Virtual Training Institute: Equipped to Protect, Stepping Into the Role of Child Safety Coordinator
2026-03-24 14:00 - 15:30 (America/New_York) | Online event
About this Virtual Event:
The Virtual Training Institute is a resource of the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC). These free webinars are part of an ongoing series designed to provide valuable continuing education on topics related to Abuse Prevention and Response. The goal is to strengthen the safeguarding efforts of ministries to protect the vulnerable. Each session features instruction from an industry expert and a live Q&A session with the presenter. All ministry leaders are invited to join the conversation on these important topics, informed by real issues ministry leaders face today.
Overview of this Course:
During this course, guests will hear from Jennifer Estrada, Associate Director of Children’s Ministry at Christ Journey Church in Miami, Florida, on how child safety is not optional—it is a calling. Through this webinar, you will receive the tools and confidence to start strong or strengthen what you already have. Whether you feel fully called, or simply willing, this work protects the vulnerable, builds trust, and reflects the heart of Jesus.
Join us for this training to:

Understand the role of a Child Safety Coordinator and why it matters to the mission of the Church.
Identify the core responsibilities and practical steps to launch or strengthen that role at their church or organization.
Recognize the key elements of screening, training, and ongoing support for volunteers and staff.
Know how to build a network of safety advocates and create simple, visible reporting pathways.
Gain tools and resources to start or refine a Child Protection Plan in their own ministry.
Leave encouraged to do this work in God’s strength, not their own.

Who’s Invited?
Any ministry leader who is seeking to learn more about child safety in the local church.
Date/Time:
March 24, 2-3:30 p.m. EST
Location:
Online (Access webinar link by registering)
Presenter:
Jennifer Estrada, Associate Director of Children’s Ministry at Christ Journey Church in Miami, Florida
Jennifer Estrada serves as the Associate Director of Children’s Ministry at Christ Journey Church in Miami, Florida, where she also leads as the Child Safety Policies Coordinator on the church’s Child Safety Team. With a professional background in Exceptional Student Education and over a decade of experience in Family Ministry, she brings both expertise and heart to her work in creating safe, Christ-centered environments for children. Her passion lies in child development and in laying a strong foundation of faith that allows children to experience the love of Jesus without obstruction. She believes that the first impression a child receives of God’s love can shape their entire life—and is committed to ensuring that nothing compromises that sacred opportunity.
Cost:
Free!
Register:
Click here to register.

BRN Directors' Meeting
2026-03-25 09:30 - 11:30, 2026-05-13 09:30 - 11:30 (America/New_York) | BRN HUB, 4620 Fritchey Street, Harrisburg, PA, 17109, United States

Accelerant Session
2026-03-25 13:00 - 15:00, 2026-05-13 13:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York) | BRN HUB, 4620 Fritchey Street, Harrisburg, PA, 17109, United States
Collaborative planning with BRN directors

2026 Advanced Disaster Relief Training
2026-03-27 - 2026-03-28 | Bucks County Community Church, 1249 W. Maple Ave., Langhorne, PA, 19047, United States
About the Training:
Southern Baptist Disaster Relief is one of the top disaster response organizations in the world because we are able to quickly deploy well trained and experienced volunteers to the point of need and provide logistical support for them. Many disaster relief organizations serve only a humanitarian purpose, but that is not us. We are compelled by Christ’s love for all mankind AND his desire that no one should perish. We keep our focus by nurturing our individual relationship with Jesus Christ in the context of a local body of believers who recognize and call out our giftedness in service to God and our neighbors. This advanced training provides the skills necessary for this deployment.
Who’s Invited:
Current and new disaster relief volunteers
Date/Time:
March 27-28, 2026
Location:
Bucks County Community Church
1249 W Maple Ave
Langhorne, PA 19047
Instructor: Kenton Hunt, PA/SJ Director of Disaster Relief
Kenton Hunt, former pastor at First Southern Baptist Church, Williamsport, Pennsylvania, has served as the PA/SJ Director of Disaster Relief since Jan. 2016. Before then, he served as a Southern Baptist Disaster Relief volunteer since 1996. Kenton has been active in the Lycoming County Long Term Flood Recovery Committee; the Pennsylvania Feeding Taskforce and the New Jersey Mass Feeding Taskforce; the Recovery Committee and the Manual Revision Committee of Southern Baptist Disaster Relief (SBDR), and PA Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (VOAD). Kenton holds a master of divinity degree in church music from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, Louisville, Kentucky, and a bachelor of church music degree from Shorter College, Rome, Georgia.

Prerequisite Training:
Disaster Relief 101 is the prerequisite for this training. It can be found online at brnunited.org/courses and includes the completion of the registration form, a place to submit background checks, and submission of the new volunteer registration fee ($25). If you are already badged, you have completed this requirement but may need to renew your background checks.
Areas of Focus:
Advanced Disaster Relief Training is hands-on, on-site follow-up to the basic online Disaster Relief training. This training will focus on Disasters & Disciple-Making, Mass Feeding, Chainsaw, Chaplaincy, Assessment, and Shower/Laundry.
Course Descriptions:
Click here to view course descriptions
Schedule

Friday:

5:30 p.m.
Check-In

6:00 – 6:50 p.m.
Intro Review & OSFA

7:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Shower/Laundry

7:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Flood Recovery 201

Saturday:

7:30 – 8:00 a.m.
Check-In/Devotions

8:00 – Noon
Mass Feeding 201- Set-Up/Cooking

8:00 – Noon
Chainsaw 101

8:00 – Noon
Assessment (pt 1)

Noon-12:30
Lunch

12:30 – 4:00 p.m.
Mass Feeding 201- Demob

12:30 – 4:00 p.m.
Chainsaw 201, 301

12:30 – 4:00 p.m.
Assessment (pt 2)

You may overnight at the church. Bring a sleeping bag or air mattress (you’ll sleep on what you bring) and personal items.
Cost:
$10
Register:
Click here to register
Download Promotional Materials:
Promotional Slide
Bulletin Insert
Questions?
Contact Kenton at kentonh@brnunited.org.

Additional Advanced Training Date/Location:
April 10-11, Grace Baptist Church, New Bethlehem, Pa.
*Feeding *Flood Recovery *Chainsaw *Shower/Laundry *Assessment
Register for this training here

BRN Corporate Prayer Time
2026-04-02 09:00 - 10:00, 2026-05-07 09:00 - 10:00 (America/New_York) | Zoom Online Meeting

Good Friday
2026-04-03
The BRN office will be closed in observance of Good Friday. May you and your church experience the power of His resurrection as you reflect on all He has accomplished on this special day.

Easter
2026-04-05

2026 Advanced Disaster Relief Training
2026-04-10 - 2026-04-11 | Grace Baptist Church, 607 East Washington St., New Bethlehem, PA, 16242, United States
About the Training:
Southern Baptist Disaster Relief is one of the top disaster response organizations in the world because we are able to quickly deploy well trained and experienced volunteers to the point of need and provide logistical support for them. Many disaster relief organizations serve only a humanitarian purpose, but that is not us. We are compelled by Christ’s love for all mankind AND his desire that no one should perish. We keep our focus by nurturing our individual relationship with Jesus Christ in the context of a local body of believers who recognize and call out our giftedness in service to God and our neighbors. This advanced training provides the skills necessary for this deployment.
Who’s Invited:
Current and new disaster relief volunteers
Date/Time:
April 10-11, 2026
Location:
Grace Baptist Church
607 East Washington St.
New Bethlehem, PA 16242
Instructor: Kenton Hunt, PA/SJ Director of Disaster Relief
Kenton Hunt, former pastor at First Southern Baptist Church, Williamsport, Pennsylvania, has served as the PA/SJ Director of Disaster Relief since Jan. 2016. Before then, he served as a Southern Baptist Disaster Relief volunteer since 1996. Kenton has been active in the Lycoming County Long Term Flood Recovery Committee; the Pennsylvania Feeding Taskforce and the New Jersey Mass Feeding Taskforce; the Recovery Committee and the Manual Revision Committee of Southern Baptist Disaster Relief (SBDR), and PA Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (VOAD). Kenton holds a master of divinity degree in church music from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, Louisville, Kentucky, and a bachelor of church music degree from Shorter College, Rome, Georgia.

Prerequisite Training:
Disaster Relief 101 is the prerequisite for this training. It can be found online at brnunited.org/courses and includes the completion of the registration form, a place to submit background checks, and submission of the new volunteer registration fee ($25). If you are already badged, you have completed this requirement but may need to renew your background checks.
Areas of Focus:
Advanced Disaster Relief Training is hands-on, on-site follow-up to the basic online Disaster Relief training. This training will include Disasters & Disciple-Making, Mass Feeding, Chainsaw, Chaplaincy, Assessment, and Shower/Laundry.
Course Descriptions:
Click here to view course descriptions
Schedule:

Friday:

1:00 p.m.
Chaplaincy 201 (pt 1)

5:30 p.m.
Check-In

6:00 – 6:50 p.m.
Intro Review & OSFA

6:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Chaplaincy 201 (pt 2)

7:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Shower/Laundry

7:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Flood Recovery 201

Saturday:

7:30 – 8:00 a.m.
Check-In/Devotions

8:00 – Noon
Chaplaincy 201 (pt 3)

8:00 – Noon
Mass Feeding 201- Set-Up/Cooking

8:00 – Noon
Chainsaw 101

8:00 – Noon
Assessment (pt 1)

Noon-12:30
Lunch

12:30 – 4:00 p.m.
Chaplaincy 201 (pt 4)

12:30 – 4:00 p.m.
Chainsaw 201, 301

12:30 – 4:00 p.m.
Mass Feeding 201- Demob

12:30 – 4:00 p.m.
Assessment (pt 2)

Cost:
$10
Register:
Click here to register
Download Promotional Materials:
Promotional Slide
Schedule / Bulletin Insert
Questions?
Contact Kenton at kentonh@brnunited.org.

Additional Advanced Training Date/Location:
March 27-28, Bucks County Community Church, Langhorne, PA 19047
*Feeding *Flood Recovery *Chainsaw *Shower/Laundry *Assessment
Register for this training here

Deacons' Training
2026-04-11 09:30 - 12:30, 2026-05-02 09:30 - 12:30 (America/New_York) | BRN HUB, 4620 Fritchey Street, Harrisburg, PA, 17109, United States
SPECIAL OPS IN SERVICE
Featuring four biblical essentials for ‘Deacons on Purpose’ as taught by Dr. Ryan Day of Wrightsdale Baptist Church
About the Training:

Featuring A Deacon on Purpose, written by Dr. Tony Wolfe
A healthy deacon body is critical to the overall health of the church. When deacons serve biblically, they advance the cause of Christ; when they do not, they hinder it. A Deacon On Purpose outlines four essential commitments every deacon must make to serve Jesus’s church well, in concert with biblical teaching. 1) Lead by Example. The deacon is the lead servant in the local church. He should strategically leverage relational influence to model faithful Christian living and service in the body of Christ. 2) Serve the People. A deacon who is above the people is below the office. The primary function of the office is to serve Christ’s people with an open heart and open hands. 3) Support the Pastor and Staff. Deacons are an extension of the pastor’s long arm of ministry. The two offices must work in concert with one another if either is to be effective. 4) Protect the Peace. Other than the gospel itself, unity is the most precious thing a church can possess. Deacons must cultivate and guard peace with careful intentionality. These four sessions are primarily derived from Acts 6:1-7, a passage widely understood to have laid the foundation for the office of deacon in the local New Testament church.

Presenter:
Dr. Ryan Day, Lead Pastor of Wrightsdale Baptist Church, Peach Bottom, Pa.
DR. RYAN DAY, a native of Westminster, Maryland, came to Wrightsdale Baptist Church as Lead Pastor in 2020. Prior to Wrightsdale, he served at Grace Baptist Church in Hazleton, Pennysylvania for twenty years. Ryan is a 1998 graduate of Baptist Bible College (now Clarks Summit University) and 2005 graduate of Baptist Bible Seminary. He also holds a doctor of ministry degree from Baptist Bible Seminary. When he’s not ministering at the church, enjoying time with his family, or making plans for the next trip to Ocean City, Maryland, Ryan enjoys presidential biographies, the Baltimore Ravens, and playing guitar in praise and worship settings. He loves Lancaster County and is excited about “Accelerating Kingdom Movement” within the BRN. Ryan is married to Heather, and they have five sons and one daughter.

About the Materials:

Who’s Invited:
Pastors, current deacons, and prospective deacons
Dates/Locations:
Choose the location nearest you!

Saturday, April 11, 9:30am – 12:30pm: BRN Training Center, Harrisburg (4620 Fritchey St., Harrisburg, PA 17109)
Saturday, May 2, 9:30am – 12:30pm: Keystone Montgomeryville Warehouse (506 Stump Rd, Montgomeryville, Pa.)
Saturday, June 20, 9:30am – 12:30pm: Rolling Hills Church (120 Gernert Dr, Verona, PA 15147)

Cost:
$20 per person (covers lunch and materials)
Registration:
Click here to register
Questions?
Contact Dr. Ryan Day at ryan@wrightsdale.org.

Baptism Sunday
2026-04-12
Today is the day Southern Baptists are setting aside as Baptism Sunday this year!
Churches are encouraged to call their people to respond to the gospel, celebrate professions of faith in response to evangelism and encourage new believers to take their next step in their walk with Jesus.
Here are some helpful tips and resources for churches as they begin planning for the event, as well as some commonly asked questions about baptism.
Churches are also encouraged to use the hashtag #FillTheTank on social media to share video/photographs from their services, so the Southern Baptist family can celebrate with them!
Let’s anticipate great things from God on Baptism Sunday!
For more information, email evangelism@namb.net.

BRN Directors' Meeting
2026-04-15 09:30 - 11:30 (America/New_York) | Zoom, United States

Accelerant Session
2026-04-15 13:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York) | Zoom, United States

Pastor Blessing Luncheon-Southern Central Region
2026-04-16 12:00 - 14:00 (America/New_York) | Samurai Hibachi Sushi Japanese Steakhouse, 616 Shrewsbury Commons Ave., Shrewsbury, PA, 17361, United States
About the Gathering:
This Pastor Blessing features a luncheon gathering for pastors in the Southern Central region (by invitation only)
Facilitator: Robert Sheldon, Church Advancement Consultant, Southern Central Region and Pastor, Greencastle Baptist Church

Pastor Rob, pastor of Greencastle Baptist Church since July 2021, grew up in rural Northeastern Pennsylvania, son of multi-generational farmers. He responded to God’s call into full-time service during his college years. Since then he and his wife, Sarah, have served in full-time ministry for over twenty years in settings ranging from tiny rural churches to suburban church planting. His passion to see the lost won for eternity and unwavering commitment to the power of God unto salvation in the life of His followers guides his ministry philosophy.
In working with the BRN, Rob hopes to be able to identify areas of need, and help to connect pastors and churches to the many resources the BRN offers. His goal is that none of the churches in his area of influence will ever feel alone, or that they have no assistance available.
Rob is passionate about Kingdom growth, both in seeing souls saved and in seeing Christians growing more like Christ. He enjoys gardening, and spending time outdoors.

Who’s Invited:
Pastors in the Southern Central region
Date/Location:
Thursday, April 16, from noon to 2 p.m. at Samurai Hibachi Sushi Japanese Steakhouse, 616 Shrewsbury Commons Ave, Shrewsbury, PA 17361
Registration/Questions:
Email Rob at robs@brnunited.org.

Virtual Training Institute: Walking with the Wounded, Caring for Those Impacted by Trauma
2026-04-16 14:00 - 15:30 (America/New_York) | Online event
About this Virtual Event:
The Virtual Training Institute is a resource of the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC). These free webinars are part of an ongoing series designed to provide valuable continuing education on topics related to Abuse Prevention and Response. The goal is to strengthen the safeguarding efforts of ministries to protect the vulnerable. Each session features instruction from an industry expert and a live Q&A session with the presenter. All ministry leaders are invited to join the conversation on these important topics, informed by real issues ministry leaders face today.
Overview of this Course:
Trauma is one of the most pressing issues of our day, touching lives in both obvious and hidden ways. Yet many of us feel unprepared to respond with both wisdom and compassion. What exactly is trauma? And how can we, as Christians, offer care that is biblically faithful and truly empathetic?
Counselor and author Eliza Huie will share insights from her book Trauma Aware: A Christian’s Guide to Help and Care. Written to equip pastors, ministry leaders, and everyday helpers, this resource blends biblical foundations with clinical understanding to help the church better recognize and respond to trauma. Trauma can cloud the mind, weigh down the body, and entangle the soul. In the face of such struggles, Eliza offers both clarity and encouragement—helping us demystify trauma and showing us how to walk alongside others with the hope of Christ.
Who’s Invited?
Any ministry leader who is seeking to learn more about child safety or trauma care.
Date/Time:
April 16, 2-3:30 p.m. EST
Location:
Online (Access webinar link by registering)
Presenter:
Eliza Huie, Director of Counseling at McLean Bible Church in Vienna, Virginia.
Eliza Huie is a licensed clinical professional counselor and serves as the Director of Counseling at McLean Bible Church in Vienna, Virginia. She holds certifications in biblical counseling from The Christian Counseling Educational Foundation (CCEF) and The Association of Biblical Counselors (ABC). She is also the author of several books including Raising Kids Emotionally Healthy Kids, Teens and Anxiety: Help for Parents, The Whole Life, 52-Weeks of Biblical Self-care, Count Yourself Calm, I’m Stressed: A Path from Pressure to Peace, Raising Kids in a Screen-Saturated World, and other titles.
Cost:
Free!
Register:
Click here to register.

First Steps Gathering
2026-04-18 09:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York) | BRN HUB, 4620 Fritchey Street, Harrisburg, PA, 17109, United States
The Baptist Resource Network is excited to host a welcoming First Steps Gathering for church leaders (pastors and staff) who are new to their churches and for newly affiliated churches. This event will help you discover your first steps as partners with the Baptist Resource Network. Please join us on April 18 at the BRN Hub in Harrisburg for this special gathering!
Register here.

Light Lab: Illumination Station VBS Workshop
2026-04-25 09:00 - 12:00 (America/New_York) | BRN HUB, 4620 Fritchey Street, Harrisburg, PA, 17109, United States
About the Workshop:
This is a one-day workshop designed for leaders, volunteers, and pastors who specifically serve with their church’s VBS. It will serve your whole VBS team by providing a time of training, discussion, resources, and insights from our BRN VBS Consultant Christy Kraus. This springtime training will focus specifically on equipping VBS volunteers in Lifeway’s Illumination Station curriculum. This content is designed to encourage kids to shine bright for Jesus in a dark world and teach them about who He really is. During VBS kids will explore all the ways light brightens, illuminates, reflects, and reveals.
Who’s Invited:
VBS coordinators, kids’ ministry directors/leaders, volunteers, pastors, and anyone involved in VBS at their local church
Date/Time:
April 25, 9:00 a.m
Location:
BRN Training Center (BRN Hub) in Harrisburg
Facilitator: Christy Kraus, BRN VBS Consultant + Kids’ Ministry Director, Wrightsdale Baptist Church
Christy Kraus is a dedicated and passionate leader in ministries that impact the next generation. Christy has spent over twenty years serving in student and kids ministries. Married to her husband, Rob, for 24 years, Christy is a proud mother of two adult children, whom she loves immensely.
In her role as the Kids’ Ministry Director at Wrightsdale Baptist Church in Peach Bottom, Pa., which she has held for the past two years, Christy focuses on children from preschool through 5th grade. Christy believes that children’s ministry is a vital part of the church and is passionate about teaching kids while partnering with parents to help disciple their children. One of her favorite outreach events is Vacation Bible School (VBS), where she has witnessed lives transformed by the gospel of Jesus.

Breakout Speaker: Kris Buchman, Kids & Youth Ministry Consultant, Baptist Convention of Maryland/Delaware

Kris Buckman is the Kids & Youth Missionary for the Baptist Convention of Maryland/Delaware, serving churches by equipping leaders and strengthening next-generation ministries. With over 20 years of experience, she brings practical insight, creative ideas, and a passion for helping churches make the most of moments like VBS. She loves helping leaders feel confident, prepared, and excited about the impact they’re making.

Breakout Speaker: Jen Gelert, VBS Director, East Shore Baptist Church, Harrisburg
Jen Gelert has worked with children, students, and women for over 42 years. She is currently in her 9th year as VBS director at East Shore Baptist Church and serves on the Women’s Ministry Planning Team. She has taught VBX Pre-Teen Bible study (grades 5th/6th) for the San Diego Southern Baptist Association (SDSBA), the California Southern Baptist Convention, and the Baptist Resource Network of Pennsylvania/South Jersey, as well as Youth clinics for the SDSBA and VBS directors for the BRN. She believes VBS is the best evangelistic tool there is. “In one week, you have multiple opportunities to share the gospel. It is exciting to see children and students I taught in VBS now participate as leaders as in VBS!” she says.

Program Schedule/Outline:

8:30-9 a.m.
Doors open, continental breakfast served

9:00-10:00 a.m.
Main Session: “ One Light – One Mission”

10:00-10:10 a.m.
Q&A

10:10-10:15 a.m.
Break

10:15-11:00 a.m.
Breakout Sessions:

For Directors Only: “Promotion, Follow Up and Beyond” with Kris Buckman

“Shining A Light in Every Rotation” with Christy Kraus

“VBS: Engaging 5th-6th Grades” with Jen Gelert

11:00-11:05 a.m.
Break

11:05-11:10 a.m.
Grand Prize Giveaway

11:10 -11:30 a.m.
Shine Together: A VBS Prayer Experience

11:30-12 p.m.
Final Thoughts

Cost:
Free!
Register:
Online Registration is closed. Feel free to register at the door.
Questions?
Contact Christy at ChristyK@brnunited.org.

D-Life Training (Harvest Community Church, Corry)
2026-04-25 10:00 - 14:30 (America/New_York) | Harvest Community Church-Corry, 627 Worth St, Corry, PA, 16407, United States
Living the D-Life means living a life of disciple-making. Think about it. What if you could successfully equip and empower everyone in your ministry for a lifestyle of disciple-making? What if everyone embraced disciple-making as a way of life instead of a program of the church? What if believers all over the world started living out their supreme purpose in life and started making disciples just like Jesus? This would be a game-changer!
Who’s Invited:
Church leaders and members at Harvest Community Church, Corry
Date/Time:
April 25, 2026, 10 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Location:
Harvest Community Church
627 Worth St
Corry, PA 16407
Facilitator:
David Ludwig, Director of Discipleship and Leadership Development
As director of discipleship and leadership development for the Baptist Resource Network of Pennsylvania/South Jersey, David Ludwig is passionate about disciple-making and equipping pastors and leaders to develop healthy, disciple-making churches. David is also a Certified Leadership Coach and has coached pastors, church planters, and other leaders across our network, helping them to discover solutions to the challenges they were facing. He holds a Master of Arts degree from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky; and a Bachelor of Science degree in religion from Liberty University, in Lynchburg, Virginia.
Register:
Register here. (Note: Registration is for Harvest Community Church members only.)
Learn More:
To learn more, contact David Ludwig at davidl@brnunited.org

Abuse Prevention & Response Training for Ministry Leaders
2026-04-30 10:00 - 13:00 (America/Chicago) | Nashville First Baptist Church, 108 7th Ave. S., Nashville, TN, 37203, United States
About this Event:
Churches are called to be places of safety, healing, and hope—especially for children, youth, and other vulnerable people in our care. Tragically, abuse can and does occur in ministry settings when safeguards are weak or missing.
This half-day training will help pastors and ministry leaders understand what abuse is, how it impacts individuals and church communities, and how your church can put wise safeguards and response plans in place. Together we’ll learn from practitioners in abuse prevention, law, and law enforcement, and we’ll highlight resources available through the SBC’s Abuse Prevention & Response work.
Who’s Invited?:

Senior/lead pastors and elders
Executive pastors, administrators, and office managers
Nursery, children’s, youth, and college ministry leaders
Special needs ministry leaders
Biblical counselors and care ministry team members
Any church leader involved in screening, training, or supervising volunteers and staff

Date/Time:
April 30, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. CDT
Location:
Nashville First Baptist Church:
108 7th Ave. S., Nashville, TN 37203
Learn more about this location here.
Speakers:

Jeff Dalrymple, Director of Abuse Prevention & Response at the SBC Executive Committee
Dani Bryson, Assistant District Attorney
Matt Espanshade, Executive Pastor at The Journey Church in Lebanon, TN

Have Questions?
Learn more here.
Register:
Click here to register.

SBC Seminary Sunday
2026-05-03
Tsbc seminarieshe estimated 46,000 autonomous churches that cooperate with the Southern Baptist Convention pool their resources to support the work of the six theological seminaries. The Convention operates these seminaries to train its ministers and Christian workers. The six are:

The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky (established 1859);
The Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas (1908);
New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary in New Orleans, Louisiana (1917);
Gateway Seminary of the Southern Baptist Convention in Ontario, California (1944);
The Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary in Wake Forest, North Carolina (1951); and
Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Kansas City, Missouri (1957).

National Day of Prayer
2026-05-07
The National Day of Prayer is an annual day of observance designated by the United States Congress and held on the first Thursday of May, when people are asked “to turn to God in prayer and meditation.”

Virtual Training Institute: Grooming, What is Grooming and How to Train and Protect Kids in Ministry
2026-05-12 14:00 - 15:30 (America/New_York) | Online event
About this Virtual Event:
The Virtual Training Institute is a resource of the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC). These free webinars are part of an ongoing series designed to provide valuable continuing education on topics related to Abuse Prevention and Response. The goal is to strengthen the safeguarding efforts of ministries to protect the vulnerable. Each session features instruction from an industry expert and a live Q&A session with the presenter. All ministry leaders are invited to join the conversation on these important topics, informed by real issues ministry leaders face today.
Overview of this Course:
During this webinar, guests will hear from former US Marshall Director and former NCMEC Director John Clark and Matt Espenshade. Clark and Espenshade will define the term “grooming” and equip ministry leaders with ways to protect the kids in their ministry.
Who’s Invited?
Any ministry leader who is seeking to learn more about child safety.
Date/Time:
May 12, 2-3:30 p.m. EST
Location:
Online (Access webinar link by registering)
Presenters:
John Clark and Matt Espenshade
Former US Marshall Director and former NCMEC Director John Clark and Matt Espenshade.
Cost:
Free!
Register:
Click here to register.

Amplify Fall Conference Virtual Information Sessions
2026-05-14 10:00 - 12:00 (America/New_York) | Zoom Online Meeting
About these Sessions:
The BRN Next Collegiate Ministry is hosting two virtual informational sessions about AMPLIFY, the 2026 Collegiate/Young Adult Fall Conference. This meeting aims to inform participants about Amplify, encourage young adults to participate, and give churches a chance to partner directly with this exciting BRN Next event.
This is a great opportunity for BRN churches to connect with the BRN Next Collegiate Ministry. Pennsylvania/South Jersey has around 750,000 students across 225 campuses, making it one of the largest student populations in the country. Effectively reaching our region, including our student community, should be a vital part of our strategy.
Who’s Invited:
Pastors and church leaders involved with young adults and college students
Dates and Times:
Thursday, May 14, 2026, 10 a.m. or 7 p.m.
Register:
Click here to register. Zoom details will be sent to you when you register.

BRN Executive Board Meeting
2026-05-15 09:30 - 16:00 (America/New_York) | BRN HUB, 4620 Fritchey Street, Harrisburg, PA, 17109, United States
The Baptist Resource Network is a nonprofit organization governed by an executive board. The board is comprised of 17 persons, both pastors and lay persons, who serve in BRN affiliated churches. The BRN has four regions in our servicing territory and there are 4 representatives on the board from each region and one additional representative from the largest region. The board meets corporately at least three times per year to discuss matters pertaining to the BRN and the fulfillment of the BRN’s purpose.

Woven Women Central Region Zoom Gathering
2026-05-16 10:00 - 12:00 (America/New_York) | Zoom, United States
This event is invitation only.
About this Event:
Gather with other women’s ministry leaders in the Central Region for a time of getting to know one another, networking, and growing in your leadership skills.
Who’s Invited:
Women’s ministry leaders from Baptist Resource Network churches in the Northern and Southern Central region.
Date/Time:
Saturday, May 16 from 10 a.m. to noon
Location:
This will be an online Zoom gathering.
Questions?
Contact Mary Landis, BRN Women’s consultant, at maryl@brnunited.org.
Register:
If you’d like to attend, please email maryl@brnunited.org.

Pittsburgh Regional Evangelism Training
2026-05-16 10:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York) | Pittsburgh Baptist Church, 3100 Pioneer Ave., Pittsburgh, PA, 15226, United States
About this Event:
This one-day evangelism training opportunity will help you learn how to effectively communicate the gospel, start spiritual conversations in everyday life, and answer common questions regarding the faith. Cost $15 lunch included. For more information contact Kevin@permeateevangelism.com
Who’s Invited:
Anyone who desires to grow in their evangelism skills!
Dates and Times:
Saturday, May 16, 2026, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Location:
Pittsburgh Baptist Church
3100 Pioneer Ave, Pittsburgh, PA. 15226
Cost:
$15 lunch included
Register:
Register here.
For more information contact Kevin@permeateevangelism.com

Children's Ministry Sunday
2026-05-17
Churches throughout the Southern Baptist Convention will celebrate children’s ministry (ages birth-preteen) on Children’s Ministry Sundays. This is a great day to thank God for the ministry to kids, their families and their volunteers your church provides. Use this day to remind kids of their importance in the church and how they can tell others about Jesus. Recognize and honor kids ministry volunteers who invest in the lives of children and their families. A variety of resources have been created for leaders to use in their church. Select and use the resources that best meet the needs of your church.
