Mission Driven Churches

08/31/2026

MAKE IT A KALAMAZOO WEEKEND
Coming from outside the Kalamazoo area? Your room is ready.

We have reserved a discounted room block at Avid Hotel for $119 per night to make your Annual Gathering weekend easier to plan.

Stay Friday night, rest after a full evening of worship and connection, and return refreshed for Saturday’s sessions and celebration.

Discounted rooms are limited, so make your reservation soon.

DEADLINE TO BOOK IS SEP. 15th

Hotel details and booking link:
https://www.ihg.com/avidhotels/hotels/us/en/find-hotels/select-roomrate?fromRedirect=true&qSrt=sBR&qSlH=AZOAV&qRms=1&qAdlt=1&qCiD=2&qCiMy=092026&qCoD=3&qCoMy=092026&qGrpCd=MD1&setPMCookies=true&qSHBrC=VA&qDest=3717%20East%20Cork%20Street,%20Kalamazoo,%20MI,%20US&showApp=true&adjustMonth=false&srb_u=1&qRmFltr=

08/30/2026

First Baptist in Corunna had a wonderful service today commemorating 175 years of ministry. Former pastor, Randy Pouliot, brought the morning message. FBC Owosso joined with them for the service and dinner following. God is faithful!

08/28/2026

**Funding Opportunity for Historically Black Churches**

American Baptist Home Mission Societies has shared information about the **Preserving Black Churches Grant Program**, which is currently accepting applications from eligible historically Black churches and congregations.

Grant awards range from **$50,000 to $500,000**, depending on the project and funding category.

Funding may support projects such as:
• Restoration, rehabilitation, and preservation of historic church buildings
• Building assessments and preservation planning
• Accessibility and climate adaptation projects
• Educational programming that tells the story and impact of Black churches
• Organizational capacity building
• Endowment development for long-term sustainability

Most project categories do **not** require matching funds. Only endowment-related funding requires a 1:1 match.

**Application Deadline:** September 11, 2026 at 5:00 PM Eastern Time

Churches are encouraged to review the full guidelines and application information at the link below.

Please share this opportunity with pastors, church leaders, and congregations who may benefit.

The Preserving Black Churches Grant Program, offered through the African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, is now accepting applications.

08/27/2026

Pastors spend so much of the year showing up for others.

Annual Gathering gives congregations a meaningful opportunity to show up for them.

Invite members of your church to attend the Clergy Recognition Banquet, celebrate your pastor’s service, and share in a moment of encouragement they will remember.

The banquet lunch is included with the $35 Annual Gathering registration.

Register your church group:
https://www.missiondrivenchurches.org/ag2026

08/24/2026

CLERGY RECOGNITION BANQUET

Saturday’s Clergy Recognition Banquet & Awards Ceremony is a time to pause, celebrate, and say thank you.

We will honor pastors and ministry leaders, recognize important milestones, and celebrate the faithful service happening throughout our region.

Church members: your pastor would love to have you there to celebrate with them.

To make sure eligible clergy and milestones are included, complete the recognition form:
https://forms.gle/PDv1G39Wve9F2UJo9

Annual Gathering registration:
https://www.missiondrivenchurches.org/ag2026

08/23/2026

I had the privilege of sharing the Region story with the First Baptist congregation in Owosso this morning. Thank you Pastor Katie for a great message.

08/20/2026

Sometimes the right connection can open a new door for your church.

At The Annual Gathering, you will have the opportunity to meet ministry partners and vendors offering tools, services, resources, and relationships that can help your church move its mission forward.

Take time between sessions to visit the vendor tables, ask questions, discover new resources, and connect with people who understand the needs of churches and ministry leaders.

Come ready to learn—and ready to connect.
https://www.missiondrivenchurches.org/ag2026

08/17/2026

Annual Gathering will give us the opportunity to hear from Pastor Guillermo Leon Mighthy and Adria as they share stories of ministry from Spirit and Truth Church in Havana, Cuba.

Their presence is a beautiful reminder that the family of God reaches far beyond geography—and that we are connected through a shared mission, shared faith, and shared hope in Christ.

Come welcome our newest family and hear what God is doing through the church in Cuba.

October 2–3:
https://www.missiondrivenchurches.org/ag2026

08/16/2026

I had the privilege today to worship with God’s people at the Quincy Union Church. My message was based on Paul’s prayer in Ephesians 1:3-14.

08/15/2026

Happy National Honey Bee Day! 🐝🍯

Today’s buzz-worthy reminder: a good attitude starts with a grateful heart.

May we carry a little more sweetness, a little more joy, and a whole lot of bee-attitude into the world today. 😂💛