By Harry Kelm
NAB Executive Director
I have been watching the events of the last few weeks in Minnesota unfold with a sense of pain and heartache. As a follower of Jesus, I grieve the loss of life. I am troubled by the accusations and the inflammatory rhetoric that has surrounded these events. As a son of German immigrants who chose to come to the United States, as a pastor who has served churches in both the United States and Canada, and as the executive director of our bi-national conference of churches, I am always striving to be aware of what’s happening in both countries. However, these thoughts I share today are based not on my Canadian or United States citizenship, but rather they flow out of me as a citizen of God’s Kingdom and a devoted and surrendered follower of Jesus. As a follower of Jesus, I know I am not inerrant or infallible, which is why I am seeking to consider what is God’s best in this situation.
As 1 John 2:6 states, “Whoever claims to live in him must live as Jesus did.” Ephesians 5:8 reminds us we were once in darkness but now are light in the Lord and should therefore live as children of light. Matthew 5:9 tells us that peacemakers are blessed. We are to be people of peace – a people defined by our wholeness and flourishing in God’s will and intention.
Immigration has been a blessing to those who have come to North America and to the people of both Canada and the United States who call these nations our home. As God’s people, we are commanded to treat others with love and respect and to seek God’s righteousness. Based on what I read in Scripture, I believe God would want us to care for the vulnerable and for those seeking refuge in our communities. I believe God would want us to love our neighbor, including those who do not agree with our viewpoints. The laws of our countries are meant to provide safety and a legal framework to do what is right. It is not the way of Jesus to place a value – or lack of value – on anyone based on their ethnicity or legal status. There are many factors that need to be dealt with in the situations that have played out in the last few weeks, which is why I also pray for law enforcement officers and government leaders, whom I deeply respect.
With this all in mind . . .
Last year, Andrew and Jenn MacDonald were part of the NAB’s Fit Assessment in NorCal. They submitted their online application in advance; attended the multi-day, in-person experience hosted by a diverse collection of trained leaders; and communally discerned with the team their best fit for ministry. Ultimately, the MacDonalds received a green light to plant a church in Roseville, California.
One year later, the next NAB Fit Assessment is taking place in Northern California, only this time the MacDonald’s are playing another part in the process rather than attending as applicants. Their church plant, Grace Collective Church, is hosting the Fit Assessment taking place February 24–26 in Roseville, California.
Fit Assessment is a communal discernment process designed for potential church planters like the MacDonalds, but also for potential church revitalizers and international missionaries. If you’re interested in beginning the Fit Assessment process, your first step is completing the online application, either in English or Spanish, found at the link below.
If you have questions, contact Carissa Steinhart.
find more info about fit assessment
Philippians 2:5–11 is one of the oldest pieces of poetry written specifically for the Christian Church. It speaks of Jesus’s divinity, but rather than simply framing it through the lens of his kingship over all creation, it paints a picture of the Son of God as a humble servant – a servant king.
This poem isn’t just important for our Christology – how we understand the person, nature, and role of Jesus – it’s important for how we live our day-to-day lives. After all, Paul reminds us that this servanthood of Jesus is the exact same attitude we should have in our interactions with others and how we engage with the world around us, shaping what kinds of people we are to be.
Over the seven weeks of Lent, February 19 through April 4, join the entire North American Baptist Conference as we look at the seven verses of Philippians 2:5–11, reflecting on and praying over each in turn as we prepare our hearts for Good Friday and the celebration of Easter Sunday.
Bonfire 2026 registration is open! This year, Bonfire will be taking place in Medina, Ohio, May 5–8, 2026.
What we call Bonfire has taken on several different iterations over the years. At its core Bonfire was always designed to gather NAB leaders together around a shared purpose – a commitment to our missional/formational journey as the NAB.
Just like a bonfire itself brings people together who may not otherwise interact, these gatherings have morphed and expanded as different NAB groups – Multipliers, Governing Board, Missions Advisory Team, just to name a few – have caught wind of and bought into the shared purpose of mission and formation.
This year, based on much feedback, we are streamlining this event in a way we hope reflects this purpose. “Bonfire” will now be the name we use to refer to the overarching event, the main umbrella under which these various gatherings of NAB leaders meet. There will be two main evening sessions for the entire group, including dinner, fellowship, worship, and a unified speaker. During the days, each attendee will join their specific group gathering, or Ministry Track – Multipliers Summit, MAT, Missional Initiatives alum, etc. – to engage with each other.
It is our hope that Bonfire 2026 will serve you, equip you, and encourage you in ways both specific to your individual group but also in broad ways as a vital member of our conference of churches.
After serving as the NAB’s Chief Financial Officer for the past eleven years, Richard Brown will soon be moving on to where God is next leading him. While he will still be around for the next twelve months or so to ensure a smooth succession plan, the NAB has begun the search process to find the person God has set aside for us as our next CFO.
The CFO provides overall financial leadership and management for the International Office of the North American Baptist Conference, ensuring faithful stewardship of resources that advance the NAB’s mission to make disciples, develop godly leaders, and multiply churches across North America. Reporting directly to the Executive Director, the CFO oversees financial strategy, operations, and ministry support functions with excellence, integrity, and a commitment to the NAB’s Gospel-centered purpose.
To see the full job description and how to apply, click on the link below.