference session with “Union with Christ: Our Freedom.”

Bible in hand, John Greening looks out over a packed conference room and asks a series of pointed questions. “How will we respond when our back is up against the wall? When we find ourselves pressured? When we find ourselves facing hostility from the culture around us?”

On June 29, the GARBC’s Council of Eighteen met for a strategic planning session. As the meeting opened, participants were reminded of the turbulent times in which we live, but also of the steadfast faithfulness and unfailing sovereignty of God.

Those unable to attend the GARBC conference can now access the sessions online!

The GARBC staff arrived in Omaha, Nebraska, on the evening of Sunday, June 28, eager to kick off the 2015 national conference.

As conferees arrive at the host hotel, DoubleTree by Hilton, in downtown Omaha, they can take advantage of complimentary parking contracted by the association.

Join us for Late Night with RBP Monday evening in Midlands for a sundae bar and fun for the whole family.

How can the theme of coffee be incorporated into our lives as a connection and encouragement with each other? Join Alne Hartog and enjoy a time of connection and encouragement as we ignite within us the joy of hospitality!

This year’s GARBC Conference promises to be rich in theological teaching and practical application! Sixteen workshops on various topics will provide something for everyone.

While attending the 2015 GARBC Conference, enjoy staying at the beautiful and relaxing Double Tree Hotel in downtown Omaha.

Your church can make a significant impact on the association by participating in the Council of Eighteen nominations.

Make sure to include the GARBC Conference in your summer plans. You will not only benefit from an incredible conference, great training, and genuine fellowship, but also from a great city!

Planning for the 2015 Conference is well under way! The conference staff has met with the local committee and hotel staff, and details are falling into place.