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. Dr. Barbarick is Associate Professor and Department Chair in the Department of Bible, Missions and Ministry at Abilene Christian University.

Workshop descriptions

Creative Worship
When the pianist is away, the pastor is out of town, or the power goes out, the church can still worship well. In this workshop, Rev. Dr. Greg Mamula will explore creative, flexible approaches to worship that do not depend entirely on music, preaching, or the usual patterns of a Sunday gathering.
Discipleship
How do we form faithful disciples in a changing world? Rev. Lauren Parliament will offer practical insights and fresh approaches for cultivating meaningful discipleship in today’s ministry context.
Storytelling
The church needs leaders who know the biblical story and can communicate it with clarity and conviction. In this workshop, Dr. Cliff Barbarick will help participants strengthen both their understanding of Scripture and their ability to share it effectively.
Church Finance 101
Healthy ministry requires healthy financial practices. Rev. Dr. Earl Thorpe of MMBB will lead a three-part training designed to help churches establish, strengthen, and sustain sound financial systems for long-term ministry. MMBB describes its church finance work as guidance for long-term sustainability and effective church administration.

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.