A Legacy of Impact. A Future of Possibility.

Tyler, TX – The 2025 BBFI National Fellowship Meeting was held September 15–17 at Central Baptist Church in Tyler, Texas, where pastor Joel Byers and his congregation provided an exceptional setting for a historic gathering. With the theme, “A Legacy of Impact. A Future of Possibility,” the meeting honored seventy-five years of God’s faithfulness to the Fellowship while also pointing toward the exciting opportunities ahead.

75th Anniversary Recognition

The celebration of the BBFI’s seventy-fifth anniversary was woven throughout the week. Each service began with countdown videos (click here to watch) featuring congratulatory messages from retired ministry leaders, pastors, missionaries, and church staff members. A moving moment came with a special recognition for Bill Aven, one of the few remaining individuals who attended the original Texas Hotel meeting in Fort Worth in 1950, which gave birth to the BBFI. (Click here to watch this presentation.) Another highlight was a video message from Jerry Thorpe, who reflected on his seventy-five years of involvement with the Fellowship and offered both gratitude and challenge to those continuing the work. (Click here to watch this video.)

Central Baptist Church Goes Above and Beyond as a Host

Central Baptist Church distinguished itself as a gracious and generous host. The worship was both professional and inspiring, the facilities were well cared for, and the members of the church demonstrated a genuine servant-hearted spirit that made guests feel welcomed and cared for throughout the event. At the conclusion of the Monday night service, each guest in attendance received a card with a personal note of encouragement from a member of Central Baptist Church and $20 to cover dinner.

Preaching was Both Inspiring and Convicting

The preaching struck a balance between honoring the past and urging the Fellowship toward a bold future. Their sermons together reflected the heart of the theme and left everyone encouraged and challenged for the work ahead. Speakers included:

Bruce Garner, pastor of Crosspoint Church in Huntington Beach, CA, drew from Psalm 78 and reminded everyone that God works through ordinary people, calling the Fellowship to remain committed to passing on His truth to future generations. (Click here to watch)

Blake Housley, church planting pastor of Journey Church in Nashville, TN, preached from Acts 9 and highlighted God’s call that is personal, persistent, and powerful, and urged everyone to answer the call like Ananias, “Here am I, Lord.” (Click here to watch)

Brian Moore, pastor of CrossPointe Church in Anaheim, CA, stated that local church ministry is “brutiful,” both beautiful and brutal. He spoke from Philippians 1 and highlighted that shepherds need three essentials: gratitude, grit, and grace. (Click here to watch)

Bruce O’Neal, founder and president emeritus of MANNA Worldwide, shared from Acts 12 and reflected on ministry mistakes to caution against self-reliance, forgetfulness of God’s control, and doubting hardship. (Click here to watch)

Jon Haley, BBFI president and pastor of Hallmark Church in Fort Worth, TX, preached from 1 Chronicles 28 and challenged everyone to examine four areas: heart sincerity, a willing mind, faithfulness to their calling, and reliance on God’s strength. (Click here to watch)

Andrew Perez, BBFI missionary to the Philippines, preached from Psalm 67 with a challenge to pray for God’s blessing “so that Your way may be known on earth.” (Click here to watch)

Luis Monge, national pastor in Costa Rica, spoke through a translator (John Barnes), drawing from Acts 1:8 and Romans 15:19, and urged the Fellowship to honor its legacy by investing intentionally in the next generation so the Great Commission can advance to the ends of the earth. (Click here to watch)

Church Planting Hour

Church planting remained a central emphasis of the meeting, with reports of twenty-seven new churches launched in the past four years. Tim Hughes shared his testimony of moving from being a church planter himself to now actively supporting others in the same work. Alan and Jeana Stoddard of Cresson, Texas, were approved as new BBFI church planters, and positive reports were shared from Julian and Melissa Martinez of Port Arthur, Texas, and Joe and Jeri Roberts of Abilene, Texas. (Click here to watch Church Planting Hour)The Church Planting Hour concluded with a challenging message from church planter Devins Jackson of Huntsville, Alabama, who reminded everyone of the urgency and necessity of planting new churches. (Click here to watch)

Missions Morning

Missions Morning underscored once again that global evangelism remains at the heart of the BBFI. Two new WIN missionaries, Jenna Lane and Eliana Roth, were introduced, while three new career missionaries were approved: Jordan and Laura Franklin to Argentina, Jonathan and Olivia Solomon to Chile, and Steve and Jenell Bender, reinstated through the STEP program after decades of faithful service in the BBFI Mission Office. Steve, who has also served as chaplain endorser for the BBFI, was honored with a special presentation from two current military chaplains. (Click here to watch Missions Morning.) Gerry Nable, pastor of Bethany Baptist Church in Metro Manila, Philippines, preached. (Click here to watch.) The morning also featured the premiere of the newest installment in the 938 Docuseries, a compelling film highlighting the ministry of Oliver and Gloria Williams, missionaries to Peru. (Click here to watch the newest documentary.)

International Representation

The international scope of the BBFI was unmistakable during the week. National pastors from Asia and Latin America shared their stories and their messages. Costa Rican pastor Luis Monge, a product of missionary John Barnes’s ministry, preached during the Wednesday evening service. Earlier that same day, Gerry Nable from the Philippines spoke during the morning session, representing Bethany Baptist Church, which BBFI missionary L.D. originally planted. Woosley. Missionaries also contributed throughout the meeting, including Bruce O’Neal, who continues to influence global missions through MANNA Worldwide, and Andrew Perez, a newly approved missionary to the Philippines.

Fellowship Business

The annual business meeting reflected both unity and progress. The proposed update to the BBFI Constitution and Bylaws passed with overwhelming approval, receiving ninety-seven percent support. The State Representatives also approved the updated Education Policy. Both documents are now available at BBFI.org. (Click here to read the Constitution and By-Laws. Click here to read the BBFI Education Policy.) Each of the vice presidents presented positive reports, including Fourth Vice President of Church Development, Phil Housley, who highlighted the new resources available for churches and encouraged pastors to join a digital prayer community. (Click here to read more about the BBFI Church Development.) Reports from all BBFI entities were encouraging, and more than fifteen thousand dollars was raised during the week to support the ongoing ministry of the Central Office.

Fellowship and Connection

As always, fellowship was an important part of the gathering. Guests enjoyed meaningful times of connection with fellow pastors and ministry leaders both within the sessions and around the community of Tyler. Central Baptist helped guide guests toward local favorites. A common reflection of unity, encouragement, and spiritual focus characterized the meeting. The 2025 National Fellowship Meeting was a fitting celebration of seventy-five years of legacy and a hopeful launch into the future of possibility for the BBFI.