Springfield, MO – The Baptist Bible Fellowship International gathered on the campus of Mission University in Springfield, MO, April 28 – May 1, 2026, for Fellowship Week 2026. This year’s theme, “What’s Your Story?”, served as the thread that connected each service, meeting, testimony, and conversation throughout the week as pastors, missionaries, church planters, students, alumni, and ministry leaders reflected on God’s faithfulness and the ongoing mission of the gospel.
The week featured powerful preaching, encouraging worship, church planting, and missions reports, important Fellowship business, graduation, and meaningful opportunities for fellowship and reconnection. From the opening Tuesday evening service through Friday morning commencement, attendees repeatedly emphasized the spirit of encouragement and unity that marked the gathering.
Mission University President Mark Milioni reflected on the significance of the week, noting how the theme resonated deeply with those in attendance. Many pastors, missionaries, and alumni shared how their time on campus shaped lifelong friendships, ministry relationships, and spiritual foundations that continue to this day.
Even the weather became part of the story. Just as Tuesday morning national officer meetings concluded, north Springfield was struck by a historic hailstorm that many called one of the worst they had ever seen. It was later reported to be the costliest natural disaster in the history of Springfield, MO. Thankfully, despite the weather outside, the atmosphere inside Fellowship Week remained joyful, encouraging, and spiritually refreshing.
Preaching Centered on God’s Faithfulness
The preaching throughout the week reflected the personal and ministry-centered emphasis of the “What’s Your Story?” theme. Speakers included Joey Candillo, pastor of Grace Church in Independence, MO; Tim Downs, BBFI missionary to Ivory Coast; Zach Stewart, Director of Student Services at Mission University; David Martin, pastor of Graceway Church in Fort Wayne, IN; Nate Harmon, pastor of Louisville Baptist Temple in Louisville, OH; Alan Fisher, pastor of Oak Hill Baptist Church in Somerset, KY; Chris Highfill, pastor of Grace River Church in St. Peters, MO; Max Kennedy, BBFI missionary to Nicaragua; Joel Byers, pastor of Central Baptist Church in Tyler, TX; and commencement speaker John Reilly. (Visit the BBFI YouTube Channel to watch each message.)
Many attendees specifically commented on the authenticity and encouragement of the messages throughout the week.
Luke Pixler shared, “I related to feeling like all I have to offer God is in a small little lunch box. It was convicting to remember that God can do miracles with what’s in that lunchbox!”
Alan Stoddard reflected on one of the recurring themes of the week, writing:
“God is the Author of your story. A bad chapter does not define your whole story.”
Others noted the balance between humor, transparency, and biblical challenge throughout the services. Jeff Smith humorously commented, “It’s crazy how quickly you go from laughing with friends to being challenged by God’s Word all within a few minutes.”
Jordan Zeik wrote, “I loved all the speakers! There were definitely a few who knocked it out of the park in my mind!”
Ron Foster shared that he was challenged “to reignite our commitment to discipleship and raising up new ministers.”
Church Planting Continues to Grow
Church planting remained one of the central emphases of Fellowship Week 2026. Wednesday morning’s Church Planting Hour featured the presentation of three newly approved BBFI church planter families: Caleb and Amanda York, Ean and Liz Hendrix, and Joe and Tania Jackson.
Recent church planter Marcus Mackey also shared an encouraging ministry update, while Sean Adkins brought a challenging message.
The enthusiasm surrounding church planting was evident throughout the week and in many of the attendees’ responses following the event.
Parker Blue wrote, “It’s so incredible having people in our fellowship who are chomping at the bit to take the gospel to the world.”
Charles Lyons commented, “Church Planting Hour… WOW & Glory to God!”
Scott Goodwin noted that “Church planting and missionary hours are always great!”
Randy Allen Abell reflected on the broader impact of the week, writing that he appreciated “feeling part of something much larger than myself and my church that the Lord is using to reach souls and for His glory.”
The continued emphasis on church planting reflects the Fellowship’s growing desire to reach new communities throughout North America with the gospel through healthy local churches and trained leaders.
Missions Morning Highlights Global Impact
Missions Morning once again served as one of the major highlights of the week. Missions continues to be the heartbeat of the Fellowship, and the reports shared Thursday morning demonstrated the ongoing global impact of BBFI missionaries and churches.
The BBFI Missions Office reported the following ministry totals from the past year:
- 140,806 professions of faith
- 15,009 baptisms
- 13,195 leaders in training
- 874 new missions or Bible studies
- 154 churches organized
Missions Director Jon Konnerup also shared updates from recent ministry trips to India, Costa Rica, Kenya, and South Africa. Additional updates included ongoing visa renewal concerns affecting missionaries serving in Europe and Africa, as well as a special initiative involving ministry opportunities connected to Iran and Cuba.
The Missions Office also introduced new “Guide to Go” resources for prospective missionaries through GuideToGo.world and premiered several new Mission Office videos highlighting missionary care, Mission Office operations, and missionary pathways.
During Missions Morning, one career missionary couple was approved (Cody and Cassidy Gaeta), one missionary moved from the World Initiative Network (W.I.N.) to a career missionary (Vanessa Hartzog), one missionary couple was reinstated (Richard and Brenda Edwards), two chaplains were endorsed, and two W.I.N. missionaries shared testimonies.
Many attendees specifically mentioned Missions Morning as one of their favorite parts of the week.
Brandt Leich wrote, “Missions morning was no doubt the highlight of the week for me. Always encouraging seeing and hearing the hearts of world changers.”
Penny Turner Gautier commented, “Excited for new missionaries, young and seasoned!”
Mary Herman highlighted “Missions Morning, new approvals, faithful servants being recognized, challenges, and stories of God’s faithfulness.”
Fellowship Business
Wednesday afternoon’s BBFI Business Meeting included reports from Fellowship leadership and entity leaders, along with the presentation of the 2026–2029 BBFI National Officer ballot.
Those nominated for office included Randy Abell and Phil Housley for President; Tracy Roby for First Vice President (Missions); Larry Maddox and Bob Stephenson for Second Vice President (Education); Mike Marcellus and David Martin for Third Vice President (Church Planting); Joel Byers and Steve Doss for Fourth Vice President (Church Development); Kevin Carson and Michael Haley for Secretary; and Dean Hughes for Treasurer. Ballots may be requested through BBFI.org and returned through July 1, 2026.
One other action taken during the Tuesday afternoon State Representative meeting was the approval of the new Church Development Policy. The policy continues the Fellowship’s growing emphasis on encouraging, mentoring, and training churches through seasons of transition, challenge, and revitalization. This can also be found on the BBFI.org website.
Fellowship Beyond the Services
While the services and meetings formed the framework of Fellowship Week, many attendees emphasized that the relationships and fellowship opportunities were equally meaningful.
Tuesday and Wednesday evening receptions provided opportunities for attendees to reconnect with longtime friends and meet new ministry leaders. The Ladies Meeting on Wednesday afternoon was well attended and hosted by Mission University students from Barb Milioni’s women’s ministry class.
The annual Retired Pastors and Missionaries Luncheon once again provided a meaningful time to honor faithful servants who have invested decades into ministry. Don Elmore highlighted the value of the Fellowship’s older generation of leaders, writing, “We are sitting on a gold mine here as a fellowship.”
Many attendees described the relational aspect of Fellowship Week as one of the most refreshing parts of the entire gathering.
Kyle Dunlap wrote, “The greatest part is rubbing shoulders with others and finding strength and solace in fellowship.”
Ron Foster shared, “This is what refreshes my soul more than anything. I am connected to these people, and there is genuine love being shared.”
Joel Byers reflected, “My favorite part is the fellowship and the friendships we have.”
Several attendees also emphasized the encouraging presence of younger alumni, students, and future ministry leaders throughout the week. Many noted that it was possibly the “youngest crowd” they had ever seen at a nationalnFellowship Meeting.
Tammy Hughes Gamble wrote, “There was a great mix of generations this year.”
Kevin Carson noted that he loved seeing “so many younger guys” in attendance throughout the week.
Graduation and Looking Ahead
The week concluded Friday morning with the Mission University commencement ceremony. John Reilly delivered the commencement address as graduates celebrated the completion of their studies and prepared for future ministry opportunities.
For many attendees, graduation represented one of the clearest reminders that the mission of training future Christian leaders continues strongly through Mission University and the ministries connected to the Fellowship.
Zach Stewart shared that he was excited “to see the many students graduating MU and going to serve the Lord.”
Throughout the week, the theme “What’s Your Story?” continually pointed attendees back to God’s faithfulness across generations. Whether through preaching, missions, church planting, fellowship, or graduation, Fellowship Week 2026 served as a reminder that while every story is unique, all are ultimately connected through a shared commitment to Christ, the local church, and the Great Commission.
As attendees departed Springfield following the week’s events, many left encouraged not only by what God has done in the past, but by what He continues to do through the ministries, churches, missionaries, students, and leaders connected through the Baptist Bible Fellowship International.
The Fall BBFI National Meeting will take place in Boston, MA, at Grace Church on September 21-23, 2026. Visit BBFI.org for more information.
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