BMA
CONFERENCES

Each year, the BMA convenes for two in-person conferences, held in the fall and spring. In addition, an annual planning session is conducted online via Zoom each January. From time to time, additional special events may be added as necessary.
Check our calendar to get information about BMA conferences, events, and more.

Spring conference

Fall conference

2026 BMA Fall Conference

Called or Self-Chosen?

Discerning Calling and Care Within the Local Church

October 5-8, 2026 • Hillside Bethel Ministries • Decatur, Illinois

Select a day below to view its complete schedule.

Monday • October 5 Opening Service
6:00 PM

Registration & Fellowship

Tuesday • October 6 Discerning Calling and Ministry
8:00 AM

Light Breakfast Provided

8:30 AM

Morning Devotion & Worship

Hillside Bethel Ministries

9:00 AM

Session 1: Guarding the Call

Pastor John Wongler

Biblical foundations of calling, the individual's role in guarding it, and the church's role in affirming it.

10:00 AM

Break

10:15 AM

Session 2: Spiritual Gifts and Spiritual Authority

Pastor Scott Pullum

Understanding the difference between gifting, calling, and leadership responsibility.

11:15 AM

Session 3: The Inner Life of the Minister

Pastor Ed Herald

Guarding the heart, practicing humility in leadership, and maintaining spiritual health.

12:00 PM

Lunch Break - 1½ Hours

1:30 PM

Session 4: When Zeal Outruns Wisdom

Pastor Wayne Kent

Recognizing unhealthy ministry patterns and guiding emerging leaders wisely.

2:30 PM

Break

2:45 PM

Discussion: Transitions in Real Ministry Situations

Moderated by Pastor Wayne Kent

The importance of proper leadership transitions and spiritual discernment during times of change.

3:45 PM

Session 5: Prophetic Ministry and Accountability

Pastor Kevin Horath

Biblical prophetic ministry and the importance of discernment and oversight.

5:30 PM

Dinner Provided at Hillside

Wednesday • October 7 Caring for the Church
8:00 AM

Light Breakfast Provided

8:30 AM

Morning Devotion & Worship

Hillside Bethel Ministries

9:00 AM

Session 6: Mental Health in Ministry

Pastor Scott Branham

Understanding emotional health challenges facing pastors.

10:00 AM

Break

10:15 AM

Session 7: Recognizing Mental Health Needs

Nikki Walker

When to involve professional care and how to partner with trained professionals.

11:15 AM

Session 8: Security in the Church

Tim Revis

Preparing for and responding to difficult or potentially unsafe situations within the congregation.

12:00 PM

Lunch Break - 1½ Hours

1:30 PM

Session 9: Healthy Church Structure and Accountability

Workshop led by Pastor Kevin Horath

Creating leadership structures that protect both pastors and congregations.

2:30 PM

Break

2:45 PM

Session 10: Case Studies in Discernment

Group & Table Discussions

Practical ministry scenarios and guided group discussions.

3:45 PM

Pastoral Roundtable Report-Out

Group Table Reports

5:30 PM

Dinner Provided at Hillside

Thursday • October 8 BMA Board & Membership Meetings
8:00 AM

Breakfast Provided

8:30 AM

Morning Devotion

9:00 AM

BMA Board Meeting

10:00 AM

BMA Membership Meeting

Conference concludes before noon.