By Dr. Harry Kelm
Executive Director of the North American Baptist Conference
In the mid-1800s, approximately 2.5 million German speakers immigrated to North America. Among these were followers of Jesus who began the North American Baptist Conference. The NAB is a conference of churches that was founded by immigrants and was originally and primarily comprised of immigrants. Over the next 100 to 125 years, there came various waves of German-speaking immigrants seeking to start a new life, in a new country, bringing with them their hopes and dreams. They came with a belief that God was leading and directing them. This was the story of my mom and dad, who came to the United States as a part of one of these waves of immigrants.
The issues of immigration are complex and carry the potential to be divisive. The key is to focus not on policy but on our hearts and actions towards the people God has all around us.
As members of the churches that are the North American Baptist Conference, we are first and foremost a people of God; this is how 1 Peter 2:9–10 refers to the disciples and followers of Jesus. It also describes us as a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, and God’s special possession. Though we might call Canada and the United States home for now, as disciples of Jesus, we belong to the Kingdom of God. In fact, because we are citizens of heaven, according to Ephesians 2:19, we live on this Earth as those who are aliens and sojourners. . . .
This week, The Gathering has taken over the NAB social media pages. This triennial event that see youth from across North America converge on Orange County, California, to serve the local community, to learn through speakers, and to worship together as one body is happening right now, July 13–18.
You can catch a small glimpse of the work the students are doing during the day and the joy-filled times of worship in the evenings by visiting our social media pages, where we have shared a few snapshots of what God is up to through The Gathering.
Would you also continue to pray for the students and the individuals and organizations the students are serving as they begin to close out their week?
Blue Ocean is a one-year introduction to what it means to join God on mission, to be formed into a follower with the character of Christ, and to learn to reach friends and neighbors with a robust Gospel in our culture. We meet three times a year in three different cities across the United States and Canada for multi-day retreats. Blue Ocean includes pastors, leaders, and regional ministers from across the NAB. Each cohort represents a cross-section of regions, church sizes, and ministry styles. The discussions are both encouraging and challenging.
Module 1
Location: Vancouver, British Columbia
Dates: October 21–24, 2025
Topic: Missional Theology – Joining in with the God of Mission
Module 2
Location: TBD
Dates: February 1–4, 2026
Topic: Missional Formation – Becoming Like Christ
Module 3
Location: TBD
Dates: April 26–30, 2026
Topic: A Missional People – Becoming a Sent People
There is no cost for Blue Ocean, though participants are responsible for covering their travel and accommodation costs. All other costs are covered by the NAB.
