For the sixth consecutive year, January 19–21, 2026, the BBFI Central Office hosted the annual BBFI State Rep Advance, bringing together State Representatives and the BBFI Executive Committee for focused training, networking, and vision casting. In recent years, the Advance has been held in Granbury, San Antonio, and Fort Worth, Texas, and for the second year in a row, in Springfield, Missouri. This year’s meeting took place in the new Event Center on the campus of the BBFI Mission Office.
For the third straight year, the Central Office and Executive Committee continued their commitment to investing in State Representatives who volunteer their time to serve pastors and churches across the Fellowship. Each participant received a two-year Pro subscription to Logos Bible Software, along with five hours of on-site training from a Logos trainer to help maximize its use in sermon preparation and ministry leadership. Logos Bible Software is a corporate partner of the Baptist Bible Fellowship International (Additional information is available through the Central Office or by clicking here.)
Attendees also participated in chapel on Tuesday morning at Mission University, where BBFI President Jon Haley delivered the chapel message. Following chapel, the Mission Office hosted a catered lunch and provided updates on current ministry efforts, along with a guided tour of the Mission Office facilities, including short-term apartments and long-term retirement housing.
Significant time was devoted to Fellowship business and future planning. President Haley shared details regarding the upcoming BBFI national election, which will take place during Fellowship Week on the campus of Mission University this April. Central Office Director Randy Harp led a discussion on current church trends and their implications for BBFI churches, and each vice president presented vision and ministry updates related to missions, education, church planting, and church development.
While the Advance emphasized strategy and training, time was also set aside for fellowship. One evening was spent at a local bowling alley, where the team of Chad Zueck, Jon Haley, Michael Haley, and Randy Harp posted the highest three-game average with a score of 135.
Several participants shared reflections on the value of the Advance:
Andy Daniel, South Dakota State Representative, said the meeting was encouraging and forward-looking, noting the strong emphasis on missions and church planting and a shared desire to see Christ known among the nations.
Phil Griffith, Iowa State Representative, described the Advance as one of the most encouraging meetings he has attended and highlighted the practical value of the Logos training, expressing appreciation for the Fellowship’s investment in State Representatives.
Bruce Thomas, Kansas State Representative, expressed gratitude for the intentional time and resources provided by the Executive Committee and Central Office, especially the software training, and said he is encouraged by the direction of the Fellowship.
Kevin Kolb, Missouri State Representative, emphasized the importance of leaders praying and planning together, calling the gathering both timely and spiritually meaningful as the Fellowship seeks to steward its responsibilities well.
BBFI President Jon Haley said the Advance provided valuable time for learning and strategic discussion and added that serving alongside State Representatives and ministry leaders continues to be both humbling and encouraging.
First Vice President Tracy Roby (Missions) noted the unity among pastors and leaders and said the combination of training, planning, and time at the Mission Office made the gathering both productive and uplifting.
Second Vice President Kevin Carson (Education) described the Advance as beneficial for personal growth and collaboration, adding that meeting at the Mission Office offered a strong reminder of how God is using the BBFI to impact lives around the world.
Third Vice President Randy Abell (Church Planting) enjoyed being around the Fellowship’s leaders and said he left the meeting greatly encouraged by the direction of the BBFI.
Fourth Vice President Phil Housley (Church Development) highlighted the focus on improving ministry practices, praying for one another, and strengthening relationships, saying those moments help prepare leaders to better serve pastors across the Fellowship.
Treasurer Dean Hughes expressed appreciation for the hospitality of the Mission Office staff and said the Advance provided a meaningful opportunity to celebrate God’s work in the Fellowship while seeking His guidance for the future.
Secretary Bob Stephenson said it was encouraging to gather with State Representatives and leadership, and he expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve alongside men who are committed to strengthening pastors, churches, and missionaries throughout the BBFI.
The 2026 State Rep Advance once again reinforced the Fellowship’s commitment to equipping its leaders, strengthening relationships, and advancing the mission of serving Baptist pastors and their churches as they fulfill the Great Commission.
great … amen