BMA
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
Registration & Fellowship
Opening Service
Welcome and Prayer • Worship • Prayer for Pastors and Ministry Leaders
Opening Message: "What Does It Mean to Be Called?" - Pastor John Wongler
Tuesday • October 6 Discerning Calling and Ministry
Light Breakfast Provided
Morning Devotion & Worship
Hillside Bethel Ministries
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.
Break
Session 2: Spiritual Gifts and Spiritual Authority
Pastor Scott Pullum
Understanding the difference between gifting, calling, and leadership responsibility.
Session 3: The Inner Life of the Minister
Pastor Ed Herald
Guarding the heart, practicing humility in leadership, and maintaining spiritual health.
Lunch Break - 1½ Hours
Session 4: When Zeal Outruns Wisdom
Pastor Wayne Kent
Recognizing unhealthy ministry patterns and guiding emerging leaders wisely.
Break
Discussion: Transitions in Real Ministry Situations
Moderated by Pastor Wayne Kent
The importance of proper leadership transitions and spiritual discernment during times of change.
Session 5: Prophetic Ministry and Accountability
Pastor Kevin Horath
Biblical prophetic ministry and the importance of discernment and oversight.
Dinner Provided at Hillside
Evening Service: Shepherding the Church with Wisdom
Cal Rychener • Founding Pastor, Northwoods Community Church
Wednesday • October 7 Caring for the Church
Light Breakfast Provided
Morning Devotion & Worship
Hillside Bethel Ministries
Session 6: Mental Health in Ministry
Pastor Scott Branham
Understanding emotional health challenges facing pastors.
Break
Session 7: Recognizing Mental Health Needs
Nikki Walker
When to involve professional care and how to partner with trained professionals.
Session 8: Security in the Church
Tim Revis
Preparing for and responding to difficult or potentially unsafe situations within the congregation.
Lunch Break - 1½ Hours
Session 9: Healthy Church Structure and Accountability
Workshop led by Pastor Kevin Horath
Creating leadership structures that protect both pastors and congregations.
Break
Session 10: Case Studies in Discernment
Group & Table Discussions
Practical ministry scenarios and guided group discussions.
Pastoral Roundtable Report-Out
Group Table Reports
Dinner Provided at Hillside
Closing Keynote: Faithful Shepherds
Cal Rychener
Leading with Humility and Discernment
Thursday • October 8 BMA Board & Membership Meetings
Breakfast Provided
Morning Devotion
BMA Board Meeting
BMA Membership Meeting
Conference concludes before noon.


