Fall Session 2026 | United to Serve

Join the for Fall Session 2026: United to Serve, a morning of worship, fellowship, learning, and Convention engagement designed to encourage, equip, and unite church leaders and members from across the Commonwealth.

Whether you serve as a pastor, ministry leader, church officer, volunteer, or engaged member of your congregation, Fall Session is an opportunity to be encouraged, equipped, and connected with others who share a commitment to advancing Christ's mission across Virginia.

Throughout the morning, participants will worship together, hear biblical teaching, participate in practical breakout sessions tailored to specific ministry audiences, engage in Convention business, and build meaningful relationships with leaders from churches across the Commonwealth.

Opening Worship – "United to Serve"
Begin the day in worship as we gather around our shared calling to serve Christ and His Church. The opening session will feature worship, prayer, greetings, presentation of the Convention theme, and an inspirational message from Rev. Dr. Gregory Howard.

Breakout Sessions – "Equipped to Serve"
Choose from ministry-specific sessions designed to encourage and strengthen those serving in a variety of leadership roles:

• Clergy & Pastors
• Lay Leaders
• Men
• Women
• Young Adults
• Youth Workers

Each session will provide practical, biblically grounded encouragement for faithful and effective ministry.

General Session – "Stronger Together: The Power of a United Church"
Hear an inspiring message from Rev. Rickey Rouse, Jr. exploring the power of collaboration, shared mission, generational unity, and Kingdom service.

Convention Business & Commissioning
Participate in the official business of the Convention, receive important ministry updates, and join in a special United to Serve Commissioning as we recommit ourselves to God's work together.

Constituency Meetings & Fellowship Lunch
Conclude the morning by connecting with fellow clergy, men, and women during constituency meetings before gathering for lunch and fellowship.

Individual Registration: $50 (includes continental breakfast and lunch)

Group Registration:

• $250 for 10–19 delegates
• $500 for 20–29 delegates

We look forward to welcoming you to Fifth Baptist Church in Richmond on Saturday, November 7, 2026, as we worship, learn, and serve together.

Location: Fifth Baptist Church, Richmond, Virginia

Registration Opens: 8:15 AM
Program: 9:00 AM–1:00 PM
Lunch & Fellowship: 1:00 PM

Info: Call to order, prayer, praise and worship, Scripture, welcome, greetings, presentation of the Convention theme, opening Word by Rev. Dr. Gregory Howard, logistical instructions, and Inspirational Challenge for the day.

Info: Clergy and Pastors - “Leading Together: Ministry Beyond Isolation” - Dean Ulric L. Eley, Jr. | Lay Leaders - “From Position to Purpose: Serving Beyond the Title” - Dr. Jamaar Jones | Men - “Men on Mission: Faith, Family & Community” - Rev. Joseph Charlton | Women - “Women Who Build: Serving Across Generations” - Rev. Ciarra Smith-Bond | Young Adults - “Faith That Works: Purpose, Pressure & Public Witness” - Dr. Bernita Brown | Youth Workers - “Called Now: My Faith, My Voice, My Assignment” - Rev. Maurice Bowles

Info: Biblical and practical teaching from Rev. Ricky Rouse, Jr. centered on collaboration, shared mission, generational unity, and Kingdom service,

Info: Official reports, necessary Convention business, announcements, actions, and United to Serve Commissioning.

Info: Men, women, and clergy will meet separately for focused conversation, ministry updates, planning, and Convention engagement.

Info: Lunch, ministry networking, and closing fellowship.

Event venue & nearby stays

Fifth Baptist Church, 1415 West Cary Street, Richmond, United States

Concerts, fests, parties, meetups — all the happenings, one place.

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