Louisiana Baptist University hosted its 2026 Maximize Conference May 19-20, 2026, at First Bossier Church in Bossier City, Louisiana, followed by graduation ceremonies on May 21. The annual gathering brought together pastors, missionaries, ministry leaders, students, and graduates around the theme, “Maximize People for the Great Commission.”
According to LBU President Greg Lyons, this year’s conference marked a significant milestone for the university.
“Maximize 2026 marked a historic milestone as our best-attended Maximize Conference and Graduation to date,” Lyons said. The conference welcomed 492 guests for two days of preaching, training, encouragement, and fellowship.
The speaker lineup reflected the conference’s global emphasis, with sessions focused on reaching the world through missions, church planting, digital media, diaspora ministry, prophecy, and pastoral leadership. Speakers included James McMenis, Bruno Molina, Nathan Todd Sims, Vincent Vicencio, Marc Buxton, Jimmy DeYoung Jr., Seth Brooks, Larry Maddox, Yeou-Cherng Bor, Greg Lyons, and others.
Lyons said the purpose of the conference was not simply to host another event, but to help leaders leave better equipped for gospel impact. “We recognize that every leader has limited time,” Lyons said. “That is why Maximize was intentionally designed to equip, inspire, and motivate leaders for the Great Commission.”
The conference also highlighted LBU’s growing educational reach. LBU offers online degree plans designed for students balancing ministry, family, work, and study, with academic programs centered on biblical education and Great Commission service.
Janet O’Rear said the Great Commission emphasis was clear throughout the event. “The laser focus on the Great Commission was notable,” O’Rear said. “Speakers emphasized ways of fulfilling this both locally and globally.”
She also noted the impact of having missionaries present and interacting with attendees throughout the conference. “The presence of, and interaction with so many missionaries was another way of highlighting the reality of fulfilling the Great Commission,” she said.
A special panel on equipping African pastors featured Simon Kande, Josepha Musabyemaria, and Mumo Kisau, further underscoring the event’s global scope.
“The Maximize conference was very challenging and encouraging,” Don Elmore said. “Challenging in the vision of reaching the world and encouraging seeing a Great Commission University in action. I loved what I experienced.”
LBU also celebrated more than 100 graduates during commencement activities. Lyons said the university expects continued growth, anticipating more than 150 graduates next year.
“Next May, choose to be challenged for the Great Commission,” Lyons said. “Come to a conference that will fill you with fresh vision, renewed passion, and the fuel to fulfill the Great Commission.”
Maximize 2027 is scheduled for May 18-20, 2027, with the theme, “Maximize Generations for the Great Commission.”
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