2026 Advance Conference Photo Gallery

On March 16, 2026 (3.16), the Baptist Resource Network hosted its fifth annual Advance Conference at Calvary Church in State College, Pa. The day was spent reflecting on the power of the Gospel and equipping the whole church to share the Good News of Jesus. Thank you to everyone who joined us for Advance!

March 25, 2026
Macala Mays

On March 16, 2026 (3.16), the Baptist Resource Network of Pennsylvania/South Jersey hosted its fifth annual Advance Conference at Calvary Church in State College, Pennsylvania. The day was spent reflecting on the power of the Gospel and equipping the whole church to share the Good News of Jesus. Thank you to everyone who joined us for Advance! Check out some of our favorite moments below:

BRN Church Advancement Consultant Dr. Robert Fontell in his John 3:16 sweatshirt, the letters represent: “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” John‬ ‭3‬:‭16‬ ‭(ESV)

Macala Mays

In 2022, Macala Mays stepped into her current role as Associate Editor of BRN United and Podcast Producer for the Baptist Resource Network of Pennsylvania/South Jersey (BRN). Before taking this position, she worked as a contracted Podcast Producer in 2021 and a freelance writer in 2020 for the BRN. During her time with the BRN, Macala Mays has produced three different podcast series, including 50 Stories of Transformation (2021-2022), The #LovePASJ Podcast (2022), and Celebrating Cooperative Missions (2023). She also has written over 60 articles for the BRN and has been nationally published by The Baptist Paper and Baptist Press. She is also a member of the Baptist Communicators Association (BCA). Prior to working with the BRN, Macala interned at the State Capitol of Tennessee in the Publications Division under the office of Secretary of State. She also remotely wrote news for TalkErie, a radio station in Erie, Pa., and previously worked as a News Director/Producer for WJET-TV in Erie, Pa. Macala Mays holds a master of arts in communications from Edinboro University of Pennsylvania (EUP) as well as a bachelor of arts in journalism/public relations from EUP. During her graduate years, Macala worked as a Graduate Assistant and helped manage the on-campus radio station. She also served as a managing editor for the university’s newspaper, which led to an interest in music journalism. Macala and her husband, Robbie, live in Lock Haven, Pennsylvania, where they attend Big Woods Bible Church and Robbie serves as the Associate Pastor of Campus Ministry. Both Robbie and Macala find great joy in discipling and walking alongside college students at Lock Haven University.