NAFWB Churches Honored by Church AnswersTwelve churches and pastors were honored at the very first Church Answers Awards Banquet. Among the honorees were five Free Will Baptist churches:
- Pastor Alan Hines and Townsend Church in Townsend, Delaware, received the Church Innovation Award for implementing creative, mission-aligned solutions to ministry challenges. Associate Pastor Tim Sparrow accepted the award.
- Pastor Scott Keeter and Robertson Creek FWB Church in Forest City, North Carolina, received the Volunteer Equipping Award for intentionally equipping members for ministry and leadership.
- Pastor Michael Morrison and Collin Creek Church in Plano, Texas, received the Evangelism Impact Award for demonstrating intentional, measurable, and reproducible evangelistic engagement.
- Pastor Brian Bird of First FWB Church of Marion, North Carolina, received the Emerging Leader Award for strong character, leadership capacity, and ministry effectiveness.
- Pastor Mark Elliott and Calvary Chapel in Buffalo, Missouri, received the Rural Church of the Year Award for faithfulness and effectiveness in a rural ministry context.
These honorees represent so many churches and pastors faithfully serving the Lord and doing great work for His kingdom. Let’s celebrate them, thank God for their ministry, and encourage those serving in our own communities!
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| | KYC Insights Into Ministry
Sixteen percent of NAFWB churches have participated in the Know Your Community process to better understand and reach their communities.
The latest issue of the Great Commission Research Journal describes how NAFWB helps churches turn these insights into ministry, offeirng a process other groups can follow.
Check out the article to learn how Summit Fellowship in Moore, OK; Iglesia Esperanza–Bautista Librea Albedrío in Grandview, MO; and Collin Creek Church in Plano, TX, used the process to address community needs and create opportunities to share the gospel.
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| | Leadership Conference
Sessions at the 2026 Leadership Conference include keynote speaker Dr. Chuck Lawless on healthy leaders and developing health, disciple-making, and evangelistic churches.
Additional breakout sessions will cover discipleship strategies, effective preaching, church bylaws, shaping minstry practices, and building effective church systems. For the schedule, registration, and hotel reservations, visit nafwb.org/leader.
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11 Ways to Appreciate Your PastorThroughout this Pastor Appreciation Month, we encourage you to look for meaningful ways to thank, support, and pray for your pastor. A thoughtful word, a simple act of kindness, or a sincere expression of gratitude can be a great encouragement to those who serve so faithfully. Need a few ideas? Read “11 Ways to Let Your Pastor Know You Love Him.”
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| | God Is Using WNAC
In a recent questionnaire, ladies from across the denomination confiermed that one of the most important tasks of WNAC is to support, care for, fund, encourage, and meet the needs of missionaries. Over 29% of respondents stated they participate in the Great Commission by "caring for shoe who serve the world."
Read more in the latest issue of Treasure Bible Study Guide about how God is using WNAC in the United States and around the world!
You can download the article here (free!) or order your printed subscription here.
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Top Ten Among Regional Colleges
Welch College has been ranked 10th among "Best Regional Colleges–South" in the 2027 edition of U.S. News and World Report's Best Colleges, according to President Matt Pinson. The Regional Colleges–South category comprises 94 other colleges and universities in the South. Read the full news release.
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| | Foundation Forward—3rd Quarter Growth
Since July, investment and endowment accounts are up to $3.5 million thanks to the increase in investment rates and the surging desires to help grow endowment funds that will fund tomorrow's ministry. You can get involved and enjoy the benefits of this growth by contacting the Free Will Baptist Foundation today at 877-336-7575.
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| | First Aid Booklet Series
Crisis rarely announces its arrival, yet ministry leaders are often the first people others turn to when life unravels.
The "First Aid" booklet series provides biblically grounded guidance for navigating marriage struggles, emotional wounds, addiction, grief, and other moments of crisis with wisdom, compassion, and hope. Each booklet offers practical help and clear next steps that point people toward healing and restoration. Browse the series here.
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| | Hotline: Prayer + Praise
Every Tuesday, IM sends an email with prayer requests and praise reports provided directly by missionaries and partners. Your prayers are a vital part of supporting the ministries around the world. Thank you for praying!
Check out this week's Hotline and commit to pray with IM for these needs. Sign up to receive the weekly Hotline requests here.
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MNA Offering Giving
This year, we are challenging Free Will Baptists to multiply those gifts and help us make an even bigger impact for the Kingdom in North American!
We are praying for multiplied gifts from:
- 50 more groups and associations
- 100 more churches and ministries
- 200 more individuals
Will you help us meet these goals? Plan to give to the Mission North America Offering November 22!
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