2026 National Convention "Charts a Course" for Columbus, Ohio
What do you think when you hear the words “National Convention”? I imagine many Free Will Baptists immediately recall unforgettable worship services with powerful preaching and thousands of voices lifted together in song. Or perhaps the memories revolve around the excitement of the Vertical Three Conference — CTS Expo activities, special events, and services designed for young people. Still others may think of business sessions, where delegates hammer out decisions and direction for the denomination.
Whatever comes to mind, it is undeniable the National Convention is a great meeting…but it is much more! Every year, the convention provides some unique opportunities and experiences perhaps you have never considered. Opportunities to Reach, Train, and Give.
Reach. While our annual meeting is primarily a gathering for Free Will Baptists, bringing thousands of Free Will Baptists to one city also opens a door for the gospel.
This starts with IMPACT, the annual one-day evangelistic outreach event on the Saturday preceding the convention. Those arriving early have an opportunity to partner with local churches and venture into the community, sharing the gospel verbally and through acts of kindness and service.
This year, on July 18, IMPACT offers three opportunities. At Hillview Church, volunteers will complete a painting project at the church and simultaneously offer a free neighborhood carwash. At both Heritage FWB Church and Canaan Land FWB Church, volunteers will join the local congregation in serving the widows of their churches in a variety of ways. See fwbmastersmen.org/impact for more details or to register.
And outreach doesn’t stop Saturday evening at the conclusion of IMPACT. Throughout the week, from restaurants and hotel lobbies to crowded sidewalks, attractions, and parks, Free Will Baptists have an opportunity to make a profound impact on Columbus residents. Verbally, yes, but also through good tips, patient interaction with workers and servers, respectful behavior, or maybe just a smile and good attitude. The convention offers more than a visit to Columbus; it provides a chance to reach Columbus with the gospel.
Train. Over the past decade, convention opportunities for training have grown exponentially. This year, take advantage of more than 80 seminars, workshops, and experiences designed for attendees of all ages. Leave the convention equipped with new strategies, techniques, ideas, and encouragement. Refresh and recharge through interaction with others who face the same ministry challenges and burdens.
In the Exhibit Hall, explore the latest resources from national departments and trusted ministries. Find more information about outreach and missions opportunities. Introduce young people to Free Will Baptist colleges and denominational ministry opportunities available for them.
The convention is more than a meeting. It is a training ground for effective ministry.
Give. Each year, one of the highlights of the National Convention comes during the Wednesday evening service when missionaries and church planters are introduced, commissioned, and dedicated to the work of the Lord. Then Free Will Baptists unite to give a missionary offering that stretches far beyond Columbus to the world!
This year, make plans to join us in Columbus as Free Will Baptists Reach, Train, and Give together at the denomination’s largest annual gathering. Find the most recent convention updates: nafwb.org/convention.
An Update on Convention Funding
In recent years, rising convention costs pushed Executive Office convention planners to explore new forms of revenue, review expenditures, and make tough decisions regarding budget items.
National departments were asked to consider contributing financially toward the convention. The largest gathering of Free Will Baptists uniquely benefits departments through the convention audience and the opportunities it presents for interaction. North American Ministries, IM, Inc.,
Richland Ave Financial, D6 Family Ministry, FWB Foundation, and the Executive Office each responded by making substantial gifts toward the convention. They have been joined by local churches and individuals who stepped up to support the convention financially.
The convention staff continues to monitor and cut costs wherever possible. Much spending for the National Convention is necessary as planners meet the city, center, security, and hotel requirements. These mandatory items often come with significant unavoidable costs.
However, various cost-saving measures began in 2025 and continue into 2026:
No Internet for live streaming (instead, recordings will be available within 24 hours)
A position cut from the press team
A single copier for the convention office (down from three)
The daily Convention News transitioned to digital format, with a staffer cut
Additional cost-cutting measures will be considered and incorporated whenever possible.
Convention host states have been asked to collaborate in fundraising with their neighboring states to offset rising convention expenses (as modeled by Missouri and Kansas in 2025). The fees to those presenting seminars has increased to cover costs, and any costs incurred from departmental events are passed along to those departments.
These efforts and others like them will ensure future conventions can be funded with the least possible effect on attendee experience.
If you would like to join those who support the convention financially, visit nafwb.org/convention.
