127th Annual Session and Congress of Christian Faith Formation

Join us for the 127th Annual Session and Congress of Christian Faith Formation — Momentum! Sustaining the Move of God
About this Event

Rooted in Nehemiah 6:3, this year’s gathering calls churches, leaders, families, and ministry teams to remain focused, spiritually grounded, and actively engaged in the work God has entrusted to the Church:

“I am carrying on a great project and cannot come down.” - Nehemiah 6:3

Momentum 2026 is designed to strengthen and equip the Church through worship, leadership development, intergenerational connection, Christian education, ministry collaboration, and spiritual renewal. Throughout the week, participants will experience dynamic worship services, impactful masterclasses, focused breakout sessions, youth experiences, ministry luncheons, fellowship opportunities, and meaningful engagement with leaders from across Virginia and beyond.

Building upon the spirit of last year’s emphasis, Shoulder to Shoulder (Zephaniah 3:9), this year’s gathering continues the pathway toward unity, shared vision, and collective movement as churches work together to sustain the move of God within congregations, communities, and future generations.

Whether you are a pastor, ministry leader, lay servant leader, youth worker, young adult, volunteer, musician, educator, trustee, deacon, or first-time attendee, there is a place for you at Momentum 2026.

The Annual Session will also include the presentation and installation of newly elected Convention officers during this nomination year in the life of the Baptist General Convention of Virginia.

Dynamic Worship and General Sessions

Momentum 2026 will feature powerful worship experiences and general sessions designed to encourage, challenge, and strengthen participants throughout the week.

Featured speakers and guests include:

• Dr. Patricia Gould-Champ
• Dr. Howard-John Wesley
• Dr. James Coleman
• Bishop Jeffrey L. Reaves
• Dr. W. Franklyn Richardson
• Bishop Carroll Baltimore
• Dr. Veronica Coleman

Youth participants will also experience dedicated youth worship gatherings and youth-led worship moments throughout the conference.

All worship services are open to the public.

You are cordially invited to join us in Petersburg as we worship together, grow together, and move forward together in faith.

Youth Conference - “I’m Locked In!”

Momentum 2026 includes a dedicated youth conference experience designed specifically for youth ages 12-17 and their Youth Workers/Chaperones.

The Youth Conference combines worship, leadership development, breakout experiences, fellowship, activities, and youth-focused ministry engagement in an environment designed to strengthen faith, build relationships, and encourage spiritual growth.

Youth participants will experience:

• Dedicated youth worship experiences
• Interactive breakout sessions
• Leadership development opportunities
• Game and activity experiences
• HBCU panel and special presentations
• Youth-led worship moments
• Fellowship opportunities throughout the week
• Tuesday activity experience at Uptown Alley

Youth participants and Youth Workers/Chaperones register through the Youth Conference registration pathway.

A minimum supervision ratio of one adult for every five youth participants is required.

What To Expect From the Week

• Spirit-filled worship services open to the public with the preached word offered by: Dr. Patricia Gould-Champ on Monday morning, Dr. Howard-John Wesley on Monday evening, Dr. James Coleman on Tuesday evening, and Bishop Jeffrey L. Reaves on Wednesday afternoon
• Leadership-focused masterclasses and breakout sessions
• Dedicated youth conference and youth worship experiences
• Men’s & Clergy Ministry Luncheon featuring Bishop Carroll Baltimore
• Women’s Ministry Luncheon featuring Dr. Veronica Coleman
• “Food Trucks & Fellowship: A Chat & Chew” featuring Dr. W. Franklyn Richardson
• Ministry department sessions and business meetings
• Intergenerational engagement and leadership development
• Vendor and exhibitor marketplace
• Fellowship opportunities throughout the week
• Installation of newly elected Convention officers

Conference Registration Pricing

Full Conference Registration - All Week Messenger

• Adult Early Registration (through June 15, 2026): $215
• Adult Standard Registration: $230
• Youth / Youth Worker Full Registration: $150

One Day Messenger Registration

• Adult Single-Day (Monday - No Luncheon): $75
• Adult Single-Day (Tuesday or Wednesday - Includes Luncheon): $110
• Youth / Youth Worker Single-Day (Monday or Wednesday): $60
• Youth Activity Day (Tuesday - Includes Uptown Alley Experience): $85

Luncheon-Only Registration

• Luncheon-Only Ticket: $50

Adult Conference Masterclasses & Breakout Sessions

Monday Masterclasses

Equipped and Engaged: Every Believer in Motion
Presenter: Minister Karen Downing
This session empowers lay leaders to move from participation to ownership by discovering and deploying their spiritual gifts. The focus is on strengthening ministry engagement and sustaining church momentum through active service.
Ideal Attendees: Lay Leaders, Ministry Volunteers

Alignment After Applause: Leading Beyond the Moment
Presenter: Pastor Jason Knight
Designed for pastors and ministers navigating leadership after moments of spiritual breakthrough. This session addresses maintaining unity, protecting vision, and sustaining leadership momentum once the excitement of major moments fades.
Ideal Attendees: Clergy, Senior Leaders

Monday Breakout Sessions

First Impressions Matter: Hospitality as a Carrier of Momentum
Presenter: Pastor Tremayne Johnson
This session equips hospitality and usher teams to create welcoming environments where spiritual momentum is protected and visitors feel seen, valued, and connected.
Ideal Attendees: Ushers, Greeters, Hospitality Teams

Holding the Line: Deacons as Guardians of Momentum
Presenter: Deacon Keith Blowe
This session reframes the role of Deacons as spiritual stabilizers within the church. Emphasis is placed on servant leadership, unity, care, and maintaining order during seasons of growth and transition.
Ideal Attendees: Deacons, Church Leadership Teams

Sound That Sustains: Worship, Excellence, and Spiritual Momentum
Presenter: Rev. Dr. Jamaar Jones
This session addresses the responsibility of worship teams to sustain spiritual atmosphere and excellence beyond emotional moments.
Ideal Attendees: Music Ministry Leaders, Choirs, Musicians, Worship Teams

Built to Carry It: Stewardship that Sustains the Vision
Presenter: Trustee David Rogers
Trustees and financial leaders explore how governance, property stewardship, and responsible financial practices support the long-term sustainability of ministry vision.
Ideal Attendees: Trustees, Finance Leaders, Administrative Leaders

Women Who Carry the Flow: Faith, Wisdom, and Momentum
Presenter: Pastor Cierra Smith Bond
Designed to affirm and activate women as spiritual carriers of momentum through leadership, discipleship, and ministry influence.
Ideal Attendees: Women’s Ministry Leaders and Members

Sustaining and Managing Church Growth; Sermon Development and Ministry Models
Presenter: Dr. Greg Howard
This class is a must for clergy and church practitioners. Developing a preaching schedule, preaching thematically through series, establishing preaching partners, and ministry models that sustain growth will all be explored in this breakout session.
Ideal Attendees: Pastors, Clergy, Associate Ministers, Church Planters, Ministry Leaders, Christian Educators, Leadership Teams, Church Practitioners

Tuesday Masterclasses

Faith in the Public Square: Political Action & Social Justice
Presenter: Dr. Vodrika Epps
This session equips the Church to engage responsibly and biblically in civic and social matters. Participants will explore how the Church can maintain a prophetic voice, encourage responsible civic engagement, and address social issues with wisdom, conviction, and theological clarity.
Ideal Attendees: Clergy, Lay Leaders, Social Justice Teams, Community Leaders

Reimagining Christian Education for Kingdom Impact
Presenter: Dr. Bernita Brown
Designed for teachers, ministry leaders, and church workers seeking to revitalize Christian Education. This session explores how to move beyond traditional methods and embrace engaging, relevant, and transformational approaches that equip believers to live out their faith.
Ideal Attendees: Sunday School Teachers, Christian Education Leaders, Ministry Workers, Teaching Teams

Tuesday Breakout Sessions

Guard the Flame: Sustaining Fire Without Burnout
Presenter: Pastor Ulric Eley, Jr.
A spiritually grounded session focused on prayer, discipline, rest, and resilience in ministry leadership. Participants will learn strategies for sustaining spiritual vitality while carrying the demands of leadership.
Ideal Attendees: Pastors, Ministers, Ministry Leaders

Built to Carry It: Stewardship that Sustains the Vision
Presenter: Trustee David Rogers
Trustees and financial leaders explore how governance, property stewardship, and responsible financial practices support the long-term sustainability of ministry vision.
Ideal Attendees: Trustees, Finance Leaders, Administrative Leaders

Men on the Move: Strength, Responsibility, and Kingdom Momentum
Presenter: Pastor Marvin Gilliam
This session calls men to spiritual maturity, accountability, and leadership in their homes, churches, and communities.
Ideal Attendees: Men’s Ministry Leaders and Members

Women Who Carry the Flow: Faith, Wisdom, and Momentum
Presenter: Pastor Cierra Smith Bond
Designed to affirm and activate women as spiritual carriers of momentum through leadership, discipleship, and ministry influence.
Ideal Attendees: Women’s Ministry Leaders and Members

Holding the Line: Deacons as Guardians of Momentum
Presenter: Deacon Keith Blowe
This session reframes the role of Deacons as spiritual stabilizers within the church.
Ideal Attendees: Deacons, Church Leadership Teams

First Impressions Matter: Hospitality as a Carrier of Momentum
Presenter: Pastor Tremayne Johnson
This session equips hospitality and usher teams to create welcoming environments where spiritual momentum is protected and visitors feel seen, valued, and connected.
Ideal Attendees: Ushers, Greeters, Hospitality Teams

Wednesday Masterclasses

Bridging the Generations: Building a Church for Every Age
Presenter: Dr. Angel White
Designed for leaders and ministry workers seeking to strengthen intergenerational connection in the church. This session explores how to move beyond age divisions and create a unified ministry where every generation is valued, engaged, and growing together in faith.
Ideal Attendees: Pastors, Ministry Leaders, Youth Leaders, Christian Education Leaders

Stronger Together: Momentum Through Ministry Collaboration
Presenter: Rev. Rickey Rouse Jr.
This session explores how ministries can collaborate effectively rather than operate in isolation. Participants will discover how shared vision and partnership strengthen the overall mission of the Convention.
Ideal Attendees: Ministry Leaders, Department Heads, Church Leadership Teams

Wednesday Breakout Sessions

Sound That Sustains: Worship, Excellence, and Spiritual Momentum
Presenter: Rev. Dr. Jamaar Jones
This session addresses the responsibility of worship teams to sustain spiritual atmosphere and excellence beyond emotional moments.
Ideal Attendees: Music Ministry Leaders, Choirs, Musicians, Worship Teams

Guard the Flame: Sustaining Fire Without Burnout
Presenter: Pastor Ulric Eley, Jr.
Participants will learn strategies for sustaining spiritual vitality while carrying the demands of leadership.
Ideal Attendees: Pastors, Ministers, Ministry Leaders

Men on the Move: Strength, Responsibility, and Kingdom Momentum
Presenter: Pastor Marvin Gilliam
This session calls men to spiritual maturity, accountability, and leadership in their homes, churches, and communities.
Ideal Attendees: Men’s Ministry Leaders and Members

Forming the Future: Youth & Young Adult Ministry in the 21st Century Church
Presenter: Pastor Kirk Houston
This session focuses on strengthening ministry to youth and young adults in a rapidly changing cultural environment. Leaders will explore discipleship models, leadership development strategies, and innovative approaches that engage the next generation and sustain the Church’s future momentum.
Ideal Attendees: Youth Leaders, Young Adult Leaders, Pastors, Christian Educators, Ministry Leaders

Faithful with Finances: Kingdom Stewardship for Everyday Life
Presenter: Mrs. Janiel Youngblood
Designed for individuals and families seeking to honor God through wise financial stewardship. This session explores practical, biblically grounded principles for managing money, developing healthy financial habits, and aligning everyday financial decisions with Kingdom values.
Ideal Attendees: All Conference Participants

Alignment Is Not Automatic: Leading Teams in the Same Direction
Presenter: Sister Alexis Miles
Momentum is often lost when teams interpret vision differently. This session equips leaders with practical strategies to strengthen communication, improve clarity, and create alignment across ministries and leadership teams so that everyone is moving in the same direction with shared understanding and purpose.
Ideal Attendees: Pastors, Clergy, Ministry Leaders, Administrative Leaders, Lay Leaders, Church Leadership Teams

Vendor & Exhibitor Opportunities

Momentum 2026 will feature a vendor and exhibitor marketplace available throughout the conference.

Vendor opportunities are open to:

• Businesses
• Authors
• Public figures
• Nonprofit organizations
• Ministry organizations
• Political and civic organizations
• Clothing and accessory vendors
• Community resource organizations

Vendor registration includes assigned vendor table space based upon selected setup size.

Limited vendor spaces are available.

Vendor Registration Pricing

• Single Vendor Table: $100
• Double Vendor Table: $175
• Triple Table / Clothing Vendor Setup: $225

Registration Policies

• All registrations are non-refundable and non-transferable.
• Conference organizers reserve the right to make adjustments to schedules, presenters, workshop offerings, and event logistics as necessary.
• Workshop and masterclass selections are collected as attendee preferences and may be adjusted based upon capacity, scheduling, or operational needs.
• By registering for Momentum 2026, attendees acknowledge that photography, video recording, and livestream recording may occur during conference events.
• Registration and attendance constitute permission for the Baptist General Convention of Virginia to use photographs, video, and recorded media containing attendee likenesses for promotional, educational, archival, and ministry-related purposes without additional consent or compensation.

Sunday

🕑: 04:00 PM - 06:00 PM
Registration

Info: Check in, pick up materials, and prepare for the 127th Annual Session.

🕑: 06:30 PM - 08:30 PM
Vendor Setup

Info: Vendor and exhibitor setup

Monday Adult Schedule

🕑: 07:30 AM - 09:00 AM
Registration

Info: Annual Session check-in and registration.

🕑: 09:00 AM - 09:45 AM
Public Worship Service: Morning Worship

Info: Speaker: Dr. Patricia Gould-Champ. Open to the public.

🕑: 10:10 AM - 11:25 AM
Masterclasses

Info: Registered participants will attend their selected masterclass. Offerings include: Equipped and Engaged: Every Believer in Motion | Alignment After Applause: Leading Beyond the Moment.

🕑: 11:50 AM - 12:35 PM
Lilly Grant Presentation

Info: Presentation and information session regarding the Lilly Grant.

🕑: 12:40 PM - 02:00 PM
Food Trucks & Fellowship: A Chat & Chew

Info: Lunch, fellowship, networking, and conversation featuring Dr. W. Franklin Richardson.

🕑: 02:05 PM - 03:20 PM
Ministry Department Sessions

Info: Department meetings and collaborative discussions for Clergy | Men | Women.

🕑: 03:45 PM - 04:35 PM
Breakout Sessions

Info: Registered participants will attend their selected breakout session. Offerings include: First Impressions Matter: Hospitality as a Carrier of Momentum | Holding the Line: Deacons as Guardians of Momentum | Sound That Sustains: Worship, Excellence, and Spiritual Momentum | Built to Carry It: Stewardship that Sustains the Vision | Women Who Carry the Flow: Faith, Wisdom, and Momentum | Sustaining and Managing Church Growth: Sermon Development and Ministry Models.

🕑: 03:45 PM - 04:35 PM
Closed Meetings

Info: Closed meetings include: Body on Organization Meeting | BGC Foundation Meeting. Attendance limited to respective body members.

🕑: 04:40 PM - 06:30 PM
Dinner Break

Info: Dinner on your own before evening worship.

🕑: 06:30 PM - 08:30 PM
Public Worship Service: Night of Generosity

Info: Speaker: Dr. Howard-John Wesley. Open to the public.

Tuesday Adult Schedule

🕑: 08:00 AM - 09:00 AM
Registration

Info: Annual Session check-in and registration.

🕑: 09:00 AM - 09:45 AM
BGC Business Meeting

Info: Convention business session.

🕑: 10:10 AM - 11:10 AM
Social Justice Hour

Info: Focused discussion and engagement on social justice issues impacting our communities.

🕑: 11:35 AM - 12:25 PM
Masterclasses

Info: Registered participants will attend their selected masterclass. Offerings include: Faith in the Public Square: Political Action and Social Justice | Reimagining Christian Education for Kingdom Impact.

🕑: 12:50 PM - 02:20 PM
Men's and Clergy Ministries Luncheon

Info: Speaker: Bishop Carroll Baltimore

🕑: 02:45 PM - 03:35 PM
Breakout Sessions

Info: Registered participants will attend their selected breakout session. Offerings include: Guard the Flame: Sustaining Fire Without Burnout | Built to Carry It: Stewardship that Sustains the Vision | Men on the Move: Strength, Responsibility, and Kingdom Momentum | Women Who Carry the Flow: Faith, Wisdom, and Momentum | Holding the Line: Deacons as Guardians of Momentum | First Impressions Matter: Hospitality as a Carrier of Momentum.

🕑: 04:00 PM - 04:45 PM
Ministry Department Sessions

Info: Department meetings and collaborative discussions for Clergy | Men | Women.

🕑: 04:50 PM - 06:30 PM
Dinner Break

Info: Dinner on your own before evening worship.

🕑: 06:30 PM - 08:30 PM
Public Worship Service: President's Night

Info: Speaker: Dr. James Coleman. Presentation of New Officers-Elect. Open to the public.

Wednesday Adult Schedule

🕑: 08:00 AM - 09:00 AM
Registration

Info: Annual Session check-in and registration.

🕑: 09:00 AM - 09:50 AM
Masterclasses

Info: Registered participants will attend their selected masterclass. Offerings include: Bridging the Generations: Building a Church for Every Age | Stronger Together: Momentum Through Ministry Collaboration.

🕑: 10:15 AM - 11:30 AM
Ministry Department Sessions

Info: Department meetings and collaborative discussions for Clergy | Men | Women.

🕑: 11:55 AM - 12:45 PM
Breakout Sessions

Info: Registered participants will attend their selected breakout session. Offerings include: Sound That Sustains: Worship, Excellence, and Spiritual Momentum | Guard the Flame: Sustaining Fire Without Burnout | Men on the Move: Strength, Responsibility, and Kingdom Momentum | Forming the Future: Youth and Young Adult Ministry in the 21st Century Church | Faithful with Finances: Kingdom Stewardship for Everyday Life | Alignment Is Not Automatic: Leading Teams in the Same Direction.

🕑: 01:10 PM - 02:40 PM
Women's Ministry Luncheon

Info: Speaker: Dr. Veronica Coleman

🕑: 03:05 PM - 05:00 PM
Public Worship Service: Closing Worship, Communion, and Installation

Info: Speaker: Bishop Jeffrey L. Reaves. Closing worship, Holy Communion, and installation of newly elected officers. Open to the public.

Monday Youth Schedule

🕑: 07:30 AM - 09:00 AM
Registration

Info: Registration at Good Shepherd Baptist Church.

🕑: 09:00 AM - 09:30 AM
Transportation to Gillfield Baptist Church

Info: Transportation provided for registered youth participants from Good Shepherd Baptist Church to Gillfield Baptist Church.

🕑: 09:30 AM - 10:15 AM
Opening Youth Experience

Info: Daily opening session for all youth participants.

🕑: 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
Learning Sessions

Info: Participants will attend their learning session as part of the three-day rotation experience.

🕑: 11:45 AM - 01:00 PM
Lunch
🕑: 01:30 PM - 03:00 PM
Games and Activities
🕑: 03:30 PM - 06:30 PM
Transportation and Free Time

Info: Transportation back to Good Shepherd Baptist Church, dinner, personal time, and preparation for evening worship.

🕑: 06:30 PM - 07:00 PM
Public Worship Service: Youth-Led Praise and Worship

Info: Youth participants lead worship for the gathered assembly. Open to the public.

🕑: 07:00 PM - 08:30 PM
Public Worship Service: Night of Generosity

Info: Combined evening worship experience with adult conference participants. Speaker: Dr. Howard-John Wesley. Open to the public.

Tuesday Youth Schedule

🕑: 08:00 AM - 08:30 AM
Registration

Info: Registration at Good Shepherd Baptist Church.

🕑: 08:30 AM - 09:00 AM
Transportation to Gillfield Baptist Church

Info: Transportation provided for registered youth participants from Good Shepherd Baptist Church to Gillfield Baptist Church.

🕑: 09:00 AM - 10:15 AM
Opening Youth Experience

Info: Daily opening session for all youth participants.

🕑: 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
Learning Sessions

Info: Participants continue rotating through their learning sessions.

🕑: 11:45 AM - 04:00 PM
Uptown Alley Experience

Info: Lunch, activities, fellowship, and transportation included.

🕑: 04:00 PM - 07:00 PM
Transportation and Free Time

Info: Transportation provided from Gillfield Baptist Church back to Good Shepherd Baptist Church. Time for dinner, personal time, and preparation for evening worship.

🕑: 07:00 PM - 08:30 PM
Public Worship Service: Youth Worship Experience

Info: An evening worship experience designed specifically for youth participants. Location: Good Shepherd Baptist Church Theater. Open to the public.

Wednesday Youth Schedule

🕑: 08:00 AM - 08:30 AM
Registration

Info: Registration at Good Shepherd Baptist Church.

🕑: 08:30 AM - 09:00 AM
Transportation to Gillfield Baptist Church

Info: Transportation provided for registered youth participants from Good Shepherd Baptist Church to Gillfield Baptist Church.

🕑: 09:00 AM - 10:15 AM
Opening Youth Experience

Info: Daily opening session for all youth participants.

🕑: 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
Learning Sessions

Info: Final day of the learning session rotation.

🕑: 11:45 AM - 01:00 PM
Lunch
🕑: 01:30 PM - 02:30 PM
HBCU Panel and Showcase

Info: Featuring an HBCU panel discussion, Greek organization stepping demonstration, and a performance by the Virginia State University Drumline.

🕑: 02:30 PM - 03:00 PM
Transportation to Good Shepherd Baptist Church

Info: Return transportation for participation in the combined closing worship service.

🕑: 03:05 PM - 05:00 PM
Public Worship Service: Closing Worship, Communion, and Installation

Info: Youth join the closing worship service, Holy Communion, and installation of newly elected officers. Open to the public.