The 2027 Triennial is July 15–17, 2027, in Medina, Ohio!
When we look at the Scriptures, it is evident God desires his people to gather together. We read about the seven annual festivals that brought the Jewish people together, and even in the New Testament, we see how the church united in fellowship, community, and connection. Even as they believed in the autonomy of the local church, the founders of the NAB also understood there is encouragement in being part of a conference of churches.
In 1851, German-speaking believers and churches had spread west from the East Coast as far as Wisconsin and Illinois and north into Canada. Pastor Konrad Fleischmann saw the need to bring these widely scattered churches together for fellowship and ministry, resulting in what we now know as the North American Baptist Conference. Fourteen years later, NAB leaders came together for the first Triennial, a gathering that has taken place every three years.
Ever since that first gathering, Triennial has been a celebration of who God is and how God has worked and is working through his people. These Triennials have also been times when we are challenged to consider how God is leading, as well as times to connect, see friends, and make new friends.
For many years, Triennials have been held in various convention centers across the United States and Canada. For the 2027 Triennial, the NAB executive leadership felt led to make a change. We have always been a conference focused on the ministry of the local church. To better reflect that, we have decided to hold the 2027 Triennial in an NAB church committed to embracing Gods mission and with a facility able to host a Triennial Conference.
Which is why we are pleased to announce Heartland Community Church of Medina, Ohio, will be the home of the 2027 Triennial, July 15–17, 2027. We would love to see you there.
The theme of the 2027 Triennial is all about hope. In everyday usage, hope is an anticipation regarding the future. Human hope has an element of uncertainty and doubt. Hope based in the world is focused on external factors, human resources, and specific abilities. This hope can bring disappointment and insecurity as circumstances or plans change or plans and people fail. Hope in God offers purpose and meaning because it is based on God’s plan and purpose for our lives, as well as God’s power.
Biblically, hope is based on God’s unchanging nature and character. It is anchored in God’s promises and abiding faithfulness. This is clearly a hope we have for eternity, but it is also a hope we have as we walk with God in the complexities and challenges of this world. It has as an unshakable foundation that God is good and loving and will bring about what is best, despite the brokenness of our world. God’s hope can assist us in the difficult challenges of life by helping us trust God will provide us with his strength, peace, and provision in the midst of life’s trials.
Registration will open before the end of the year. In the meantime, to keep abreast of the latest news about things happening across the conference, including Triennial, sign up for the weekly NAB Update email.