89th NATIONAL CONVENTION | KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI | JULY 20-23, 2025
What is our mission as believers living out our faith in this upside-down world?
This is the question Free Will Baptists will come together to answer when they gather in Kansas City, Missouri, July 20-23, for the 89th National Convention. "This year, we seek to answer the call God has placed upon us, both as individuals and as a denomination," said Executive Secretary Eddie Moody. “Are you ready and willing to answer that call?”
Sunday morning, during a joint service with teens and adults, representatives from Truth & Peace Student Leadership Conference will teach the Sunday School lesson before Aaron Pontious (MO) explores the commands to build, plant, and seek peace when you find yourself in a world turned upside down (Jeremiah 29:4-7). Sunday evening, Josh Bush (KS) will challenge listeners to accept the mission when God calls (Jonah 1). Monday, Doug Earls (MO) will offer the warning that disobeying God's call will sink you (Jonah 2). Tuesday, Shiloh Hackett (TN) will encourage the reluctant to say yes to God's call (Jonah 3). Wednesday, following the commissioning service for new church planters and missionaries, missionary Joel Teague (France) will challenge every believer to answer the call to love people like God loves them.
While worshiping with other Free Will Baptists from across the nation is the highlight of the National Convention, the meeting goes far beyond the services. Delegates handle denominational business during the annual sessions Tuesday and Wednesday. Attendees of all ages have an opportunity to attend 90-plus seminars, workshops, panel discussions, and activities presented by the various departments and agencies of the denomination on a broad range of topics.
The Exhibit Hall will feature resources from departments, colleges, ministries, and vendors. Women will gather for a missionary service, swap stories and laughter over coffee, and hear from guest speakers. Students will participate in the Vertical Three Conference with worship services, games, and events put together especially for them. And the CTS Expo national competitive finals will put the God-given abilities of Free Will Baptist students on display.
To get regular updates, scheduling information and changes, and city information, visit nafwb.org/convention/. We can hardly wait to see you in Kansas City.
IMPACT Kansas City
The annual, one-day service and evangelism event hosted by Master's Men will be held Saturday, July 19. Volunteers have three opportunities for service during this year's event. Those at the Esperanza FWB Church will distribute invitations to receive free school backpacks. These volunteers also will prayerfully look for opportunities to share the gospel with those they encounter.
Volunteers at Berean FWB Church will deliver small gift and invitation bags to homes in neighborhoods near the church. No door knocking — just a simple drop-off on porches or front entrances.
At Church Faith, volunteers will participate in literature distribution or landscaping/yard work on the church campus.
To register for IMPACT or to learn more details about these events, visit FWBMastersMen.org/.
Convention Music
The Convention Choir, Orchestra, and Praise Team will be guided once again by the Convention Worship Team. Worship Service Coordinator Kevin Justice encourages all musicians to visit the following webpages for more details and updates regarding convention music.
Kansas is a fantastic convention city, with many great food and entertainment options near the city center. The convention center is conveniently located between the Power and Light District and central downtown, and the Kansas City Streetcar offers transportation throughout the city. The free, jump-on, jump-off service covers two miles and 16 stops.
Families will find many activities from the outdoor adventures at Swope Park, which offers a zoo, playgrounds, and walking and hiking trails, to the River Market, a local farmer’s market with over a hundred vendors. Catch a ballgame at Kauffman Stadium, home of the Kansas City Royals baseball team. Visit dozens of great museums. Need some suggestions to get your planning started?
In 2025, the National Association will pass a milestone as we celebrate 90 years together as a denomination (1935-2025). However, being nine decades old hasn’t kept us from trying something new. This year, the states of Kansas and Missouri are working together to help underwrite the cost of the convention. We offer our thanks to our host churches and leaders.
As he anticipates the upcoming meeting, Convention Manager Ryan Lewis notes, “Kansas City is a great location for Free Will Baptists. It promises to be a memorable week, and we hope you will be there to enjoy our time together.”
