Thank You, ADVANCE 2026! Together, We Advanced the Work.
Take a look back at the unforgettable moments from the 2026 NBF ADVANCE Conference! From inspiring messages and practical workshops to powerful worship and meaningful connections, here's a recap of all God did as we gathered to Advance the Work together. Thank you to everyone who made this year's conference such a memorable and impactful experience.
Missed our conference booklet? Take a moment to explore it! Inside you'll find speaker bios, sponsor highlights, a special letter from our President, and other helpful conference information. Check it out here.
Fueling the Mission Through Partnership
Fueling the Mission Through Partnership
To our valued sponsors, thank you for partnering with us to make ADVANCE 2026 possible. Your generosity and support helped create an unforgettable experience for every attendee and continue to fuel the work God is doing through the National Black Fellowship.
Day One: Building with Purpose, Empowered by the Spirit
Day one of the ADVANCE Conference set the tone for two transformative days of encouragement, equipping, and spiritual renewal.
The conference opened with a powerful message from Pastor Choco De Jesús, Executive Director of U.S. Missions for the Assemblies of God. In his message, "8 Keys to an Irresistible Church," he challenged leaders to build God's Church with fresh zeal, reminding everyone to keep the main thing the main thing. His practical wisdom and passionate call to mission inspired attendees to lead with renewed purpose.
Next, General Superintendent Doug Clay delivered a Spirit-filled message centered on the ministry of the Holy Spirit. Encouraging leaders to examine the water sources they are drawing from in these last days, he called the Church to put a fresh demand on the rain of the Spirit, allowing God to empower and strengthen His people for the work of building His Kingdom.
In a powerful display of love, encouragement and support, NBF leaders rallied around General Superintendent Doug Clay to pray for renewed strength. Hebrews 10:24-25
Celebrating Our Rev Fresh Grant Recipients
One of the special moments during ADVANCE 2026 was the celebration of this year's Rev Fresh Grant recipients. Through their generous partnership with the National Black Fellowship, Rev Fresh provided a custom project grant designed to refresh and bless ministry leaders who faithfully serve others.
We are excited to celebrate Pastor Keith Brown and Sparkel Brown of Faith City Chicago as this year's grant recipients! Their dedication to ministry and their commitment to serving their congregation and community were honored through this meaningful gift.
The heart behind Rev Fresh is simple: to refresh those who refresh others. We are grateful for their generosity and their desire to come alongside pastors and leaders with tangible support that meets real needs.
Thank you, Rev Fresh, for investing in the lives of our leaders and helping us continue to strengthen and encourage those who are faithfully advancing the work of the Kingdom. We celebrate Pastor Keith and Sparkel and pray this blessing continues to fuel the incredible work God has entrusted to them.
Following the morning sessions, Dr. Rick Ross, General Treasurer of the Assemblies of God, led an insightful economic empowerment session. He challenged pastors and ministry leaders to evaluate the financial health of their churches and establish strong, sustainable financial frameworks that will position their congregations for long-term ministry impact and growth.
Equipping Leaders Through Workshops
The afternoon featured a series of engaging workshops designed to provide practical tools for ministry.
Dr. Don Brawley encouraged leaders to embrace innovation, be unleashed in their calling, and build with the future in mind.
Pastor Charlene challenged attendees to cultivate vibrant cultures of prayer within their local churches, reminding leaders that lasting ministry is sustained through dependence on God.
Meanwhile, Rev. Joshua Edmonds and NBF Next Gen Leader Jonathan Burton facilitated an important conversation on creating listening forums for emerging leaders, equipping churches to better engage, empower, and invest in the next generation.
Honoring Those Who Paved the Way
Before the evening service, the National Black Fellowship paused for a special moment of gratitude as we honored the faithful leaders who have helped shape the Fellowship's legacy over the past four decades. Each past president was recognized and presented with a gift in appreciation for their vision, sacrifice, and steadfast commitment to advancing the mission of the NBF.
We were honored to celebrate:
Bishop Spencer Jones (1980–1994)
Bishop Ed Peecher (1994–1998)
Dr. Zollie Smith (1998–2007)
Rev. Malcolm Burleigh (2007–2012)
Rev. Michael Nelson (2012–2018)
Bishop Walter Harvey (2018–2024)
Their leadership laid the foundation for where the National Black Fellowship stands today. We are deeply grateful for the lasting impact each of these leaders has made through their faithful service, visionary leadership, and unwavering dedication to the Kingdom. As we continue to Advance the Work, we do so standing on the shoulders of those who faithfully answered God's call before us.
The day concluded with a moving message from Bishop Elijah H. Hankerson III, General Board Member of the Church of God in Christ. His powerful call encouraged leaders to move beyond their pain and arise to the assignments God has placed before them. As he ministered through prayer and the laying on of hands, many experienced refreshment, healing, and renewed strength to continue the work God has entrusted to them.
Day one left attendees challenged, encouraged, and empowered—ready to return for another day of growing together as we continued to Advance the Work.
Special Pathmakers Foundation Intensive
A special thank you to Dr. Charlie Self and Jamé Bolds of the Pathmakers Foundation for leading our exclusive conference add-on intensive. Their expertise and passion equipped ministry leaders with practical strategies to strengthen both the mission and sustainability of the local church.
Throughout the session, participants explored how churches can become catalysts for community transformation through sound theology, intentional economic thinking, and strategic organizational structures. Topics included Churcheconomics, reimagining the church as a community problem solver; Doing Well and Doing Good, positioning the church as both a spiritual and economic hub; From Purpose to Paper, providing guidance on building effective legal structures for church-owned enterprises; and Fireplaces for the Fire, identifying capital sources for lasting financial health.
We are deeply grateful to the Pathmakers Foundation for investing in the leaders of the National Black Fellowship.
Day Two: Reflecting Christ, Strengthening Leaders, and Restoring Lives
Day two of the ADVANCE Conference continued with powerful moments of encouragement, practical equipping, and Spirit-led ministry. Throughout the day, attendees were reminded that advancing the work begins with reflecting Christ well, investing in the next generation, and walking alongside those God has called us to serve.
Created in the Image of God
The morning opened with a thought-provoking message from Pastor Portia Allen, co-founder of Imago Dei Consulting. Centered on the biblical truth of the Imago Dei, that every person is created in the image of God. She challenged attendees to consider how this reality shapes the way we see, value, and relate to one another.
Her highly interactive session fostered an atmosphere of belonging, vulnerability, and authentic connection, reminding leaders that healthy ministry begins with recognizing the God-given dignity in every person.
Breakout Sessions for Men and Women
Following the general session, attendees gathered for dedicated men's and women's breakouts tailored to encourage leaders in their unique callings.
The men's session featured Bishop Angel Marcial, Administrative Bishop of the Minnesota District, who spoke on being restored to victory in Christ. He encouraged the men to pursue Christ wholeheartedly, reminding them that true victory is found through continual surrender, restoration, and faithful obedience.
The women gathered with Pastor Charlene, who delivered an inspiring message on the importance of passing faith from one generation to the next. She challenged women to intentionally disciple, encourage, and invest in future leaders, leaving a legacy that extends far beyond themselves.
The afternoon workshops equipped leaders with timely, practical tools for ministry in today's changing world.
Adrian Williams Jr. explored the opportunities and challenges of Artificial Intelligence and the 21st Century Church, helping leaders think critically about technology and its role in ministry.
Pastor Mike Alvarado shared practical principles for cultivating healthy, growing churches, encouraging pastors to prioritize both spiritual vitality and organizational health.
Dr. Edna Geddes addressed the important topic of Mental Health and Ministry, equipping leaders to care for themselves and those they serve with wisdom, compassion, and biblical understanding.
A Powerful Closing: Hope for the Broken
The conference concluded with a deeply moving message from Pastor Monica DeLaurentis, founder of ICCM Life Center. Through powerful testimonies of healing, restoration, and transformed lives, she reminded attendees that no one is beyond the reach of God's redeeming power.
Her message challenged the Church to faithfully walk alongside those navigating addiction, brokenness, and despair, demonstrating the love of Christ through compassion, presence, and hope. As she shared stories of freedom and restoration, attendees were reminded that the Gospel is not only the message we proclaim, it is the power that transforms lives.
Day two brought the conference to a close with renewed faith, fresh vision, and a greater resolve to serve as Christ's hands and feet in every community. As leaders returned home, they carried with them not only practical tools and meaningful connections, but a renewed passion to Advance the Work wherever God has called them.
Commissioned to Continue the Work
The 2026 ADVANCE Conference concluded with a powerful moment of commissioning and prayer led by NBF leaders. As attendees prepared to return to their churches, communities, and places of influence, they were prayed over and sent out with renewed strength, fresh vision, and a deeper commitment to the work God has called them to do.
A Special Thank You to Our Worship Team
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Ellington Porter, Tiwana Porter, and the entire worship team for leading us into the presence of God with excellence, humility, and a sincere heart of worship. Through every song and every moment of ministry, you created an atmosphere where leaders could encounter God, be refreshed, and respond to His presence. Thank you for using your gifts to serve and help make ADVANCE 2026 a truly unforgettable experience.
Thank You for Advancing the Work
As we reflect on all that God accomplished during the 2026 NBF ADVANCE Conference, our hearts are filled with gratitude. Thank you to every attendee, speaker, sponsor, exhibitor, volunteer, worship team member, and ministry partner who helped make these two days so impactful.
Your presence, prayers, generosity, and commitment created an atmosphere where leaders were equipped, encouraged, refreshed, and empowered to continue the work God has called them to do. From powerful worship and Spirit-filled messages to meaningful conversations and practical ministry tools, we witnessed God move in incredible ways.
Together, we were reminded that the work of advancing God's Kingdom is not done alone. We are grateful for every person who played a role in making ADVANCE 2026 a success, and we look forward to seeing the continued fruit of what God planted in Minneapolis.
Let us continue to Advance the Work—developing leaders, strengthening churches, transforming communities, and carrying the hope of Christ wherever we go.
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Thank you for being part of the National Black Fellowship family. We look forward to continuing this journey together as we Advance.
A special thank you to Jasmine Whiting of Blessed Visuals Media for capturing the powerful moments of ADVANCE 2026 through photography, and to Haley Walton for bringing the vision of the conference to life through her creative design and graphics. We are grateful for the gifts, excellence, and intentionality you both brought to telling the story of what God did through this gathering.
Photography: https://blessedvisuals.format.com/
Design: https://www.haleywalton.com/