Back to the Buckeye State | Cincinnati, Ohio | July 21-24, 2019

The 83rd Free Will Baptist National Convention will be held July 21-24 in Cincinnati, Ohio. The last time Free Will Baptists met in the Buckeye State in 2009, the theme was Great and Precious Promises. Free Will Baptists anticipate another promising convention this summer, when Ohio hosts the convention for the fifth time.

Keynote speakers Paul Keener (OH), Tim Eaton (OK), Terry Austin (DC), Daniel Edwards (IN), Tom Dooley (OH), and Diego Cueva (VA) will explore the theme “Lifted Up” from various Scripture passages, challenging attendees to Lift Up Their Eyes (Psalm 121:1), Lift Up the Discouraged (Hebrews 12:12), Lift Up the Son of Man (John 3:14; John 12:32), Lift Up the Promise of Christ’s Return (Luke 21:28), and Lift Up Our Eyes to the Harvest (John 4:35). In addition to worship services, dozens of seminars, workshops, and panel discussions will explore subjects vital to today’s congregation.

During the last Cincinnati convention, Ryan Lewis managed his first meeting. Since that meeting, under his leadership, the convention has not only added seminars and workshops to the program, but has made impressive technological advances. Services are live streamed courtesy of the Media Commission, while a convention app and social media presence help attendees plan convention agendas and connect with other attendees. Even more importantly, Spanish language translation and translation for the Deaf are available for convention worship services. Ten years later, Ryan reflects, “I’ve learned a lot, but I also know something new and exciting is ahead.”

During Tuesday and Wednesday business sessions, delegates are expected to approve denominational budgets of nearly $30 million. Moderator Tim York will guide delegates through the election of board members, general officers, and commission appointees. In addition, national agencies and commissions will submit annual reports.

Attendees are also encouraged to take part in Impact Cincinnati, a one-day evangelistic campaign of service and outreach. This year, Saturday, July 20, volunteers will participate in door-to-door outreach at Lighthouse FWB Church in Elsmere, Kentucky, or sponsor a neighborhood festival sponsored by a second Cincinnati-area church. For more details about Impact, or to register for the activities, visit www.fwbmastersmen.org.

Vertical Three Conference

While the business of the denomination is conducted, the 52nd Vertical Three Conference will focus on the theme “Identity” based on Ephesians 4:24, helping young people understand the importance of their identity in Christ. Between CTS Expo events, Engage seminars, and worship services, Free Will Baptist students are sure to grow in faith as they apply what they learn at the 2019 conference.

The conference expects nearly 3,000 attendees to participate in national CTS competitive finals in Bible and fine arts. In addition, students and sponsors from across the nation will participate in “Serve the City” projects, meeting needs throughout Cincinnati through volunteerism and kindness.

This year, on Tuesday evening, Vertical Three will host Outcast BMX, a coalition of professional stunt riders who put on adrenaline-charged acrobatic shows for all ages. The riders are among the top Christian BMX athletes. They travel the world performing amazing stunts while giving glory to Christ and sharing the gospel. Learn more: verticalthree.com.

Convention Music

The 2019 Convention Choir and Orchestra, guided by the Free Will Baptist Music Commission, needs vocalists and instrumentalists (age 15+). You will enjoy worshiping with other Free Will Baptists from all over the nation. If you wish to be involved or need more information about convention music, email: music@nafwb.org. You also can connect with the commission on Facebook to hear previews of this year’s music: facebook.com/fwbmusiccommission.

Astounding Cincy

Situated just across the Ohio River from Kentucky, the Cincinnati metro area offers great opportunities for visitors. From Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Gardens to Newport Aquarium and Cincinnati Museum Center, Cincinnati has no shortage of family activities. Of course, those attending the convention will want to cross the river into Kentucky and make the short drive to the Ark Encounter and Creation Museum. With state-of-the-art, museum-style exhibits and life-size dinosaur replicas, you will experience the story of creation and the flood in a whole new way.

Returning to Ohio, don’t miss the Roebling Suspension Bridge (below, right), a central element in Cincinnati’s skyline. The longest suspension bridge in the world when opened in 1867, the Cincinnati Covington Bridge was the forerunner to the famed Brooklyn Bridge, also designed by John Roebling.

History buffs—along with baseball fans—may know Cincinnati is home to the first paid professional baseball team, the Cincinnati Redstockings. Known today as the Cincinnati Reds, the local MLB team plays at Great American Ballpark (above, left) only a mile from the convention center.

You can’t spend a week in Cincinnati without trying local favorite goetta, a German-inspired patty of meat and oats, or Cincinnati-style “skyline” chili (above, center) over spaghetti—or piled on a hot dog! Dinner cruises along the Ohio River are a great way to see the sights while enjoying a meal, and dozens of restaurants and cafés make their home within a few-block radius of the convention center.

Although plentiful meal options and activities are found within walking distance of the convention center, getting around greater downtown Cincinnati is easy, with several options for public transit, including a streetcar system and a $1 shuttle. Visit CincyUSA.com for more information.