Go-Make-Baptize was the theme for the 2026 Annual Meeting and Worship Conference of the Covenant Brethren Church held July 16-18. Keynote speakers, devotional leaders, and other presenters all highlighted Matthew 28:19 as they addressed the 81 ministers, 138 delegates, 192 non-delegates, and 330 total participants from 83 congregations gathered at the Frank J. Pasquerilla Conference Center in Johnstown, PA.

The Sixth Annual AMWC began with pre-conference workshops on Thursday afternoon featuring Children and Youth Ministry, Church and Pastor Finances, and the conference theme. Worship officially kicked off the conference on Thursday evening with wonderful music led by One Family and Sisters Brandy Wingfield and Christy Cosner. Bro Jose Calleja Otero, Regional Elder of Puerto Rico, presented a stirring message about “This Body of Ours” centered on the Great Commission. A celebration offering was received which totaled $25,833.00 to benefit the many ministries of CBC.

On Friday morning, a time of prayer and gathering music prepared participants for the morning business session, the highlight of which was the introduction of 20 new CBC congregations and 20 newly credentialed ministers! CBC committees also shared their reports including the Mission, Outreach and Disaster Support Committee detailing various projects and ministries provided by CBC over the past year. Bro Scott Kinnick also updated the group on what is happening in each of our international CBC regions.

The 2027 Budget was also affirmed by the delegates and Bro George Bowers encouraged all congregations to celebrate CBC Anniversary Sunday on October 18, 2026. A resource packet was distributed and is available from the national CBC office which includes responsive readings, prayers, and bulletin inserts.

The Friday afternoon business session featured additional committee reports and the election of two new Executive Board members. Bros John Collins and Brian Mackie were called by God and the delegates to fill positions of two retiring board members. All business sessions included devotional times as well as Scriptures, hymns, and prayers.

Retiring Executive Board member, Bro John Swonger, preached a moving message on Friday evening about, “Who, Me a Disciple?” Friday night’s offering was earmarked for the CBC Mission Fund and $24,863.00 was given by generous disciples to advance Jesus’ work here and abroad and this was in addition to money raised from a quilt auction and apple butter sales. Conference musicians again led the group in praising God.

On Saturday morning, the final business session was blessed with a youth drama depicting how easy it is to ignore others who need Jesus. (The CBC Youth Conference Summary has already been shared separately.) Following more reports, various AMWC participants shared thoughts and observations, all of which were very encouraging and positive. This year’s blessing of the host city involved the donation of non-perishable food items for the local Johnstown Food Pantry and many items were collected and delivered to the facility for distribution. The conference concluded just after noon on Saturday with a sending prayer by Bro Roy McVey.

Outside of worship and business, conference-goers shopped for CBC merchandise at the Kirkland Image and visited with various CBC partner agencies and groups including Eder Financial, Everence Financial, Harvest USA, Samaritan’s Purse, American Heritage Girls, Brethren Mutual Aid, Brethren Revival Fellowship, and Trail Life. They also witnessed to those they encountered in stores and restaurants.

We are grateful for all those who translated and livestreamed the AMWC so our brothers and sisters around the world could participate and all AMWC sessions and worship services can be viewed in either English or Spanish on the CBC website at www.covenantbrethren.org .

Just prior to adjournment of the 6th AMWC on Saturday, Executive Board Chair Bro Grover Duling invited the youth to help him distribute miniature globes to all participants. These squishy stress relievers had the conference theme printed on them and they went home with every person as powerful reminders from Jesus to Go into all the world, Make Disciples for Him, and Baptize them! Each conference participant was encouraged to show these small but mighty symbols to their congregations to inspire them to make the conference theme a reality in CBC!

We are already looking forward to next year’s Annual Meeting and Worship Conference so stay tuned for dates, location and other details! They will be shared as soon as they are available.

Submitted by Bro George Bowers