Main Page | < Previous | | Next > |
“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
Denver, CO
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?
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.
IM Global Servants
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 17th 2026
