Making Memories in the "Biggest Small Town in America"

2026 Convention Review

90th National Convention | Columbus, OH | July 19-22, 2026

After more than forty years, the National Association of Free Will Baptists returned to Columbus, Ohio, July 19-22 for the 90th National Convention. As 3,944 registrants filled streets, hotels, restaurants, and meeting halls, they brought excitement, optimism, and energy. They left encouraged, refreshed, and with a renewed FOCUS on the future of the denomination.

Executive Director Eddie Moody reflected on the meeting’s FOCUS theme. “With so much happening around us, it is easy to become distracted from our mission. These days together pointed us back to things that really matter.”

Free Will Baptists arrived in Columbus ready for great worship services, and they were not disappointed. The Music Commission delivered a strong program with a convention choir, orchestral ensemble, vocal ensemble, thunderous congregational singing, and a wide variety of special music that prepared listeners to receive the Word of God.

In each service, powerful preaching brought attention to a particular area upon which we should FOCUS. Sunday morning, after representatives from Truth & Peace Student Leadership Conference taught Sunday School, Jon Forrest (TN) challenged listeners to FOCUS on loving God. Sunday evening, Isaiah Hatfield (WV) invited listeners to FOCUS on loving their neighbors. Monday, Brian Williams (NY) drew the FOCUS to the Church. Tuesday, Jeff Crabtree (OH) put the FOCUS on the family before Kenneth Eagleton, Jr. (TN) wrapped up the conference on Wednesday by reminding Free Will Baptists to FOCUS on the mission before us. The convention concluded with the annual missionary service, where new church planters and missionaries were commissioned to various fields of service.

Though convention services were not live streamed this year due to budgetary cutbacks, services were recorded and posted on Facebook by the Media Commission and will also be available at nafwb.org/convention.

IMPACT Turns Twenty

Saturday morning, July 18, 113 volunteers gathered at multiple locations across Columbus, Ohio, to participate in the annual IMPACT evangelism and service event. At Hillview FWB Church in Reynoldsburg, volunteers completed multiple painting projects inside and out, offered a free carwash, cleaned carpets, and pressure washed needed areas. Hillview Church member Geri Baker was amazed by what they accomplished in a short time. “It’s wonderful!” she exclaimed. “It just fills my heart and soul to see what they are doing. I’m just so grateful.”

Other Hillview volunteers made a short drive to Reynoldsburg FWB Church where they painted the basement children’s area. Across town, participants joined members of the congregations of Heritage FWB Church and Canaan Land FWB Church to serve widows in a variety of ways.

Their hard work marked twenty years of IMPACT, which started in 2006 in Birmingham, Alabama. Director Ken Akers is quick to thank volunteers and local churches that make IMPACT possible. “Over these 20 years, we have had nearly 4,000 people give up their convention Saturday to make a difference. Yet, in all the years I’ve been IMPACT director, I’ve never heard a single person regret being involved!”

Make plans now to join IMPACT on Saturday, July 24, in Grand Rapids, Michigan. For more information throughout the year, visit fwbmastersmen.org/impact.

Serious Business

The General Board meeting began promptly at 8:00 a.m., Monday, July 20, with a message from outgoing Executive Board member Stan Bunch (MO). The board heard reports from eight national agencies and four commissions during the two-hour, 52-minute meeting. The board approved recommendations from the Executive Committee including a recommendation to approve the 2027 denominational budget of $35.1 million and recommendations to make changes to the Treatise and Free Will Baptist Board Member Manual to align the books while also updating outdated language.

All recommendations were later approved during convention business sessions, along with a resolution renewing and expanding the denomination’s stand against pornography and a resolution thanking hosts for their hospitality and generosity.

Executive Office. Executive Director Eddie Moody celebrated “turning the corner” in denominational growth based on reported statistics in the areas of Sunday School, membership, and baptisms. He complimented Free Will Baptists on the highest level of giving per capita in our history. He also expressed gratitude for the high percentage of youth in our churches and encouraged the denomination to engage in discipling, training, and encouraging the rising generation, concluding, “By God’s grace, future generations will inherit a stronger denomination than the one we enjoy today.”

He thanked Ohio, national departments, churches, and individuals for supporting the convention in 2026. Based on these increased levels of support, the Executive Office can resume planning conventions beyond 2028. “I’m asking you to keep supporting the convention,” Moody encouraged listeners. “We need all Free Will Baptists to do their part so we can continue meeting.” He also encouraged attendees to stay in convention hotels, to give generously to offerings, and to encourage others to attend.

Moody warned the continued decline in the number of Free Will Baptist pastors, which began in 1995, has reached crisis levels, with more than 200 churches without pastors. In response, the Executive Office has developed Rekindle Coaching and Refresh Counseling, along with a broad slate of pastoral resources and The Shepherding Initiative, which offers help to churches between pastors. Moody thanked donors who make these programs possible, noting, “I can assure you, the pastoral problem would be a whole lot worse without them.”

Moody asked the denomination to help the Executive Office by giving to Refresh Counseling; encouraging Rekindle Coaching for new and potential pastors at a local and regional level; reporting statistics regularly and accurately; and praying for God to call workers — specifically pastors — into the harvest. He asked all Free Will Baptists to pray for more pastors every day at 9:38 a.m. or p.m. (and preferably both). Access available resources from the Executive Office at
nafwb.org/resources.

Following the report, Moody honored outgoing Executive Board members Stan Bunch (MO), Daniel Edwards (IN), and Wayne Hale (DE) for their faithful work and support.

Richland Ave Financial. Director John Brummitt described 2025 as a positive year for the department, with 130 new enrollees (making 1,300 in the last decade), contributions increased by more than $400,000 over the previous year, with nearly $5 million in new contributions to the retirement plan. When combined with Institutional Investing, total contributions for the year reached $8.5 million. Brummitt expressed gratitude for good annual returns, a smooth transition through the department’s name change, and steady overall growth from $52 million in 2016 to $147 million in 2025.

In conclusion, Brummitt urged listeners to start saving now for retirement. “Starting as soon as possible makes it much easier to accumulate the assets needed for retirement,” he asserted. “Allowing for time and compounding interest works in your favor. Churches and institutions also should be planning for their future by setting aside funds that can grow and compound.”

Following the report, Board Chairman Lance Boyer (MO) recognized CEO John Brummitt for twenty years of service and CFO Chris Compton for ten years of service.

Free Will Baptist Foundation. New Director Brent Patrick introduced himself and expressed his excitement about what God is doing through the Foundation. He thanked his board, staff, and the denomination for support and encouragement through a year marked by transition, challenges, and opportunities. He reemphasized the unchanged mission of the Foundation: to serve denominational investors, strengthen the Free Will Baptist financial base, and supply the Free Will Baptist mission.

Patrick pointed to healthy growth over the last three years, with total assets reaching nearly $96 million in 2025. He explained a continued pause in the Grants Program as the Foundation evaluates its current situation.

He promoted the establishment and increase of endowments, noting, “We want to reach a point where we focus on mission, not only on maintenance. The greatest trees in the Kingdom are planted by people who know they will never sit in their shade....We need to plant now for generations to come.”

Patrick announced multiple initiatives: a new database, new receipting methods, the establishment of Legacy Partners, a regular digital newsletter, and a new financial partnership with Eagle Legacy Group, offering several types of annuities to participants.

In closing, Patrick reminded listeners the words “Invest Today, Impact Tomorrow” are more than a promotional slogan. “They are the driving force behind what the Foundation is about and what we desire to do.”

North American Ministries. Director David Crowe expressed enthusiasm about Frontier Student Missions, a new program at North American Ministries (NAM) that will give students firsthand ministry experience in church planting. “I’m as excited as I’ve ever been,” Crowe remarked, “and I’m excited about what the Lord is going to do through this program.” To learn more, visit fwbnam.com/frontier.

Crowe expressed gratitude that the ministry branches of NAM finished $400,000 in the black and thanked 54 church planters serving in 36 church plants, with three new church plants in Hawaii, California, and Montana. In 2025, 220 individuals came to faith in Christ, with 180 baptisms.
Crowe explained a $5 million deficit in 2025 for the Church Extension Loan Fund (CELF) was related primarily to real estate losses surrounding a single church loan/building purchase and detailed the steps the department has taken to mitigate the loss.

NAM continues as the endorsing agency for Free Will Baptist chaplains, with 16 current chaplains and partners. He also noted the hard work of Master’s Men Disaster Response Teams and training events offered in partnership with the denomination.

Crowe pointed to a gradual reduction in staff at NAM, with several staff retirements expected over the next few years. The department will streamline, reducing full-time directors and replacing these positions with part-time and volunteer staffers.

IM, Inc. General Director Clint Morgan reminded listeners God sometimes takes us places we never imagined, both individually and as a ministry or organization. “The world of missions does not follow normal coordinates....God sometimes leads us off the map, and the real question is, ‘Will we follow Him there?’” He thanked Free Will Baptists for supporting IM, even when that takes the mission “Twenty Miles East of the Equator.”

Morgan honored the passing of four “mapmaker” pioneer missionaries and IM staffers who set the course for today’s work: Eddie Payne (Ivory Coast), Geraldine Waid (Japan), Fred Warner (AR), and Henry Van Kluyve (TN).

Morgan updated the results of the 2020-2025 goals: 67,061 global average attendance (goal 50,000); 107 missionaries (goal 125); $865,000 World Missions Offering in 2025 (goal $1 million). He noted only 252 churches contributed to the WMO. In 2026, IM has set the goal of engaging 500 churches to contribute to the WMO.

IM celebrated the following benchmarks in 2025: 167 ministry centers ministering to 110,784 people; 278 missions works and preaching points; 28,094 presentations of the gospel and 3,612 conversions; 3,312 baptisms with 2,651 in new convert courses; 83 church plants, 909 churches, and 67,061 in weekly attendance; 15 Bible institutes with 519 people involved in leadership training; six current fields, 12 current and legacy fields, and a presence in 39 countries through current and legacy missionary fields and strategic partnerships. “These are not simply IM statistics,” Morgan reminded listeners. “These numbers represent the faithfulness of Free Will Baptist people.”

Morgan announced a change in IM leadership, as Kenneth Eagleton will transition from his role as director of global partnerships to global training. Francisco (Frank) Vazquez (CA) will step into the vacated role. Morgan also announced the commissioning of Emma Hayes as a missionary intern.
Morgan revisited three IM Horizon goals for 2035: 1) commission 100 new missionaries; 2) reach and sustain annual $1 million WMO and build a $3 million GROW Endowment; and 3) see the number of Free Will Baptists double outside of North America. This final goal includes sharing the gospel with one million people and planting a thousand new churches.

“Quite simply, we would not be where we are today without you….” Morgan concluded. “So when God redraws the map, let’s keep going...even if it takes us 20 miles east of the equator.”

Following the report, Board Chairman Rodney Yerby honored Clint Morgan for 50 years of service to IM and outgoing board member Jeff Nichols (TN) for his work.

Welch College. President Matt Pinson pointed to a major increase in enrollment in the past year, the highest in 42 years and the highest ministry enrollment in 44 years. It appears this trend will continue into the 2026-2027 year, with enrollment up 10% already. “This unprecedented increase is truly an answer to prayer,” Pinson noted.

He expressed gratitude for “qualitative” increases as well, with a continual rise in academic and administrative excellence, as represented by various academic and regional rankings. “There is no measure for academic quality in which we have not gone up....” Pinson noted. “Our stellar faculty and staff are producing results that other small Christian colleges simply do not produce.”

He updated changes to administration following the retirement of long-time dean of students Jon Forlines. Daniel Webster has been named vice president for administration and student engagement, and Whitney Lute will follow Forlines as the dean of students.

Pinson pointed to a gradual financial recovery for the college, undergirded by rising enrollment. The college finished well into the black for the fiscal year, making it possible to pay down more than $1 million in debt during the 2025-2026 financial year. “Thank you for your continued, prayerful support....” Pinson concluded. “All you do to pray and fast, to encourage and support your college makes it possible for the Welch College team to face our challenges with hope for the future.”

Following the report, Pinson honored outgoing trustees Jeff Crabtree (OH) and Shiloh Hackett (TN) for their faithful service.

WNAC. New Director Kristi Johnson expressed gratitude for her new role where she can help Free Will Baptist women find and fulfill their roles in the Great Commission. She acknowledged significant financial struggles for the department and identified steps taken to address those struggles: engaging new supporters, speaking truthfully and transparently, and articulating purpose and vision clearly to engage and attract WNAC participants.

To meet funding shortfalls, Johnson has cut the budget, reduced staff, and minimized expenses. “We are at bare bones!” She acknowledged ruefully. But she also pointed to stabilizing finances, positive net incomes, and great strides toward three-year goals. “This is a God story!” she concluded regarding the turnaround. “Six months ago, I walked into a situation that produced many questions. Today, I am happy to say we are doing great. God has worked through faithful people to allow us to continue our mission.”

She celebrated the impact of the 2026 Shine! Conference, with 800 girls participating across the nation. This impact on students continues through scholarships for both U.S. and international students at Free Will Baptist colleges.

Johnson also reported the renovation and expansion of the Steward Missionary Provision Closet, which continues to provide for the needs of missionaries and church planters going to and returning from their fields of services.

She encouraged donors to support WNAC through The Giving Tree, a monthly program of support, concluding, “This is the moment to make a difference!” Learn more: wnac.org/giving_tree/.

Following her report, Kristi Johnson honored outgoing board members Katie Postlewaite (NC), Jessica Edwards (TN), and Tracy Payne (OK). She also honored long-time WNAC staffer Phyllis York, who served with WNAC for more than two decades.

D6 Family Ministry. Director Ron Hunter addressed the question, “Why are our churches and denomination in decline?” simply: “Because we have made converts rather than disciples.” He encouraged Free Will Baptists to help redefine D6 Family Ministry (D6) as much more than a publisher. Instead, D6 is a discipleship partner providing resources, training, equipping, and yes, printed resources. He acknowledged churches are not looking to buy products but to solve problems. “Please start promoting us as the denomination’s ‘discipleship’ organization rather than the denomination’s printer,” he urged.

Hunter celebrated finishing 2025 $108,000 in the black, a $750,000 turnaround in a single year, with positive financial trends into 2026. “Donors make a huge difference,” he concluded, acknowledging the need for continuing support.

He introduced the new D6 curriculum centered around Discipleship Journals. The journals are designed for use during the week and also for a church or small-group setting.

Hunter updated listeners on relocation efforts, observing the premium location of the current facility near the airport makes it possible to sell for approximately $6 million. Staff will move to a smaller office space while leasing warehouse space for printing and distribution. This will create a $3 million surplus to be invested long-term as a financial base.

He closed his report by challenging churches to take the Faith Forging Five Discipleship Assessment. Learn more: d6family.com/backwarddiscipleship.

Following his report, Hunter honored outgoing board member Paul Bryant (MS) for his faithful work on the board.

Commissions

Music. Kevin Justice pointed to a “quiet” year for the Music Commission as they continued to explore new ways to resource music leaders and congregations across the denomination. The commission began a monthly worship gathering (via Zoom) that has been positively received and well-attended. The commission continues to offer onsite workshops for interested churches as well as five convention workshops. Learn more: fwbworship.com.

Media. Adrian Holland explained the commission’s decision not to stream convention services in 2026 due to travel, equipment, and Internet expenses. He explained costs averaged $33,000 per year over the last decade and were simply unsustainable. Streaming expenses do not include the work the commission does for the denomination throughout the year, such as Leadership Conference, the Shine! Conference, and more.

Theology. Chairman Kevin Hester emphasized the ongoing work of the commission, including the annual Symposium, FWBTheology.com, the Journal for Theological Integrity, and the newsletter De Doctrina. Hester announced the 2026 Symposium will meet October 5-6, on the campus of Welch College, Nashville, Tennessee. He encouraged those interested in submitting papers to contact Cory Thompson at fwbtheology@gmail.com.

History. Eric Thomsen celebrated the completion of a decade-long effort to scan all national, state, and local minutes held in the Free Will Baptist Historical Collection. He thanked many individuals who have been involved in the effort, “especially Dr. Robert Picirilli who envisioned the project, set up the process, consistently encouraged us, and helped guide it to completion.” These minutes will be available on FWBHistory.com by the end of 2026.

Registration

National Convention – 3,650
Vertical Three – 2,758
Total (Unique) Attendees – 3,944*

*Note: Many attendees register for both conventions.

Speakers

Sunday School, July 19 – Truth & Peace
Sunday Morning, July 19 – Jon Forrest (TN)
Sunday Evening, July 19 – Isaiah Hatfield (WV)
Monday Evening, July 20 – Brian Williams (NY)
Tuesday Evening, July 21 – Jeff Crabtree (OH)
Wednesday Evening, July 22 – Kenneth Eagleton, Jr. (TN)

2027 Budgets*
D6 Family Ministry – $5,165,600
Executive Office – $1,269,885
FWB Foundation – $1,677,350
IM, Inc. – $11,700,000
NAM (includes Master’s Men) – $5,190,000
Richland Ave - $1,019,000
Welch College – $8,800,484
WNAC – $285,806
Historical Commission – $6,000
Media Commission – $5,275
Music Commission – $10,350
Theological Commission – $7,000
Total – $35,136,750

*Figures rounded

Elected in 2026

Free Will Baptist Foundation
2031 – David Beltz (MO)

Executive Committee
Ken Simpson (MO)
Larry Reynolds (MS)
Jimmy Lawson (MI)

D6 Family Ministry
Gary Clark (FL)
Dick Terry (OK)
Rick Taylor (AL)

IM, Inc.
Chris Todd (OK)
Rick Cason (GA)
Steve Reeves (MO)

Welch College
Jeff Manning (NC)
Ben Eskola (TN)
Chris Truett (NC)

WNAC
Alyssa Harvey (TN)
Brenda Bunch (MO)
Dusty Harrison (OK)
2028 – Karinda Polk (AR)
2030 – Sarah Lawson (MI)

Commissions
Historical – Jesse Owens (TN)
Media – Adrian Holland (TN)
Music – Sam Harris (NC)
Theological Integrity –
Jeremy Craft (FL)

The following boards did not elect members in 2026: North American Ministries, Richland Ave Financial.

Nominating Committee 2026-27
Barry Long (KY), chairman
Jeff Jones (NC)
Danny Williams (AL)
Edwin Hayes (OH)
Todd Williams (IN)
Joshua Colson (IL)
Allan Austin (FL)

Resolution Committee
Stan Bunch (MO), chairman
James Coffelt (OK)
John Collier (TX)
Will Harmon (AR)
Mark Walker (GA)

2026 Vertical Three Conference

Registration – 2,758
Truth & Peace – 150 student participants; 16 staff
Competitors: 1,641
Buck-A-Week Offering: $4,058
Recipients: NAM: Layton and Stephanie Smith (FL); IM: Cody and Lauren Herren (France)

Reporters: Eric Thomsen, Claire Ryan
Photographers: Rodney Yerby,
Mark McCarty, Matthew Puckett, Ava Ormand, Chloe Stevanus, Eric Thomsen
Download Photos: nafwb.yerbyphoto.com