“And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh.” – Luke 21:28

As ministry leaders, we’re living in unprecedented times. The world around us is changing rapidly, challenges to the Gospel are intensifying, and yet—or perhaps because of this—there’s never been a more crucial time to gather, learn, and prepare our ministries for what lies ahead.

That’s why we’re thrilled to announce the BCMN National Meeting 2025, taking place October 6-8, 2025 at Cherry Street Baptist Church in Springfield, Missouri. This year’s theme, “Looking Up, Reaching Out: Ministry in the Light of His Coming,” isn’t just a conference slogan—it’s a biblical mandate for ministry in these prophetic times.

Why This Theme Matters Now

Jesus spoke these words in Luke 21:28 as He described the signs that would precede His return. He didn’t tell His disciples to hide, retreat, or give up. Instead, He gave them a two-part instruction that remains relevant for us today: look up and reach out.

Looking up reminds us that our hope isn’t in political systems, cultural trends, or human solutions. Our redemption—and the redemption of this world—draws near through Jesus Christ alone. This upward focus gives us the proper perspective and supernatural peace needed for effective ministry.

But looking up isn’t passive. It’s paired with reaching out—an active, urgent engagement with the world around us. As we anticipate Christ’s return, we must work with greater intentionality to reach the lost, strengthen the church, and prepare the next generation of ministry leaders.

Where Preparation Meets Expectation

This year’s BCMN National Meeting is designed around a simple but powerful principle: where preparation meets expectation. We believe God is preparing His church for the final chapter of history, and that preparation requires both spiritual readiness and practical equipping.

Powerful Evening Messages

Our evening sessions will feature seasoned ministry leaders who understand both the urgency of our times and the practical realities of local church ministry:

  • Mike Frazier (Monday PM): “Look Up: Jesus Is Coming”
  • Bill Monroe (Tuesday PM): “Listen Up: Jesus Is Speaking”
  • Dennis Nunn (Wednesday PM): “Reach Out: Jesus Is Sending”

These aren’t just inspirational messages—they’re strategic calls to action for ministry leaders who want to position their churches for effective service in these last days.

Expanded Breakout Sessions

One of the most exciting developments for 2025 is our significantly expanded breakout session offerings. We’re living in a time of rapid technological change, shifting cultural dynamics, and evolving ministry challenges. Our breakout sessions are designed to address these realities head-on:

AI in Ministry: These sessions will help ministry leaders understand how artificial intelligence can enhance (not replace) biblical ministry while maintaining theological integrity.

Ministry-Specific Training: Whether you’re a pastor, youth leader, or children’s ministry coordinator, you’ll find practical training tailored to your specific calling and challenges.

Veteran Outreach: Steve Massie will share proven strategies for reaching and ministering to our nation’s veterans—a often-overlooked mission field.

Volunteer Recruitment: Steve Harney will provide actionable insights for building and maintaining strong volunteer teams in an increasingly busy world.

Budget Management: Mike Frazier will offer biblical and practical guidance for stewardship and financial management in ministry.

Strong Missionary Emphasis

Perhaps nothing reflects the “reaching out” aspect of our theme better than our emphasis on missions. Lewis McLendon will challenge us with a missionary perspective that goes beyond supporting missions to becoming sending churches. Jon Konnerup’s session, “Every Church Can Be a Sending Church,” will provide practical steps for churches of all sizes to engage in global ministry.

Throughout the conference, we’ll hear missionary testimonies that remind us that while we look up in anticipation, we must reach out with the Gospel to the ends of the earth.

Special Focus Areas

Christian Education Challenge

Glenn Glary will present a bold challenge to pastors: the establishment of Christian schools as a vital ministry component. In an era of increasing concern about public education and cultural influence on children, this session will provide both vision and practical steps for church-based educational ministry.

Ladies in Ministry

Ministry wives and women in leadership face unique challenges and opportunities. Our ladies’ sessions will provide both encouragement and practical training for women who serve alongside their husbands or in their own ministry capacities.

Ministry Health and Sustainability

Lewis McLendon will address one of the most pressing issues facing ministry leaders today: burnout. This isn’t just about time management—it’s about building sustainable ministry practices that honor God while preserving the leader’s spiritual, emotional, and physical well-being.

More Than a Conference

What sets BCMN apart isn’t just the quality of our speakers or the relevance of our topics—it’s the community. This gathering represents a network of ministry leaders who share a common commitment to biblical truth, practical ministry, and prophetic awareness.

The fellowship that happens between sessions, during meals, and in informal conversations is often as valuable as the formal presentations. You’ll leave not just with new ideas and inspiration, but with new relationships and ongoing support for your ministry journey.

A Call to Action

As we look around at the state of our world, the challenges facing the church, and the signs of our times, the need for prepared, equipped, and united ministry leaders has never been greater. This isn’t a time for isolation or discouragement—it’s a time for gathering, learning, and preparing.

We’re calling ministry leaders to join us in Springfield, Missouri, for what could be your ministry’s most important conference. Whether you’re a seasoned pastor or a new ministry leader, whether you serve in a large church or a small congregation, this conference is designed to equip you for ministry in these prophetic times.

Registration is now open. We encourage you to mark your calendar now and begin making plans to join us.

Because when preparation meets expectation, when looking up is paired with reaching out, when biblical truth is combined with practical training—that’s when ministry transformation happens.

“Equipping leaders for the final chapter”

The BCMN National Meeting 2025 will be held October 6-8, 2025, at Cherry Street Baptist Church in Springfield, Missouri. For more information and updates, visit baptistcmn.com or follow us on social media.

What aspects of ministry are you most looking forward to developing? How is your church preparing for these prophetic times? We’d love to hear your thoughts and questions about the upcoming conference.