Ten Years Later

By Ryan Lewis

Over the past decade, the Free Will Baptist National Convention has experienced many
changes and quietly achieved a number of significant milestones. The ONE Magazine staff
recently asked Ryan Lewis, convention manager, to reflect upon his first ten years of meeting planning. His role provides a unique perspective on the changes taking place.

Perhaps a more daunting task than recognizing where we’ve been is figuring out where we’re going. The past ten years have been a whirlwind for the convention, bringing numerous changes, both tangible and lasting.

Live streaming of the convention services, which began in 2010, has expanded to include Spanish translation and business reports. A joint partnership with the Media Commission allows viewers around the world to “virtually” participate in convention worship. An archive of convention services and business reports is available online at www.nafwb.org/media.

Live streaming also prompted a “Text to Give” option starting in 2017, allowing those who enjoy the stream to contribute to offset the costs involved. On Wednesday night, viewers additionally have the opportunity to give to Free Will Baptist missions. During the last two years, this text-to-give option has led to offerings surpassing those of years past.

Seminars have become a vital part of every convention schedule. Through the ENGAGE seminar series and sessions led by national departments and commissions, educational opportunities are offered daily to pastors, laypersons, and students to enhance the convention experience, expand opportunities for growth, and equip attendees for ministry.

While attendance numbers are not what they were in decades past, I believe participation (and interest) in the convention is growing. Change doesn’t always come quickly or easily, but good things can come from it. Today, young people and their families experience convention benefits beyond freebies in the exhibit hall. The convention offers time for renewed fellowship, unity, and encouragement—a yearly reminder we can accomplish so much more together.

Pastor Daniel Edwards noted recently about our denomination, “We are beginning to see that what unites us is not methods or traditions but doctrine and mission.” That is never more clearly on display than when 4,500 Free Will Baptists gather for the annual meeting.

This year’s convention in Cincinnati will look different than it did ten years ago. All convention events will be under one roof, services will be broadcast live on the Internet in two languages, the social media presence (hashtag #NAFWB) will be greater, and registration lines will be shorter (thanks to 70% of attendees who now pre-register, mostly online).

The impact we leave on the host city, however, should remain the same. Through Impact Cincinnati and Serve the City, Free Will Baptist contributions to the city reach beyond business sessions and worship services into the community. Interactions with volunteers, staff, and employees of the city and its partners should provide a clear testimony of the One we ultimately represent. And, when it comes to our gratuities (for which Christians have a bad reputation), our generosity should reflect the blessings we have received.

I pray our spirit of unity will be on full display. What unites us is far more critical to the Kingdom than things that divide us. May we worship, encourage, learn, and debate with a spirit that reveals our commitment to our doctrine and mission. In doing so, we can leave a positive impact and create a lasting legacy. On that, we can all agree!

About the Writer: Ryan Lewis is executive administrator of the Executive Office of the National Association of Free Will Baptists and manager of the national convention. Learn more: www.nafwb.org.

A Decade of Convention Milestones

• 2009: Ryan Lewis becomes convention manager
  

• 2010: IM celebrates 75 years; live streaming begins
  

• 2011: National Association celebrates 75 years; Free Will Baptist Convention sermons published; “Honoring Our Heritage” documentary released
  

• 2012: Randall House celebrates 50 years of publishing; Leroy Forlines honored for 50 years as chairman of the Commission for Theological Integrity; Convention Digest and Program offered in digital form
  

• 2013: Long-time convention staffers, Dari and Sandy Goodfellow and Mike and Sherry Anderson honored for their work; Historical Commission announces new digital archives: fwbhistory.com
  

• 2014: WNAC becomes a national department; Master’s Men merges with North American Ministries; local church delegate fee discontinued
  

• 2015: Hotel reservations offered online; Free Will Foundation introduces grant program
  

• 2016: Live streaming of business sessions begins; Check-ins for a Cause underwrites Bibles
  for Kazakhstan; police security added
  

• 2017: Welch College celebrates 75 years; NYC (National Youth Conference) changed to VIII (Vertical Three Conference); live streaming in Spanish begins
  

• 2018: North American Ministries celebrates 75 years; Executive Secretary Keith Burden announces 2019 retirement; Historical Commission honors Dr. Robert E. Picirilli for 45 years as curator of the Historical Collection