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“The Cloud” conjures up the powerful image of God’s presence with the Israelites as they leave Egypt, a pillar of cloud by day and fire by night (Exodus 13:21-22). In Hebrews 12, the writer describes the heroes of the faith as a “great cloud of witnesses.” In both images, the promise is the same: follow the Cloud, and you will experience Emmanuel, God with us. That is the invitation of the 2026 Gathering, Follow the Cloud: Experiencing Emmanuel.
This theme calls us to follow the Cloud through the wilderness of our own troubled and chaotic times — trusting in God's presence, provision, and power along the way. Skye Jethani, who shared with us so powerfully at the 2018 Gathering in Breckenridge, will serve as our Thursday seminar presenter and will speak again on both Friday and Saturday, drawing on his book With: Reimagining the Way You Relate to God. Rev. Dr. Gina Jacobs-Strain, ABCUSA General Secretary, will bring the message during our Friday evening worship. We are also excited to hear from IM Global Servants Jae Stockton, Carmela Jones, and Pieter and Nora Kaulkman. Each of our speakers, in their own way, will help us discover what it means to follow the Cloud and experience God with us.
September 17-19, 2026
Denver, CO
Registrations are Flexible to fit your schedule
Full Gathering Expirence - $160.00
Single Day Attendance - $80.00
Clergy Dinner Only - $75.00 non-Clergy/ Free for Clergy
All Region Worship- FREE (no registration needed)
Keynote Speaker: Skye Jethani
Sky Jethani is an award-winning author, speaker, and co-host of the Holy Post Podcast, Skye has written more than a dozen books and served as an editor and executive at Christianity Today for more than a decade. Raised in a religiously and ethnically diverse family, his curiosity about faith led him to study comparative religion before entering seminary and pastoral ministry. With a unique ability to connect Christian thought and contemporary culture, his voice has been featured in The New York Times, USA Today, and The Washington Post, and he’s spoken to audiences throughout the world.
With explores the narrative of the Bible to show that we were created to be with God, and that restoring this connection is God’s mission. Instead of life over, under, from, or even for God, what leads us into freedom and restoration is life with God. Why are American Christians, who have more access to biblical teaching than any other people in history, failing to experience the freedom of the Christian life?
Thursday Workshops
With: Reimagining the Way You Relate to God
Why are so many people disillusioned with Christianity and the church? We often point to cultural divisions and political idolatry, but these may be symptoms of a deeper malady. This workshop will explore different ways people are formed to relate to God, each rooted in fear and control, that fail to produce the kind of Christian life promised in the New Testament. We will then examine how a proper understanding of Jesus and his message opens the way to a completely different way of relating to God rooted in faith, hope, and love. This journey is just as relevant to clergy as to those they lead.
Keynote Sessions
Identity & Empathy - Friday Morning
As our culture is being torn apart by deep social, economic, and political divisions, how is God leading the church to overcome these barriers? Drawing from the story of Naaman in 2 Kings 5, Skye will explore the link between how we understand our identity and our capacity to empathize with others, and how many of the obstacles we face in our communities and churches will only be addressed when God leads us to see ourselves and others as he does.
Singing & Staying - Friday Afternoon
Activists across the political and ecclesiastical spectrum want to change the world. Some want to push us toward a more just and progressive future, while others seek to yank us back to an idealized, nostalgic past. And both sides claim they’re following God’s guidance. But what if God is calling his people to embrace today rather than yesterday or tomorrow? Based on the story of Paul and Silas in Acts 16, Skye explores the power available to the church when we learn to commune with him right where we are.
Guest Preacher: Rev. Dr. Gina Jacobs-Strain
ABC-USA General Secretary
Rev. Dr. Gina C. Jacobs-Strain serves as General Secretary of American Baptist Churches USA, beginning her role in February 2024. She is a passionate leader dedicated to sharing the gospel, developing leaders, and strengthening relationships that transform communities.
Previously, Dr. Jacobs-Strain served as Executive Director of American Baptist Women’s Ministries, where she led initiatives empowering women and girls, including the AB GIRLS Hie-STEAM program. Her ministry experience also includes pastoral leadership roles in New Jersey and regional leadership supporting women in ministry.
As General Secretary, Dr. Jacobs-Strain helps connect and equip American Baptist churches through national gatherings, leadership development, and resources that support congregations in faithful ministry. She holds degrees from Rutgers University, Drew Theological School, and Duke University, and is committed to fostering a faith community shaped by grace, hope, and love.
Thursday
8:30 am Check in
9:00 am Session One: Reimagining the Way You Relate to God (Skye Jethani)
12:00 pm Lunch
12:30 pm Session Two: Reimagining the way you relate to God
3:30 pm Break
4:30 pm Shuttle bus to Clergy Dinner
5:30 pm Clergy Dinner at Rooftop 1630
9:00 pm Shuttle back to hotels
8:00 am Check in
8:30 am Devotional (Jae Stockton)
9:00 am Business Meeting Session One
10:00 am Executive Minister Address and Presidents Address
11:00 am Session Three: Reimagining the Way You Relate to God
12:00 pm Lunch
1:00 pm Global Servant Presentation (Jae Stockton)
1:30 pm Workshops
Reimagining Success in Ministry (James Conley)
Faith At Work (Jasmyne Garrett, Michael Stein)
Discipleship that Forms, Not Just Informs (Darren Stroh, Dan Schumacher, Bill Faison)
4:00 pm Reimagining the Way You Relate to God
5:00 pm Break
7:00 pm All Region Worship
Friday
8:30 am Devotional (Carmella Jones)
9:00 am Business Meeting Session Two
10:00 am Global Servant Presentation (Pieter and Nora Kalkman)
11:00 am Workshop 4: Leading a Denomination in a "With" Posture. (Rev. Dr. Gina Jacobs-Strain)
12:00pm Benediction
Saturday
Friday and Saturday Workshops
Hear from voices throughout ABCRM as pastors, leaders, and ministry practitioners explore what a with God posture looks like in the real work of ministry.
Together, we’ll tackle questions of success, leadership, discipleship, and everyday faith—not with one-size-fits-all answers, but with practical wisdom shaped by ministry experience.
Reimagining Success in Ministry
How does a "with God" posture change how we measure effectiveness, growth, and outcomes? Looking back from retirement, what would he tell himself early in ministry? Speaker: James Conley
Leading a Denomination in a With God Posture
Rev. Dr. Gina Jacobs-Strain speaks to the challenges of leading a diverse denomination in a divided time, and how a call to a "with God" posture undergirds our life together as a denomination.
Discipleship That Forms, Not Just Informs
Moving beyond programs to relationships that orient people toward God.
Speakers: Bill Faison, Dan Schumacher, and Darren Stroh
Faith at Work: The "With" Posture in Everyday Life
Applying the book's framework to Monday morning, not just Sunday. Speakers: Jasmyne Garrett and Michael Stein.
IM Global Servants
Jae Stockton
Tijuana Mexico
Jae is serving in Tijuana, Mexico as an information technologist at Deborah’s House teaching computer classes to women and giving online supervision for school education to their children. Jae also provides IT assistance to seminary students at the Mexicali campus and at the Master for Theological Studies Latino/a Ministries (MTS) program for Palmer Theological Seminary.
Nora & Pieter Kalkman
Europe and Middle East
Nora and Pieter are regional coordinators who share the love of Jesus and glorify God through networking with Baptist churches in Europe and the Middle East. They develop mission awareness and coordinate the skills of short-term mission volunteers with the needs of the 50+ Baptist Conventions in the European Baptist Federation (EBF). The Kalkmans live strategically near the International Bapist Theological Seminary (IBTS) and the EBF office, both located in Amsterdam. Europe and the Middle East are mission fields in which Baptist and other Evangelical Christians are small (2.1%) minorities.
Carmella Jones
Europe, Middle East, and Liberia
Carmella serves as a regional consultant for health and education in Europe, the Middle East and Liberia. She works with partners and global servant colleagues in the integration of faith, education, and health. Carmella, a registered nurse and ordained clergy, is uniquely equipped to teach and support spiritual and physical well-being. As an integrator of faith and health, Carmella provides pastoral care and a listening presence in the context of peoples’ values, beliefs, and faith practices when providing compassionate support in the classroom and health clinics.
Suggested dress code for the Cergy Dinner is "a night out in the city" think dressed up but not formal.
Venue Address: 1630 Welton St, Denver, CO 80202
Parking Garage Address: SP+ Parking, 1735 Welton St, Denver, CO 80202
This year, we’re taking the celebration to Rooftop 1630 on September 17th from 5:30 pm -9:00pm for a Colorado-inspired dinner, great conversation, and plenty of time to reconnect with friends and colleagues from across our region. While the evening is centered on celebrating and appreciating ABCRM’s clergy and the families who serve alongside them, all Gathering attendees are invited to join the celebration.
After dinner, save room for dessert—and a little friendly competition. The Go Game will take over the room for a live, hosted game show experience designed to get everyone playing and laughing together. Think Family Feud meets Minute to Win It and The Price Is Right, with trivia, music, team challenges, and a few surprises along the way.
And don’t worry about downtown driving or parking. Hop aboard our charter bus from the Gathering hotel and let us take you into the city and back.
Clergy, Spouses and their children: Free
All other Guests 75.00
Shuttle (charter bus) 5.00 per person, departs from Hotel
Nearby Parking Garage, $8.00 (1.5 block walk to venue)
Book your Hotel
Marriott at Gateway Park $179.00 per night
ALoft Denver Airport Gateway Park $129.00 per night
A block of rooms has been reserved at a nearby hotel for those attending the Gathering. While workshops, sessions, and events will take place at True Light Baptist Church, this hotel provides a convenient and comfortable lodging option for participants traveling from out of town. The Hotels are approximately 8-10 minutes from the church.
Rooms are available at a special group rate for a limited time. We encourage you to reserve early, as availability cannot be guaranteed once the room block is full.
Last day to book with guaranteed rates is Monday, August 24th 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where is the 2026 Annual Gathering?
The 2026 ABCRM Annual Gathering, Following the Cloud: Experiencing Emmanuel, will take place September 17–19, 2026, at True Light Baptist Church in Denver, Colorado.
Who should attend the Annual Gathering?
Everyone is welcome! The Gathering brings together pastors, delegates, church leaders, ministry partners, and friends from churches across Colorado and Wyoming. You do not need to be a pastor or church delegate to attend.
Do I need to attend the entire Gathering?
No. While we hope you'll join us for as much of the Gathering as possible, we understand that schedules don't always allow it. Join us for the portions that work for you.
What is included in my registration?
Your Gathering registration includes access to keynote sessions, workshops, worship, business sessions, and scheduled Gathering meals as well as a welcome bag with the Gathering book and swag items.
Who is speaking this year?
Our keynote speaker is Skye Jethani, author of With, who will help us explore what it means to live in relationship with God. We will also welcome Rev. Dr. Gina Jacobs-Strain, General Secretary of American Baptist Churches USA, as our guest preacher, along with leaders and ministry partners from across our Region.
I'm not registered for the Gathering. Can I still attend the All-Region Worship Service?
Yes! Our All-Region Worship Service is open to everyone, and no Gathering registration is required.
We encourage pastors to invite their congregations, friends, and ministry partners to join us at True Light Baptist Church as Rev. Dr. Gina Jacobs-Strain, General Secretary of ABCUSA, preaches and we worship together as a Region.
Who can attend the Clergy Appreciation Dinner?
The Clergy Appreciation Dinner is especially designed to celebrate and encourage clergy and their spouses though all are welcome to join. Join us. Guests (non-clergy) are $75.00 per person. (no fee for kids registrations)
Is transportation available for the Clergy Appreciation Dinner?
Yes. Charter bus transportation will be available between the Gathering hotel and our downtown dinner venue. Additional transportation details will be provided to registered guests.
Where should I stay?
Our Gathering hotel is the Marriott Gateway Park, conveniently located near True Light Baptist Church. Please refer to the lodging information on this page for current reservation details and availability.
What should I wear?
Come comfortable! Business casual is appropriate for most of the Gathering. There is no need to dress formally for sessions or the Clergy Appreciation Dinner. Our suggested dresscode for the Clergy appreciation dinner is "a night out in the city" think dressed up but not formal.
What happens during the business meeting?
Delegates from ABCRM churches gather to hear updates from across the Region and participate in the shared business of ABCRM. There may even be a motion or two—we are Baptists, after all.
I'm not a delegate. Can I attend the business meeting?
Yes. You are welcome to observe the business meeting, although voting and other delegate responsibilities are reserved for registered delegates.
What should I bring?
Bring your Bible, something for taking notes, and anything you need to be comfortable throughout the day. Your Gathering book and other materials will be waiting for you at registration.
What if I have dietary restrictions or need an accommodation?
Please include dietary or accessibility needs when registering. If you've already registered and need to update us about an accommodation, contact the ABCRM office as soon as possible so we can do our best to make your Gathering experience welcoming and accessible.
Can I still register?
Yes—if you're reading this and haven't registered yet, this is your sign.
We know pastors are some of the world's most gifted last-minute registrants, but registering as early as possible helps us prepare meals, materials, seating, and hospitality for everyone.
We'd love to have you with us!