2026 Lead with Wisdom
October 2-3, 2026 FBC Fremont

Join ABC Nebraska for the 2026 Region Convention, Lead with Wisdom, October 2-3, 2026, at First Baptist Church in Fremont, Nebraska. Over two days, pastors, church leaders, and congregations will be encouraged, equipped, and inspired to lead wisely and faithfully in the church today.

Our keynote speaker, Dr. Cliff Barbarick, will help us rediscover the power of biblical storytelling and the importance of knowing Scripture well enough to share it clearly, faithfully, and engagingly.

Cliff Barbarick is the Chair of the Department of Bible, Missions and Ministry at Abilene Christian University where he is an Associate Professor. His research and teaching explores the New Testament through the lens of biblical performance criticism, an approach that recognizes that biblical compositions were originally intended to be heard aloud in community. This research has included internalizing and telling biblical compositions by heart, both as individual performer (e.g., Philippians, 1 Peter, and James) and with groups of students (e.g., Mark and 1 Corinthians).

He grew up in Colorado Springs, Colorado, and earned degrees at Pepperdine (B.A., MDiv) and Baylor (PhD) before arriving at ACU and settling in Abilene with his family in 2011. He and his wife, Tali, have three children: Caelan (21), Brenna (19), and Corbin (17).

Cliff serves on the board of the Network of Biblical Storytellers International. As part of this group, he leads the Scholars Seminar, a group of biblical scholars and professional storytellers who explore Scripture together, and he has completed training through the Academy for Biblical Storytelling to be a certified biblical storyteller.

Registration Information for the Region Convention:

Registration Link Below:

Come learn about Biblical Storytelling to make your reading of the Word come alive! You will also have the opportunity to go to two workshops, fellowship over meals together, and worship with our community!
Register Today!

Reserve Your Room Today!
Make sure to choose the dates you desire to stay.

Fairfield Inn and Suites

Room options: 1 King Bed
or 2 Queens

Holiday Inn Express

Promotional Material to Print

Posters:

2026 Convention 8.5×11
2026 Convention 11×17

Bulletin Inserts:

2026 Convention Save the Date
2026 Convention Keynote Speaker
2026 Convention Workshops
2026 Convention Lodging & Schedule

Printable Registration Form:

If you need a printable registration please email our Office Manager Becky Pike at:

bpike@abcnebraska.com

Our theme for 2026 is Lead with Wisdom, focusing on Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount and the writings of his brother James.

This year, we focus on Christ’s wisdom to lead others faithfully. We will explore what a wise life looks like in daily practice, emphasizing the importance of relying on God for wisdom in both everyday and challenging situations. Additionally, we will consider the distinction between knowledge and wisdom.

Every few weeks, an ABC NE staff member will share a short devotion from these passages, helping us reflect as Nebraska Baptists work to develop wise leaders and churches. The aim is to connect biblical wisdom with practical ministry in local congregations, encouraging, challenging, and empowering churches to support each other. These devotions are not just for personal piety but also serve as tools for leadership and community formation.

Look for these devotions in the News and Information tab above, our Region Update Newsletter, Facebook, and Instagram.

Ways to Engage

Spiritual Disciplines: Learn and practice key disciplines in the context of a community, like bible reading, prayer, financial stewardship, silence, fasting, sacrifice, worship, celebration, service, confession, and fellowship.
Bible Reading: Read Matthew and James with a group.
Small Groups: Create safe spaces for people to find their identity, belonging, and purpose in Christ by loving one another as Christ loves us. Use the ABC Nebraska RightNow Media access or Seminary Now platform to do a video-driven bible study with others.
Journaling: Reflect on how your understanding of how wisdom rooted in Christ helps create our identity, belonging, and purpose compared to a spirit of fear.
Mentorship: Find a wise person, regardless of age, who loves others well and seek mentorship from them.
Service Projects: Look for opportunities to love others deeply by serving.
Retreats: Attend a retreat at Moses Merrill Camp and Conference Center.