BBFI Executive Committee and State Reps Meet in Springfield for Annual State Rep Advance

BBFI State Rep Advance 2025

SPRINGFIELD, MO—The Baptist Bible Fellowship International Executive Committee, State Representatives, and entity leaders gathered at Graceway Baptist Church in Springfield, MO, from January 27 to 29, 2025, for the annual State Rep Advance. Now in its fifth year, this event organized by the BBFI Central Office continues to be a crucial investment in the BBFI’s strength and effectiveness.

A Dual-Purpose Gathering

The State Rep Advance focused on two goals: providing leadership development for State Reps and advancing the BBFI’s mission through key business decisions. This year marked the second consecutive year that BBFI brought in an external ministry for specialized training. Terry Thompson, founder and president of Small Church USA, led three in-depth sessions designed to challenge and equip attendees.

Prior to the event, participants completed a “360 Degree Assessment” through Integrus Leadership. This comprehensive evaluation included feedback from at least five others per participant, offering a well-rounded perspective on leadership strengths and areas for growth. In addition to the in-person sessions, participants will receive ongoing coaching from Integrus Leadership in the weeks ahead.

Thompson’s sessions focused on:

  • Problem Solving – Equipping leaders with tools to navigate challenges effectively.
  • Integrus360 Leadership Profile – Helping attendees interpret and apply their assessment results.
  • Four Steps to Strategic Church Health – A roadmap for revitalizing and strengthening local churches.

The impact of these sessions was undeniable. Andy Daniel (South Dakota State Rep) said, “I’ve been to close to 50 conferences in my life. The leadership development seminar was by far the best I’ve ever attended! What a fruitful and practical meeting this was!” Marty Hughes (Oklahoma State Rep) added, “The first half of the meeting taught us to look at ourselves and address constraints to genuine growth in our ability to lead. The second half allowed us to apply what we learned to grow a stronger fellowship.”

The theme of pushing through challenges to see real results resonated throughout the event. Michael Haley (Colorado State Rep) reflected, “The most challenging quote of the week was, ‘Everything you want is on the other side of hard.’ I’m thankful for the coaching we received and excited to take action steps to grow as a leader.”

BBFI Business and Moving Forward

The latter half of the gathering centered on BBFI business. Key leaders, including Jon Konnerup (Missions), Mark Milioni (Education), Terry Kizer (Church Planting), and Randy Harp (Central Office), provided updates and reports on their respective areas.

A major focus of the meeting was an important update to the BBFI Constitution and Bylaws. During the September 2024 business meeting in South Dakota, it was announced that revisions were necessary to ensure compliance. In October, the Executive Committee met in Ames, IA, to draft the proposed changes. During the State Rep Advance, Randy Harp led a detailed, line-by-line review of the proposed bylaws with the State Reps, who provided additional feedback.

According to BBFI bylaws, this updated draft will be presented during Fellowship Week at Mission University and will be voted on at the September National Fellowship Meeting in Tyler, TX.

Though reviewing bylaws isn’t always the most exciting work, Kevin Kolb (Missouri State Rep) saw its significance, saying, “Working on the bylaws was tedious, but it stirred up a greater love for the BBFI and stoked an anticipation for what God continues to do. Getting aligned with God, the Great Commission, and each other can spark a revival, and that’s what I sensed when we wrapped everything up.”

The final session included reports from the BBFI Vice Presidents and a presentation of job descriptions for each Executive Committee member. These descriptions stem from a previous strategic planning retreat and are designed to enhance clarity and accountability in leadership roles.

A Time of Encouragement and Unity

One of the most valuable aspects of the State Rep Advance is the time spent together, sharing ideas, sharpening each other, and strengthening the unity of our Fellowship. BBFI President Jon Haley summed it up well: “I walked away from the State Rep Advance encouraged and excited. The BBFI is blessed with great leadership at both the state and national level. My big takeaway was the reminder that we must desire the power and presence of God more than a plan or process.” He then shared Exodus 33:15, “Then he said to Him, ‘If Your presence does not go with us, do not bring us up from here.’”

Leaders left feeling both challenged and motivated. Kyle Densmore (Texas State Rep) remarked, “Such an encouraging, challenging, and fruitful time with pastors from around the nation! I feel like there were things that helped clarify who we are, what we’re about, and the vision ahead. So thankful!”

Daniel Dennis (Arizona State Rep) reflected, “As leaders, we must embrace honest assessments and continuous learning to better serve our congregations and communities. I left the conference feeling energized and equipped with fresh insights to apply in ministry.”

The impact of this event was especially meaningful for those attending for the first time. Bruce Thomas (Kansas State Rep) shared, “This was my first meeting as the Kansas State Representative, and I was totally impressed with the work of the Executive Committee and the Central Office on the future of the BBFI.”

The intentional investment in leadership development has transformed the role of State Representatives. Tim Taylor (Vermont State Rep) put it this way: “These State Rep meetings have transformed the office of a State Rep. It is an amazing time of learning, discussing, and thoughtfully dealing with the issues our fellowship is facing. Every rep will find it well worth the time.”

Looking Ahead

As the BBFI moves forward, there is a renewed sense of purpose and unity. BBFI 2nd Vice President Kevin Carson captured the spirit of the gathering: “Spending three days at the State Rep Advance 2025 incredibly blessed me. What a joy to see the unity of purpose, hear the passion for the Gospel, and strategize to help our pastors, missionaries, and churches impact the world for Christ.”

Phil Griffith (Iowa State Rep) noted the importance of clarifying BBFI’s structure: “I was impressed with everyone’s common goal in clarifying the BBFI Constitution and Bylaws. Also, the presentations from the BBFI President and each VP will give great clarification to pastors in our Fellowship as to their responsibilities. Overall, it was a very encouraging and productive meeting.”

BBFI 4th Vice President Phil Housley summed it up: “It’s great to invest in each other, spend time with fellow pastors, and focus on the big picture of moving in the same direction as a Fellowship. It only takes us further together in following the Lord.”BBFI is grateful to Graceway Baptist Church and Pastor Bob Stephenson for hosting this year’s State Rep Advance. As we continue moving forward, we do so with a shared commitment to the Great Commission, a strengthened Fellowship, and the belief that God has great things in store for the BBFI.

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