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.

Lawless to Speak at 2026 Leadership Conference

Antioch, TN —Dr. Chuck Lawless, senior professor of Evangelism and Missions at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary will headline the 2026 Leadership Conference, December 7-8, at Sonesta Nashville Airport. Pastors and church leaders from across the denomination will gather to examine “Church Tools: The Basics of Effective Ministry,” a refreshing look at what really matters in ministry. Lawless will speak four times: twice during Monday and Tuesday keynote sessions, along with sessions Tuesday morning.

Dr. Lawless serves as the dean of Doctoral Studies and the vice-president of Spiritual Formation and Ministry Centers at Southeastern Seminary in Wake Forest, North Carolina, where he also serves as professor of Evangelism and Missions. Dr. Lawless was awarded an M.Div. and a Ph.D. in Evangelism and Church Growth from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky, where he also served as a professor and the dean of the Billy Graham School of Missions and Evangelism. Prior to that, Lawless pastored two Ohio churches. He is a frequent conference speaker and the author of several books, including Discipled Warriors, Putting on the Armor, Mentor, and Nobodies for Jesus. Dr. Lawless and his wife, Pam, have been married more than 30 years, and they live in Wake Forest, North Carolina.

“Chuck Lawless brings a strong interest in discipleship and mentoring,” notes Executive Secretary Eddie Moody. “His perspective as a pastor, educator, and church practitioner are unique, and we encourage Free Will Baptists to take advantage of an opportunity to enjoy hearing Dr. Lawless in person.”

Five additional seminars from Derek Altom (TN), Dr. Ron Hunter Jr. (TN), Dr. Jeff Manning (NC), Dr. Brad Ransom (TN), and Dr. W. Jackson Watts (MO) will offer practical guidance on topics ranging from discipleship and sermon preparation to church systems and structure. Throughout the conference, attendees will establish and renew friendships over meals, explore new resources from national departments, and enjoy visiting the Nashville area.

Multiple boards and committees will meet in conjunction with the conference, including the Executive Committee; D6 Family Ministry; Free Will Baptist Foundation; IM, Inc.; North American Ministries; Richland Ave Financial; Welch College; WNAC; the Historical Commission; and state leaders and promotional directors.

“Leadership Conference is such a great time for ‘iron to sharpen iron,’” observed conference director Ryan Lewis. “Attendees not only gain valuable insight from speakers and presenters, but they also swap ideas, share burdens, and spend time with others who understand ministry.”
For schedule, updates, or registration, visit nafwb.org/leader.

Conn Earns Second Doctorate

Nashville, TN — Dr. Danny Conn recently earned his second doctoral degree. In July 2026, Dr. Conn completed his Ph.D. in Theological Studies from Columbia Biblical Seminary. The Ph.D. is widely recognized as the highest academic research degree, requiring years of original scholarship and the successful defense of a doctoral dissertation that contributes new knowledge to the field. Dr. Conn previously earned an Ed.D. in 2002.

For the past 20 years, Dr. Conn has faithfully served D6 Family Ministry, first leading the curriculum division before transitioning eight years ago to oversee the book publishing division. He continues to serve as the theological editor for D6 Curriculum, ensuring biblical accuracy and theological integrity throughout the curriculum. For the past five years, he has also served as general editor of the D6 Family Ministry Journal, an academic journal published in conjunction with Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, collaborating with accomplished scholars from around the world to advance the academic study of generational discipleship.

Dr. Conn’s doctoral research examined the faulty belief and practice of Progressive Christianity, specifically the relationship between the dimished authority of Scripture and departure from biblical sexual ethics. His deep knowledge of Scripture, theological insight, and exceptional ability to communicate complex biblical truths with clarity have made him an invaluable protector of curriculum, books, academic scholarship, and discipleship resources published by Randall House and now D6 Family Ministry.

We celebrate this significant accomplishment and are grateful for the faithful scholarship, wisdom, and leadership Dr. Conn continues to invest in D6 Family Ministry and the broader church, for which our churches benefit.