By Dr. Harry Kelm
NAB Executive Director
I often share with people that the North American Baptist Conference is a family of churches found in Canada and the United States. Our churches are in cities, suburbs, towns, and villages. They are urban and rural, found in many settings and comprised of people from a wide variety of situations. What we have in common is a faith in Jesus Christ as our Saviour and Lord. We believe Jesus is the only hope for this world. We value God’s Word as being authoritative and trust in God’s best for our lives.
As the NAB, we gather together every three years at what we call Triennial. You might wonder the value of connecting with the greater NAB community of churches at a conference such as this. The benefit is in community.
We can benefit from connecting with those from different geographical regions and different contexts. We recognize we are a part of something bigger. This is about relationship and ministry.
In 1851, Pastor Konrad Fleischmann saw the need to bring widely scattered German-speaking churches in North America together. The purpose was for relationship and ministry. This is how the North American Baptist Conference began.
To celebrate this commitment and connection to relationship and ministry, a gathering was initiated, to take place every three years. The first Triennial Conference happened in 1865, and excepting a one-year delay during WWII, it has happened every three years since. The NAB Triennial is a time where NAB churches of Canada and the United States celebrate what God has done, what God is doing, and what God can do. It is to affirm that we are a part of a community of churches spread across North America, with ministries that are local and global.
Our next NAB Triennial Conference is July 15–17, 2027, in Medina, Ohio, a community thirty-minutes south of Cleveland. For the first time in recent memory, Triennial will be held at a local NAB church – Heartland Community Church. Having the NAB Triennial at Heartland emphasizes the value of the local church to the growth of God’s Kingdom.
The theme of the NAB Triennial is One Hope. This is about our hope in God, which offers us purpose and meaning based on God’s plan and God’s promises for our lives.
Plan on joining us for this great reunion and get together. More information will be coming your way in the coming months, including registration details.
The 2026/2027 cohort of Blue Ocean is now accepting applications.
Blue Ocean is a transformative one-year learning experience. You’ll be part of a cohort that journeys together throughout the year, exploring what it means to join God on mission, be formed into the character of Christ, and dwell in your neighborhood – sharing and living out the Gospel. This program includes three in-person learning modules, each held in a different location:
- Vancouver, British Columbia, October 20–23, 2026.
- Sacramento, California, February 2–5, 2027.
- TBD, May 4–7, 2027.
Participants come from across North America, each of whom serve in leadership roles at NAB churches of varying sizes and ministry styles.
Our modules are thoughtfully designed to integrate teaching, conversation, hands-on activities, shared experiences, and meals, creating a holistic and immersive experience. Find out more about Blue Ocean on the NAB website.
A new season is beginning in Northern California. After years of faithful ministry, Kent Carlson is preparing to retire from his role as Regional Minister. While we are sad to see Kent step away after dedicating so much of his life to NorCal and the NAB, we are also grateful for his leadership, care, and commitment to the churches of our region. His ministry has been a gift, and we are thankful for the many ways God has used him.
At the same time, we are excited for what God has next. NorCal is a diverse and growing association of NAB churches, with congregations ranging from over 100 years old to our newest church, just 1 year old. Across rural, suburban, and urban communities, our churches are seeking to walk together in the way of Jesus, make disciples, develop leaders, and join God in His mission.
The NorCal Regional Minister position has now been posted, and applications are being accepted. This role will be an important one for the next chapter of ministry in Northern California, providing pastoral support, strengthening churches, developing leaders, encouraging church health, and helping our region continue to participate in the broader mission and End Goals of the NAB.
The search team will begin reviewing potential candidates on July 17, with the final day for applications being July 31. Anyone interested, or anyone who knows a potential candidate, is encouraged to send a résumé and cover letter to rmsearch@sunrise.church.
Dr. Luke Miller
Chairman
Northern California Association