My dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
On July 16–18, 2026, more than 330 brothers and sisters gathered in Johnstown, Pennsylvania, for the Covenant Brethren Church Annual Meeting and Worship Conference. What a tremendous blessing it was to come together as the family of God! While there was a small amount of business to conduct, well over ninety percent of our time was devoted to what matters most—worshiping our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Throughout the conference, we lifted our voices in praise, spent time in prayer, and were encouraged through inspiring messages and devotions centered on God’s Word and our Lord’s “Great Commission.
Just before ascending to the Father, Jesus left His disciples—and every believer who would follow—with one final command:
Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you, Matthew 28:19 (KJV).
The conference banner displayed these words throughout our time together, reminding us daily of Christ’s command to Go… Make… Baptize. Each attendee also received a small globe stress ball to take home. While simple in design, it carries a powerful reminder that the whole world is our mission field. For some, that world may be another country. For others, it may be the neighbor across the street, a coworker, a family member, or a friend. Wherever God has placed us, He has called us to share the Good News of Jesus Christ and to make disciples—not merely converts.
As we reflected on Matthew 28, two truths stood out with great clarity.
First, in verse 18, Jesus declares, “All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.” The Father has given His Son complete authority over all creation. There are no limits to Christ’s authority. When Jesus says “all,” He truly means all. Because His authority is absolute, His command to go into the world carries the full authority of Heaven itself.
Second, in verse 20, Jesus gives His followers a wonderful promise: “Lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world.” This promise was not only for the eleven disciples standing before Him; it extends to every believer who faithfully follows Him today. As we obey His command, we never go alone. Christ Himself walks with us through the power and presence of the Holy Spirit.
The Great Commission is not a suggestion—it is the mission of every Christian. Jesus did not say, “Send someone else.” He said, “Go.” Every believer has a place in God’s mission. Whether we travel across the globe or simply walk next door, we are called to share the hope of the Gospel. As the Apostle Paul reminds us, “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to everyone that believeth” Romans 1:16, (KJV).
Acts 1:8 reminds us of both our calling and our empowerment:
“But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.” (KJV)
Our “Jerusalem” may be our own home, church, workplace, or community. Wherever God has placed us is where our witness begins.
As we departed from Johnstown, we left with a renewed commitment to fulfill Christ’s command—to Go, Make Disciples, Baptize, and Teach others to obey all that Jesus has commanded. May each of us take this calling seriously, remembering that we are the hands and feet of Christ in a world that desperately needs His love and salvation.
If you were unable to attend this year’s conference, you truly missed a wonderful time of worship, fellowship, and spiritual encouragement. Fortunately, the conference sessions are available to watch on the Covenant Brethren Church website. I believe you will be challenged, encouraged, and blessed.
May we never lose sight of the mission our Savior has entrusted to us. Let us faithfully proclaim His Gospel until He comes again, knowing that He who has all authority also promises to be with us every step of the way.
“Go… Make Disciples… Baptize… Teach.”
May these words continue to guide the Covenant Brethren Church as we strive to glorify Christ among the nations.
Grover Duling, CBC Executive Board
