Things have changed in the 43 years since the convention last met in Columbus, Ohio.
(For starters, Convention Manager Ryan Lewis last attended the meeting there in a stroller!) The city itself has undergone a major transition. In 1983, Columbus was exploding in population, driven by manufacturing and a reputation as a major shipping and transportation hub. While both remain true, more recently, Columbus has also experienced growth in high-tech manufacturing and remains the 14th largest metropolitan area in the country.
As Free Will Baptists chart a course for Columbus this summer, attendees are challenged to renew their Focus, the theme for this year's meeting. Executive Director Eddie Moody notes, "with so much happening around us, it is easy to become distracted from the things that really matter."
Each service will bring attention to one area where we should focus. Sunday morning, during a joint service with teens and adults, representatives from Truth & Peace Student Leadership Conference will teach Sunday School before Jon Forrest (TN) challenges listeners to Focus on Loving God. Sunday evening, Isaiah Hatfield (WV) will invite us to Focus on Loving Your Neighbor. Monday, Brian Williams (NY) will Focus on the Church.Jeff Crabtree (OH) will Focus on the Family on Tuesday before Kenneth Eagleton (TN) wraps up the convention by reminding Free Will Baptists to Focus on the Mission.
Though worship and fellowship with Free Will Baptists from across the nation and around the world is the highlight of the National Convention, the annual gathering consists of much more than worship services.
Delegates handle business during annual sessions Tuesday and Wednesday. Convention goers have opportunity to attend 80-plus seminars, workshops, panels, and activities presented by the various agencies of the denomination and covering a broad range of topics. Children and teens can take part in activities and sessions geared just for them. And women will enjoy a restructured and streamlined experience that "reflects new direction and excitement for WNAC," according to new director Kristi Johnson.
The Exhibit Hall will feature resources from departments, colleges, ministries, and vendors. Students will participate in the Vertical Three Conference with services, games, and events put together especially for them. And the CTS Expo finals will put the God-given abilities of Free Will Baptist students on full display.
For regular updates, scheduling information and changes, and updated city information, visit nafwb.org/convention. We look forward to seeing you in Columbus.
IMPACT Columbus
The annual, one-day IMPACT Columbus service and evangelism event hosted by Master's Men will be held Saturday, July 18. Volunteers will partner with local churches for community outreach, service projects, and special events. To register for IMPACT or to learn more details about these events, visit FWBMastersMen.org.
Convention Music
Once again, the Convention Worship Team will guide the Convention Choir, Orchestra, and Praise Team. Worship Service Coordinator Kevin Justice encourages all musicians to visit the following webpages for more details and updates regarding convention music:
As "The Biggest Small Town in America," Columbus is proud of its friendly and tasty heritage. The city boasts a rich farm-to-table movement and many locally-owned, one-of-a-kind restaurants. The North Market, located only a block from the convention center, showcases these local flavors and provides convenient eating options for attendees.
Among the city's iconic flavors are Buckeyes, a chocolate covered peanut butter creation that mimics the state symbol, and Wor Su Gai, a Chinese-American dish created at the Far East Restaurant in Columbus in the 1920s. A crispy fried chicken breast comes smothered with gravy and served over a bed of iceberg lettuce garnished with almonds or peanuts.
The German Village Historic District, just south of downtown, is among the most picturesque neighborhoods in Columbus. Built by German settlers centuries ago, the district is marked by handmade brick homes, shops, and even streets. Find German restaurants, bakeries, shops, and the 32-room Book Loft book store. Depending on the schedule, you might catch a free live performance of Shakespeare at Schiller Park.
Nature lovers and runners will enjoy the Scioto Mile, which consists of parkland throughout downtown Columbus. Named one of the ten best riverwalks in the nation in 2024, the area offers miles of multi-use trails stretching from Bicentennial Plaza (south) to North Bank Park (north).
Need a break from the city? Enjoy a hike with views? Check out the six beautiful waterfalls located within a short drive of Columbus: Hayden, Indian Run, Millikin, Grove, Honey Run, and Greenville Falls. Directions, photos, and maps are all available with a Google search.
Perhaps you have seen the Columbus Zoo & Aquarium featured on National Geographic’s “Secrets of the Zoo.” Home to more than 10,000 animals and 600 species, the zoo has been enchanting visitors for nearly a century.
If the littles need to get out their wiggles, visit LEGOLAND Discovery Center, one of Columbus’ newest attractions. Children and adults alike will be fascinated by the history, technology and sheer joy of one of the world’s favorite toys. The center features 36,000 square feet dedicated to interactive games, play areas, rides and more.
In 2026, as we celebrate 90 National Conventions, we look back on many incredible memories, but we also look forward to many exciting things to come. Convention Manager Ryan Lewis notes, “This summer's convention shapes up to be an exciting one, as we return to a city we haven't visited in over forty years, and as we celebrate God's faithfulness through nine decades as a National Association. Please begin praying now that God will bless our time together.”
