News About the Denomination The following news items apply to (or affect) the Free Will Baptist denomination scattered across the nation and around the world.To read more about Free Will Baptists and the various departments that make up the national organization, visit www.nafwb.org. Read a brief history of Free Will Baptists in the United States.

Puerto Rico Association Meets

Guaynabo, PR — The 2026 Puerto Rico Association of Free Will Baptists met February 21-22 for a time of encouragement, growth, and clear evidence of God’s work among us. Over the past year, we have seen steady progress in the growth of five associated churches: Iglesia Sal y Luz, with campuses in Caguas and Aguas Buenas; Jesús es el Centro; The Way Church; and Iglesia Casa de Paz in Yauco, which was officially received into the association during the 2026 meeting.

The Lord allowed us to witness a 50% growth in attendance and a strong commitment to discipleship, reflected in the high number of baptisms among new believers. One of the most meaningful highlights was the graduation of seven new preachers, a testimony to the fruit being produced through intentional biblical training and leadership development.

In addition, our association has continued reaching beyond our own congregations by visiting independent churches across Puerto Rico to offer support, training, and doctrinal guidance to help strengthen their ministries.

We sense a growing burden to prepare and send trained leaders to the United States, expanding the reach of the gospel beyond the island. Alongside these efforts, we have established ongoing weekly studies to help develop stronger disciples and future leaders.

Overall, this associational meeting reflected unity, vision, and a shared commitment to the Great Commission as we continue to see God build His church in Puerto Rico, opening doors for greater impact.

— Submitted by Pastor Wilberto Moreno, Puerto Rico Association of Free Will Baptists

Alabama, Georgia, and Florida Collaborate for Advanced Leader Training

Albany, GA — The first Deep South Advanced Leader Training was hosted April 10-11 by the Alabama, Florida, and Georgia state associations at First FWB Church, Albany, Georgia, by Georgia’s Executive Director Mark Walker. Twenty-five leaders from the tri-state area gathered for training presented by North American Ministries (NAM) and the Executive Office. Dr. Brad Ransom, Josh Bennett, and Dr. Eddie Moody took participants through a series of eight sessions.

Dr. Eddie Moody, executive director of the National Association, kicked off the sessions by asking, “Who do you lead?” The truth is, we often influence more people than we realize. Dr. Moody used statistics to reveal alarming trends in our denomination that highlight a great need for leadership with conviction and purpose.

Dr. Brad Ransom, NAM chief training officer, spoke to the need of building a strategic vision for ministry, reaching far beyond the next Sunday. The church was commanded to reach the world with the gospel. A church must have direction, unity, passion, purpose, and openness to good ideas to reach the lost effectively.

Josh Bennett, NAM chief strategy officer, focused on how to properly evaluate ministries. The biggest takeaway from this session was to involve multiple stakeholders in the process of evaluating the ministry of the church. Leaders must answer strategic questions, including: Who are we trying to reach? What are we trying to move them to do? How are we going to get them there?
Moody and Ransom shared additional sessions directed toward reaching beyond the “me and mine mentality.” These included guidance on reaching youth, using digital tools (instead of allowing them to use us), creating ministries that can grow, developing a culture of discipleship, and developing leaders within the church for ministry.

The sessions provided much practical instruction participants can put into practice immediately. Advanced Leadership Training clearly promoted a mindset that focuses on the God-given mission to go, disciple, and teach the world. Thanks to the Executive Office and NAM for bringing this much-needed training to church leaders across the Deep South.

Another Advanced Leader Training event will meet in Nashville, Tennessee, September 18-19. To learn more, visit fwbnam.com/alt.

— Submitted by Duane Littlefield, Promotional Director, Florida Free Will Baptists

Pamphlet Answers, “Why Join an Association?”

Antioch, TN — A new pamphlet from the Executive Office, “The Association Question,” answers the tough questions about why it is important for every church to be part of the National Association. The pamphlet, written by Illinois pastor and denominational Executive Committee member Joshua Colson, answers the following questions and more:

• Who are Free Will Baptists?
  

• How are Free Will Baptists structured?
  

• Does the association have power over the local church?
  

• Does the association appoint pastors?
  

• Does the association own the church’s property?
  

• Will joining the association require a name change?
  

• Why bother joining an association?
  

• How can a church join an association?

Executive Director Eddie Moody noted, “Joshua has done a wonderful job of identifying and answering the questions that might come up when a church is considering joining an association. I also found his work encouraging, as he reminds us of the many benefits of working together to accomplish things no church can do on its own. We are grateful for this new resource available to our churches.”

“The Association Question” is free, available in Spanish, and can be ordered from the Executive Office by calling 877-767-7659 or emailing questions@nafwb.org. Learn more about other resources from the Executive Office: nafwb.org/resources.